Improper lane changes are common in Brookhaven, and they often lead to accidents. These types of crashes are frustrating because they come out of nowhere. If another driver caused your accident, you might be eligible for compensation.
Our Brookhaven car accident lawyers are here for you. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been working with accident victims for over 20 years. Our lawyers do what it takes to win your recovery.
We do not charge a fee unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today for a FREE consultation.
Reach out to our Brookhaven car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
How Improper Lane Changes Happen
Most lane-change accidents happen when one driver merges and collides into another vehicle. The driver who changed lanes is typically at fault in this situation. That driver will be responsible for the costs.
An unsafe lane change might happen because the driver:
- Didn’t wait until the lane was clear
- Failed to signal before changing lanes
- Didn’t check their mirrors or blind spot before merging
- Merged too soon or too fast
- Was weaving in and out of lanes
- Slowed down quickly after merging
- Stayed in between lanes for too long
A merging driver must ensure they change lanes safely. If conditions are not safe, the driver should wait until the appropriate time. For example, the driver should have enough time to signal to other drivers. There should also be plenty of space to move into the other lane.
Many car accidents occur when a driver doesn’t check their blind spot before merging. The driver might change lanes quickly and collide with another car in the lane.
Unsafe lane change accidents can be devastating. The collision can cause side-swipe accidents, rollovers, and more. Some improper lane changes cause multiple-vehicle accidents.
Why Drivers Change Lanes Incorrectly
Someone can change lanes improperly for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Being in a hurry
- Texting while driving (or other distracted driving)
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
The at-fault driver has been careless. They were not paying enough attention in some way. If the driver’s fault leads to an accident, they are responsible.
If you were injured, you can seek compensation for your damages. Talk to a lawyer about filing a personal injury claim against the other driver. You should not have to pay for the driver’s negligence.
Georgia Laws that Apply to Your Car Accident
According to Georgia Code §40-6-48:
- Drivers must stay within a single lane as fully as possible.
- Drivers should not move from their lane until it’s safe.
The laws don’t detail exactly what “safe” means. But drivers should know how to perform a safe lane change. Under tort law, drivers must avoid acting in a way that causes harm.
All drivers in Brookhaven have a “duty of care.” They must exercise reasonable care while driving. If a driver is careless, their actions can lead to an accident. Plus, the at-fault party in an accident is liable for the damages, per Georgia Code §51-1-6.
If another driver caused your accident, we can help. At John Foy & Associates, we know how to build a strong injury claim. To learn more, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
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Move-Over Law Lane Changes
Georgia’s Move-Over Laws protect emergency vehicles during traffic stops. Drivers in the adjacent lane to emergency vehicles must pull over one lane. Emergency vehicles include:
- Law enforcement cars
- Utility vehicles
- Wreckers
- HERO units
- Georgia Department of Transportation (GaDOT) vehicles
If a driver doesn’t move on, they can cause an accident with an emergency vehicle.
How to Handle an Improper Lane Change Accident
If an improper lane change causes your accident, there are actions you can take. If you were not at fault, you can file an insurance claim against the other driver. Before filing your claim, we’ll need to gather information to build your case.
Document what happened as thoroughly as possible. It’s also vital to avoid discussing the accident with the other driver.
Here are some ways to protect your rights after your accident:
- Call 911 to report the accident to the police. Tell officers about the other driver’s improper lane change.
- Ask the police how you can get a copy of the accident report.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Take many pictures of the accident scene.
- Call 911 if you or another person needs an ambulance.
- See a doctor as soon as possible after you leave the scene.
- Get the contact information for any witnesses to the crash.
As you get treatment, you will have medical costs. Save all evidence of your expenses. You will need to include your damages in your injury claim.
After the accident, contact a car accident lawyer immediately. Your lawyer will help you with all of the above and more. Your lawyer will also help you deal with the insurance company.
Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
The other driver’s insurance company might offer you an upfront settlement. This offer might seem tempting—but you should never take the first settlement offer.
The insurance company is hoping you’ll accept the money and move on. If you take the money now, you won’t be able to pursue more. Your case is worth a lot more than the lowball first offer.
Contact a lawyer before accepting anything from the insurer. Your lawyer will work to negotiate for the type of settlement you deserve.
Get Free Advice from a Brookhaven Car Accident Lawyer Today
Improper lane change accidents are frustrating. You might have painful injuries and costly bills from the crash. Thankfully, you don’t have to handle your case alone.
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We help our clients seek the full recovery they deserve. If someone else caused your accident, reach out to us today. There is no charge to you unless we win you compensation.
To schedule a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
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