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Lanes on Roswell highways are necessary for the proper flow of traffic. However, if a driver uses the lanes incorrectly (and illegally), it can lead to an accident. If you or a loved one was injured in this type of accident, you should not have to pay for the other driver’s mistakes. A Roswell improper lane changes lawyer can help.
At John Foy & Associates, we have more than 20 years of experience working on accident cases where the at-fault driver failed to change lanes properly. We can help you build a strong claim to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered—at no risk to you.
Give us a call at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a FREE consultation. We do not charge you a fee unless we win you a settlement or award, so there are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. Call (404) 400-4000 to get your FREE consultation now.
What Georgia Law Says About Lane Changing
According to Georgia Code section 41-6-123(b), before changing lanes, drivers must provide a “signal of intention” long enough to alert other drivers that the vehicle is going to switch lanes. If a driver fails to do this, they have violated this traffic law and may be subject to a traffic citation—at the least. In many cases, improper lane changes also lead to serious accidents.
In Roswell and the rest of Georgia, a driver who fails to signal correctly when changing lanes and causes an accident is liable for the damages. So, if your accident resulted from another driver’s incorrect lane change, you may be entitled to damages.
Other Improper Lane Change Examples
A driver can violate the Georgia statute on changing lanes in other ways, as well. Besides failing to use a blinker, improper lane changes can also include:
- Changing lanes and then braking suddenly
- Not checking mirrors or blind spots for other vehicles before switching lanes
- Trying to change lanes when there is not enough room or distance between other vehicles
- Changing lanes in areas where passing is not allowed
- Speeding while merging into another lane
- Taking too long to merge so that the vehicle is in between lanes for a long time
Roswell drivers should also be extra careful when changing lanes in inclement weather that requires slower driving. If a driver tries to suddenly switch lanes during unsafe road conditions, it can cause an accident. They would need to account for the extra time it takes to operate a vehicle during hazardous weather or road conditions.
Fault and Negligence in a Roswell Improper Lane Change
Improper lane changes are especially common in large cities and/or congested areas where traffic is busy and fast. Drivers tend to be more impatient and reckless when getting from one place to another.
On the other hand, drivers can fail to signal correctly in rural areas, too. They might assume that signaling is not as important when there is less traffic—but that’s not true at all. No matter the reason for the poor lane change, if it led to your accident, you may have a case against the driver.
Georgia is a fault state, which means the negligent party in an injury accident is liable for the damages. If you are the victim of an improper lane change in Roswell, you can probably file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver for your damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damages and
- Pain and suffering
Accidents That Result from Improper Lane Changes in Roswell
Changing lanes poorly can lead to a number of problems on Roswell roads. Without proper signaling and time to react, other drivers will not be prepared to avoid the merging driver. They might try to change lanes at the same time or fail to move out of the way quickly enough.
Accidents that often happen due to improper lane changes include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-swipe accidents
- “Phantom vehicle” accidents or
- Head-on collisions (if a driver fails to check and signal before passing on a two-way road)
Many different drivers can suddenly find themselves involved in an accident simply because the at-fault driver failed to change lanes properly. However, those victims should not have to pay for the costs.
At John Foy & Associates, we are dedicated to getting victims the compensation they deserve and hold at-fault drivers responsible. To get a FREE consultation with one of our experienced lawyers, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
The Legal Challenges of Improper Lane Change Cases in Roswell
Even when you know for sure that the other driver changed lanes incorrectly and caused your accident, it can be hard to prove fault and get the settlement you deserve. That’s because the at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to say a side-swipe or similar accident is low-impact and not that serious.
Accidents that happen when two vehicles are moving in the same direction can be lower-impact, but that does not mean there was no significant damage. Side accidents often lead to neck injuries, such as whiplash, back injuries, or bulging discs that don’t show up on tests as much—but they are very real.
Thankfully, experienced improper lane changes lawyers know how to handle challenging legal cases. A lawyer can help gather evidence from the accident, deal with the insurance company, and show how the crash impacted your life. This will give you the best chance at total compensation for your damages.
Get a Free Consultation with a Roswell Improper Lane Changes Lawyer Today
If another driver caused your accident because they failed to change lanes correctly, you may be able to receive a full recovery for your costs. John Foy & Associates is here to help you—starting with a FREE consultation. We’ll go over the details of your case and discuss how we can help.
With more than 20 years of experience working on personal injury cases, we know what it takes to win. Contact us today and we’ll get you started with a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get in touch with us now.
