All drivers in Marietta must follow proper lane change laws. Every time someone shifts into another lane incorrectly, it can cause a severe accident. If a poor lane change injured you or a loved one, talk to a Marietta car accident lawyer today.
You or a loved one might be entitled to compensation. The at-fault driver could be responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you fight for the recovery you deserve.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. We do not charge you a fee unless we win your case. During your FREE consultation, we’ll discuss your best legal options. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.
How Improper Lane Changes Lead to Car Accidents
An improper lane change can be incredibly dangerous. Drivers must stay in their lanes until it’s safe to merge. When a driver plans to switch lanes, they should signal to other motorists.
Improper lane changes can cause:
- Rear-end accidents
- Side-swipe accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Single-vehicle crashes
- No-contact accidents
A driver can change lanes incorrectly for many reasons. Drunk driving, distracted driving, laziness, and aggressive driving can all cause hazardous lane changes. Some drivers believe they are above the law or far enough from others that they don’t need to signal.
All motorists have a duty to follow traffic laws. If a driver does not change lanes correctly, it’s negligent behavior. If this behavior caused your accident, you should not have to pay for the damages.
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Examples of Poor Lane Changes in Marietta
You’ve probably seen several examples of improper lane changes. Here are some of the most common situations we’ve seen:
- Waiting too long in between lanes while merging
- Changing lanes in “Do Not Pass” areas
- Switching lanes in front of another driver and braking suddenly
- Failing to signal before and during lane changes
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots
- Trying to change lanes when there is not enough room
- Changing lanes when it’s unsafe to do so
- Passing on a two-way road with a solid middle line
Drivers should be aware of road conditions at all times. Lane changes should only happen when it’s safe to make them.
If an improper lane change caused your accident, talk to a lawyer. Your lawyer will determine your legal options and your damages. They can help you build a strong personal injury claim.
John Foy & Associates can help you seek compensation for your costs. We’ll listen to your situation and answer your questions during a FREE consultation. To schedule your FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Georgia’s Lane Changing Laws
Georgia Code § 40-6-123 covers state laws for changing lanes correctly. According to the code:
- No driver should change lanes on a road unless they can do so safely.
- Drivers should provide a “signal of intention” to change lanes long enough to alert other drivers.
- Drivers should signal to show they intend to change lanes from a parked position.
All motorists should also stay well within their lanes. They should only merge into another lane after signaling and when it’s safe. These laws are in place to protect everyone on the road from accidents.
Move Over Law for Emergency Vehicles
Georgia created its Move Over Law to prevent police officers’ and emergency workers’ deaths during traffic stops.
Under the Move Over Law, drivers in the adjacent lane to pulled-over emergency vehicles should move over one lane. The law includes vehicles like:
- Utility vehicles
- Department of Transportation (DOT) vehicles
- First responder vehicles
- Wreckers
- Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) units
If a driver does not follow the Move Over Law, they can face a fine of up to $500. If the driver also causes an accident, they’ll be responsible for the damages.
What to Do After an Accident Caused By Improper Lane Changes
After your car accident, there are things you can do to gather evidence. It’s essential to show how the crash happened. You will need to show that the other driver’s improper lane change led to your collision.
You will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Before you submit your claim, you’ll need to compile evidence of the crash and your damages.
Here are some of the ways you can begin building your claim:
- Dial 911 to report the improper lane change accident to the police. Tell officers what happened. Make sure they create an accident report.
- Get information from the other driver. Exchange your full names, contact information, and insurance information.
- Get emergency medical treatment if you need it. Otherwise, see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Talk to any witnesses. Ask for their names and contact information.
- Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the whole accident scene.
After leaving the scene, save all evidence of your damages. It’s smart to maintain a folder of medical bills, receipts, and other documents. Also, be careful what you say about the accident to anyone but your lawyer.
The insurance company will look for ways to reduce what they pay you. Be careful never to accept the first settlement offer. Don’t agree to give a recorded statement or sign anything without talking to your lawyer.
A car accident lawyer can help you build a strong insurance claim. They will also help protect you from the insurance company. If you get a lowball offer, your lawyer will negotiate for a fair settlement.
Talk to a Marietta Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we understand the stressors of an improper lane change accident. We do not charge you a fee unless we win you money, so there is no risk for you. Contact us today, and we’ll match you with the best lawyer for your needs.
To schedule your FREE consultation today, call (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
