Many accidents in Roswell are caused by simple acts of negligence, such as failing to change lanes correctly or not using a blinker to signal. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident in this way, you/they may be entitled to compensation for your damages. A Roswell unsafe lane change lawyer can help hold the at-fault driver responsible and fight for your legal rights.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping injury victims win the money they deserve after auto accidents for more than 20 years. Starting as a small, local legal office, we’ve grown to become one of the largest and most respected personal injury firms in Georgia. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win you money, so working with us is risk-free.
Contact us today and we’ll get you started with a FREE consultation and case evaluation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation today.
Examples of Unsafe Lane Changes in Roswell
All drivers in Roswell have a legal duty to drive safely and carefully on the roads. If a driver fails to exercise reasonable care and it results in an accident, the at-fault driver is liable for the damages. Unsafe lane changes are an example of negligence (also known as carelessness) when driving.
There are many ways a driver may fail to change lanes correctly, such as:
- Failing to signal before merging
- Excessive speeding while changing lanes
- Not checking blind spots
- Driving while distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired
- Trying to change lanes without enough room or without matching traffic speeds
- Driving in between lanes for too long or
- Merging suddenly without giving enough warning to other drivers
This is by no means an extensive list. If a driver moves from one lane to another in a way that may put others in danger, it’s considered to be an unsafe lane change.
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Georgia Laws on Unsafe Lane Changes in Roswell
There are a few different Georgia statues that address lane changes. Georgia Code section 40-6-123 states the following related to lane changes:
- No driver changes lanes or move left or right on a road unless it can take place with reasonable safety and with an “appropriate and timely signal.”
- A driver should provide a continuous signal of intention before changing lanes so other drivers are alerted.
- Signals for changing lanes should only be used as intended and not “as a courtesy or ‘do pass’ signal” to other drivers.
According to Georgia Code section 40-6-124(b), all motor vehicles on the highway should also have signal lights if they meet certain specifications that apply to most vehicles.
Georgia also has a Move Over Law that requires drivers traveling in a lane adjacent to the shoulder to move over a lane when emergency or utility vehicles are on official business and stopped on the side of the highway. The purpose of this law is to keep both officials and drivers safe from crashes.
When a road in Roswell is divided into two or more lanes, motor vehicles should remain within a single lane. They should also not leave that lane until the driver has determined a lane change can happen safely. So, if your accident was caused by a driver who failed to change lanes safely and/or correctly, they are likely liable for your damages.
Accidents Resulting from Unsafe Lane Changes in Roswell
Unsafe lane changes can lead to many different types of accidents, ranging from minor to very serious, in Roswell. An unsafe lane change may result in:
- Rear-end collisions
- Front-end accidents
- Side-swipe accidents
- Rollovers
- Phantom vehicle accidents
- And more
The injuries from an unsafe lane change accident may include whiplash, concussions, broken bones, lacerations, brain injuries, burns, and more. If one vehicle is hit and forced into another lane, it can easily cause a multiple-vehicle accident. Drivers or passengers may become seriously injured or killed.
Part of a driver’s legal duty in Roswell is to know how to properly change lanes. Even if the at-fault driver in your accident did not intend to cause harm, they have still been negligent and are therefore legally responsible.
Proving Negligence in an Unsafe Lane Change Accident
To have a successful injury case in this type of accident, you will need to show that the other driver has acted negligently by making their unsafe lane change. You’ll also need to prove that the unsafe lane change led to your accident and your injuries. This often takes a lot of investigation, gathering of evidence, and more.
Proving negligence in a personal injury case is often not easy. Even if it’s clear that the accident happened, you’ll need to demonstrate how the other driver’s negligence caused your damages. This is why it’s so important to speak with an experienced unsafe lane change lawyer as soon as you can.
A lawyer will know how to gather the right evidence to demonstrate how the other driver was at fault and why you are owed damages. Your lawyer can also handle the insurance company for you and make sure you are treated fairly throughout the process. At the very least, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation to discuss the details of your case and your compensation potential.
Get a Free Consultation with a Roswell Unsafe Lane Change Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, we are dedicated to helping injury victims win what they deserve—as we have been doing for more than 20 years. The people we represent are more than just clients. We strive to build a relationship so we can understand you and your needs, then work to protect your rights as fully as possible.
Contact us today and we’ll give you a FREE consultation. Then, if you decide to work with us, we won’t charge you a fee unless we win you money. To get started for FREE today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form