Accidents resulting from incorrect lane changes are really common in Johns Creek. A driver might switch lanes without signaling, aggressively cut in front of another driver, or merge without checking their blind spot. No matter how it happened, if you were injured because another driver changed lanes incorrectly, it’s time to speak with a Johns Creek improper lane changes lawyer.
You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages after a lane change accident. At John Foy & Associates, we’re happy to review the details of your accidents and go over your legal rights with you. Plus, we offer a FREE consultation and no charge unless we win your case.
To get started with your FREE, no-risk consultation and case evaluation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
What Proper Lane Changing Means in Johns Creek
Georgia’s lane changing laws are found under Georgia Code § 40-6-123. According to this statute:
- No driver should turn at an intersection unless they are in the proper position as outlined in Georgia Code § 40-6-120.
- No driver should turn to enter a private road or driveway, change lanes, or move right or left on a road unless they can do so safely and provide an “appropriate and timely” signal.
- Drivers must provide a signal to turn or change lanes long enough to alert drivers approaching from behind in the same direction or from the opposite direction.
- Drivers should not stop or suddenly slow down without providing an appropriate signal.
All drivers on roads with two or more lanes in Johns Creek should also ensure they are fully in the lane they are traveling. They should only merge to another lane if they can do so safely and while signaling.
Georgia’s Move Over Law
Under the state’s Move Over Law, drivers must move over by one lane when coming upon an emergency or utility vehicle that is operating officially while stopped on the side of the highway. This includes:
- Utility vehicles
- DOT vehicles
- EMS
- Fire department
- Law enforcement
- Wreckers
- HERO Units
Violating the Move Over Law is negligence that can easily result in an accident with serious injuries.
Examples of Improper Lane Changes
There are many ways a driver might fail to change lanes properly. Here are some examples:
- Merging lanes in front of another vehicle and braking quickly;
- Not checking mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes;
- Staying too long in between lanes while merging;
- Changing lanes when there is not enough room to do so;
- Merging in “No Not Pass” areas of the road;
- Not using a blinker when changing lanes; and
- Driving recklessly or speeding during lane changes.
A driver can also be at fault in an accident resulting from unsafe road conditions. If a driver changes lanes in a way that is hazardous based on certain weather or road conditions, they can be held accountable for not driving safely.
If you were injured in an accident caused by another driver’s improper lane changes, it’s important to speak with an experienced lawyer. You will need to know your legal options, and you might be entitled to full compensation for your damages.
To get a FREE consultation and case evaluation with one of our Johns Creek improper lane changes lawyers, call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
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Improper Lane Changes Can Easily Lead to Accidents
Incorrect lane changes are taken seriously in Georgia, as they can result in serious accidents and injuries. Accidents that commonly happen due to improper lane changes include:
- Side-swipe accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Phantom vehicle accidents
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Rollovers
Drunk driving accidents or fatigued driver accidents can also happen if the driver drifts across lanes while impaired or tired. There are a number of situations that can occur when another driver fails to change lanes correctly or stay within their lane. No matter how your accident happened, the at-fault driver should be held legally responsible.
Building Your Legal Case After an Improper Lane Change Accidents
To seek compensation for your damages, you’ll need to file a claim against the at-fault driver and their auto insurance company. This requires a lot of investigation and information gathering, so it’s best to contact an improper lane changes lawyer early on in the process.
Here are some ways you can start building a strong case against the other driver:
- Call the police right after the accident to report what happened.
- Take pictures of your injuries, your vehicle damage, and the entire accident scene.
- Exchange names, contact information, and insurance information with the other driver(s).
- Talk to any eyewitnesses to the accident and ask for their contact information.
- Get medical treatment as soon as possible after the crash, even if you feel okay.
- Save copies of all medical bills, receipts, and other evidence of your damages from the accident.
You should also be wary of the other driver’s insurance company. They might try reaching out to you soon after the crash, and they might even offer you money upfront. This settlement offer might be tempting, especially if you’re worried about your accident costs—but be careful to never accept the first offer.
Insurance companies are not on your side. The insurance adjuster will be looking for ways to reduce the value of your claim. To legally protect yourself, it’s best to get a lawyer on the phone sooner rather than later.
Your lawyer can help prepare you for any communication with the insurance company or, better yet, handle communication for you. If the insurance company tries to offer you much less than you deserve, your lawyer will work to negotiate for a settlement that actually covers your costs.
Talk to a Johns Creek Improper Lane Changes Lawyer about Your Case for Free Today
Changing lanes correctly is vital for the safety of everyone on Johns Creek roads. If you were injured because another driver made any type of improper lane change, John Foy & Associates can help you with the legal side of things.
You should not have to pay for an accident you didn’t cause. We bring over 20 years of experience to the table, and we are here to fight for your rights to compensation. Call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online and we’ll get you started with a FREE consultation.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
