Who Is at Fault in a Lane Change Accident?

You may wonder who is at fault in lane change accidents. But more importantly, who is responsible for the damages? The short answer is: In most cases, the driver who slipped into another lane is liable. However, it is important to understand sometimes other drivers or parties can be at fault. 

In this guide, our Phoenix unsafe lane change accident lawyers will explain what lane change accidents are, who might be liable for damages, the types of injuries commonly sustained, and why you may need legal representation. Remember, you’re not alone. A Phoenix personal injury lawyer can provide the legal support you need.

What Is a Lane Change Accident?

Lane change accidents, sometimes referred to as merging accidents, happen on busy roads when drivers changing lanes collide with vehicles already occupying that lane. These crashes can be frightening and confusing, especially if you’re the one who has been injured.

Several factors can contribute to these collisions, including:

• Blind spots. Vehicles all have areas around them that drivers can’t see directly, called blind spots. If a driver doesn’t check their mirrors carefully before changing lanes, they might miss another vehicle in their lane.
• Speeding. If a driver is going too fast, they may not have enough time to safely merge into another lane, especially if traffic is heavy.
• Distracted driving. Taking your eyes off the road for a text message or a phone call can significantly increase your risk of a lane change accident.
• Aggressive driving. Behaviors like tailgating or cutting off other drivers can lead to reckless lane changes.
• Unsafe road conditions. Poor weather, faded lane markings, or uneven pavement can make it more difficult to change lanes safely.

If you’ve been involved in a lane change accident, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic. Once you’re safe, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you want to pursue damages from the liable driver, talk to your Phoenix car accident lawyer.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Who Is Liable for Damages in a Lane Change Accident?

There isn’t always a clear-cut answer, and it depends on the specific details of your accident. That is the reason why you may need to talk to a Phoenix personal injury lawyer. Here’s a breakdown of some key factors that can influence fault in a lane change accident:

Traffic Laws

Every state has traffic laws governing lane changes. In general, the driver changing lanes has a legal responsibility to yield to the vehicle already in that lane. This means they must check their mirrors and blind spots, use their turn signal, and wait for a safe gap in traffic before merging. If a driver fails to yield and causes an accident, they may be found liable for the damages.

Failure to Signal

In most states, not using a turn signal before changing lanes is a traffic violation. While it might seem like a minor mistake, not signaling can be crucial evidence in determining fault. If a driver changes lanes without signaling and causes a collision, it can be seen as negligent behavior.

Physical Evidence

Skid marks, damage to the vehicles involved, and eyewitness statements can all be critical pieces of evidence used to determine fault. For instance, skid marks on the road might indicate a driver braked suddenly before the crash, which could be helpful in reconstructing the accident and assigning blame.

Shared Fault (Comparative Negligence)

Some states have comparative negligence laws. This means that the percentage of fault assigned to each driver involved in the accident can affect the amount of compensation they receive. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for the lane change accident, your personal injury claim may be reduced by 20%.

Common Injuries in Lane Change Accidents

Lane change accidents, while often seemingly minor fender benders, can cause a surprisingly wide range of injuries. The force of the impact, even in a low-speed collision, can be enough to cause soft tissue injuries and whiplash. These injuries, though painful, usually heal with time and proper medical care.

However, more serious crashes can result in significant injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Here are some of the common injuries associated with lane change accidents:

• Whiplash. This is a soft tissue injury to the neck caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the head. Symptoms of whiplash can include pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Soft tissue injuries. These include sprains, strains, and bruises to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can occur anywhere in the body but are common in the neck, back, and shoulders.
• Bone fractures. More serious crashes can cause broken bones, especially in the arms and legs. If a bone breaks and pierces the skin, this is considered a compound fracture and requires immediate medical attention.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A blow to the head during a lane change accident can cause a TBI, ranging from mild concussion to severe brain damage. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.
• Spinal cord injuries. These are the most severe injuries that can result from a lane change accident. A spinal cord injury can cause paralysis or other lifelong complications.

If you’ve been involved in a lane change accident and are experiencing any pain or discomfort, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and recommend the best course of treatment.

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How Much Is My Lane Change Accident Worth?

The aftermath of a lane change accident can be stressful, leaving you wondering about the financial burden of medical bills and lost wages on top of physical injuries. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much your lane change accident claim is worth. Several factors can influence the compensation you receive, including:

• Severity of injuries. As you might expect, more serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation will generally result in a higher settlement than minor soft tissue injuries.
• Medical expenses. Documentation of your past, present, and future medical costs associated with your injuries is crucial for determining the value of your claim. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, medication, and any other medical care you require.
• Pain and suffering. This category encompasses the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured as a result of the accident. In other words, you may be entitled to compensation for PTSD after your car accident. An attorney can consider factors like the intensity and duration of your pain, as well as any emotional distress you’ve experienced.
• Property damage. If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, the cost of repairs or replacement can be factored into your claim.

In some states with comparative negligence laws, the percentage of fault assigned to you in the accident can also affect your claim amount. For example, if you’ve found 20% at fault for the crash, your compensation may be reduced by 20%.

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Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer at No Cost Today

If you’ve been injured in a lane change accident, it’s important to understand your rights and options. An experienced car accident attorney can investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Personal injury lawyers at Zanes Law offer free consultations. During this confidential meeting, you can discuss the details of your case and learn about your legal options with absolutely no obligation to move forward. Contact us today and let our legal team advocate for your rights every step of the way.

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