Drivers in Brookhaven must be careful before changing lanes. First, the driver must signal that they intend to change lanes. Then, the lane must be clear of other traffic. If a driver changes lanes recklessly, it can easily lead to an accident.
If a driver’s unsafe lane change caused your accident, you have rights. You might be eligible for financial compensation for your costs. At John Foy & Associates, our Brookhaven car accident lawyers can help.
We help clients understand their legal rights and options. We can build a strong claim to seek the compensation you deserve. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Causes of Unsafe Lane Changes in Brookhaven
An unsafe lane change is a sign of negligence, which is a legal term for carelessness. Drivers in Georgia must be careful when operating a vehicle. If a driver acts in a way that can cause harm, it’s known as negligence.
Many types of negligence can cause unsafe lane changes. Examples include:
- Changing lanes without signaling properly
- Not checking blind spots before merging
- Failing to check mirrors before merging
- Drifting or weaving into other lanes
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding while changing lanes
Georgia Code §40-6-48 requires drivers to:
- Drive only in one lane of traffic, and
- Only change lanes when it’s safe to do so.
If a driver is not safe, they can cause a severe accident. If you were hurt in the accident, you can seek compensation. The driver who changed lanes incorrectly is probably responsible for your costs.
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Unsafe Lane Change Accidents Are Often Severe
Improper lane changes happen on Brookhaven roads every day. Most of us have seen a driver speed between lanes or fail to use a blinker. Unfortunately, many lane change accidents cause severe injuries or deaths.
Unsafe lane change accidents can lead to:
- Side-swipe collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Phantom vehicle accidents
- Head-on collisions
Most unsafe lane changes cause side-swipe accidents. The merging driver collides with another car as they try to change lanes. Other times, the second car might swerve to avoid the first car—but hit a third vehicle.
Unsafe lane changes can sometimes cause multiple-car accidents. If the cars are traveling at high speeds, the damages can be catastrophic.
Small cars, bikes, and motorcycles are often victims of unsafe lane change crashes. Larger vehicles might try to change lanes without checking their blind spots. As a result, the driver misses a smaller vehicle already in the lane.
Accidents from Unsafe Lane Changes Often Require a Lawyer
No matter how your accident happened, you shouldn’t pay if you were not at fault. If another driver performed an unsafe lane change, talk to a lawyer. You will probably need legal guidance.
The at-fault driver might deny responsibility. Their insurance company will probably do the same. You will need a professional on your side who can fight for your rights.
Handling the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies do whatever they can do to avoid liability. The other driver’s insurer might use tactics like:
- Blaming you for the accident,
- Asking you to give a recorded statement,
- Offering you a lowball settlement,
- Downplaying your accident damages, and
- Manipulating you into accepting less.
Having your own lawyer levels the playing field. You won’t have to worry about the insurance company taking advantage of your vulnerability. Instead, you’ll have a professional on your side.
Insurance companies are more likely to offer more if they see you have a lawyer. If you get a lowball offer, your lawyer will fight back. They’ll work to negotiate a fair settlement offer. If you cannot settle, your lawyer can help you go to court for what you deserve.
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We know what it takes to win—and we’re not afraid to stand up to insurance companies. We’re always on the side of injured clients like you. To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Your Unsafe Lane Accident Damages
Your car accident will leave you with losses like:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repair costs
The above are economic accident damages. You’ll need to prove these costs through bills and other documents. It’s also vital that you consider all the medical treatment you need. Your lawyer will help determine if you’ll need future treatment.
There is another category of accident damages: non-economic losses. These damages are more complicated than bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These damages are about how the accident has affected your life. Clearly, these losses do not have set dollar amounts. However, you’ll need to assign a value so that you can receive compensation.
A car accident lawyer will help calculate all of your damages. That way, you’ll know what type of settlement you deserve.
Who Is Liable for Your Accident Damages
The person who caused your accident is liable for your damages. With an unsafe lane change accident, the at-fault party is usually another driver. The responsible driver could be a:
- Car driver
- Trucker
- Bus driver
- Motorcyclist
- Bicyclist
You’ll need to know the driver’s insurance company. This is where you’ll file your personal injury claim. If the driver is an employee, such as a truck driver, you might need to file a claim with the driver’s employer.
Talk to your lawyer about the details of your accident. They will know where to start with your claim.
Talk to a Brookhaven Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Filing a personal injury claim can provide compensation for your accident damages. But getting the recovery you deserve is rarely easy. You’ll need help from an experienced lawyer.
Contact John Foy & Associates to learn your compensation options. Our lawyers will look at your case and discuss how we can help. We also will not charge you a fee unless we win your case.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
