Many drivers in Cartersville underestimate the importance of safe lane changes. Merging too quickly or without enough warning can instantly cause an accident. If you or a loved one suffered injuries this way, you have rights. Speak with a Cartersville unsafe lane changes lawyer for help.
John Foy & Associates has been supporting accident victims for 20-plus years. We’ve grown to become one of the largest and most respected firms in Georgia. We are not afraid to fight for what you deserve.
Working with us is risk-free. There is no fee unless we win your case. To get started with a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Types of Unsafe Lane Change Accidents in Cartersville
An unsafe lane change can be deadly. Sudden lane changes do not allow surrounding drivers enough time to react. Plus, someone might fail to check their blind spot before quickly merging. They can collide with a vehicle already in the lane.
Incorrect lane changes often cause accidents like:
- Side-swipe collisions
- “Phantom vehicle” accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Single- or multiple-vehicle crashes
Drunk, tired, and aggressive drivers often make mistakes while changing lanes. No matter what, unsafe lane changes are careless. The offending driver is not accounting for the safety of others on the road.
If someone’s unsafe lane change caused your accident, they are liable. In other words, they’re responsible for your accident costs. You might be entitled to full financial recovery.
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What the Law Says About Lane Changing
Georgia law covers a few situations related to lane changes. Under Georgia Code Section 40-6-123:
- Drivers should “continuously” provide a “signal of intention” to change lanes. They should signal long enough for approaching drivers to know about the lane change.
- No driver should change lanes on a roadway until they can do it with “reasonable safety.”
- Drivers should only use turn signals to change lanes, turn, or start from a parked position.
Cartersville drivers must also stay entirely in their lane while driving. They should not leave their lane without signaling and merging safely.
Changing Lanes for Emergency Vehicles
There is another law that addresses changing lanes in Georgia. Georgia Code Section 40-6-16 covers the state’s Move Over Law.
According to the Move Over Law, when drivers come upon a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, they should:
- Move into a lane that is not beside the emergency vehicle.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop if it’s not safe to change lanes.
The Move Over Law helps protect all drivers on the road. Examples of emergency vehicles include:
- EMS
- Fire department
- Utility vehicles
- Department of Transportation (DOT) vehicles
- Wreckers
- HERO Units
How to Get a Settlement from the At-Fault Driver
Georgia is a fault state. If another driver causes your accident in Cartersville, they are responsible for the damages. You can see compensation through a personal injury claim.
Calculating Damages
The driver’s insurance company should cover the costs of the accident. Before filing your claim, you will need to know your total damages. Examples of damages include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
You must consider all losses. If you have severe injuries, be sure to count any future medical treatment. It’s best to work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can calculate your total damages.
Proving Fault
Your claim will also need to prove that the other driver was negligent. Negligence is a legal word for carelessness. Negligence means someone has failed to exercise reasonable care towards others.
Making an unsafe lane change is a type of negligence. You’ll need to show that the driver’s actions led to your accident — another area where your lawyer will be helpful.
Getting a Fair Settlement
To pursue compensation, you’ll be dealing with the driver’s insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often the most frustrating part. They look for ways to reduce what they have to pay you.
You might need to negotiate for a fair settlement offer. If the insurer denies your claim or offers you a lowball settlement, get a lawyer.
An experienced lawyer will know how to handle the insurance company. They can handle all communication. Your lawyer will work to negotiate for a fair offer.
Talk to a Cartersville Car Accident Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we want to make the legal process as stress-free as possible. That’s why:
- We don’t charge a fee unless we win you money.
- There are no upfront costs.
- The consultation is 100% FREE.
We are not afraid to “Strong Arm” the insurance companies and fight for what you deserve. We’ll handle the legal side of things. Meanwhile, you can focus on healing from the accident.
To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What to Do After an Unsafe Lane Change Collision
After your accident, there are important actions you can take. Here are some ways you can gather information for your case:
- Call the police to report the accident.
- Ask about getting a copy of the accident report.
- Take pictures of your injuries, your vehicle damage, and the accident scene.
- Talk to any eyewitnesses. Ask for their names and contact information.
- Exchange names, contact information, and insurance information with the other driver.
- See a doctor for your injuries as soon as possible.
- Keep track of all evidence of your accident damages, such as medical records and bills.
When you contact a lawyer, the above information will help them begin building your case. Your lawyer can also help you complete the above steps.
Talk to a Cartersville Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Cartersville drivers must be careful to make safe lane changes. If they don’t, it can cause an accident. You should not have to cover the costs of another driver’s carelessness.
Contact John Foy & Associates to fight for your compensation. We do not back down from insurance companies. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to handle accident claims.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
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