Improper lane changes happen too frequently in cities like Cartersville. We’ve all seen drivers who don’t use a blinker or merge too quickly. Unfortunately, careless lane changes often cause accidents. If a crash injured you in this way, it’s time to contact a Cartersville car accident lawyer.
John Foy & Associates can help. We have been helping accident victims win what they deserve for 20-plus years. We do not charge a fee unless we win you compensation.
To discuss your legal options, contact us today. We’ll get you started with a FREE, no-risk consultation. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
How to Change Lanes Correctly in Georgia
Georgia Code Section 40-6-123 covers lane changes. Section b of the statute says that:
- Drivers must give a continuous “signal of intention” to change lanes.
- Drivers should signal long enough to alert other drivers behind and approaching from the opposite direction.
Not signaling before merging lanes is a violation of Georgia law. Without a signal, other drivers do not have any warning. They will not know to provide enough space for the merging driver.
Poorly navigated lane changes can easily cause an accident. Many times, the crashes are severe. When someone creates a collision in this way, they are liable for the damages.
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Examples of Unsafe Lane Changes
Everyday actions we see related to lane changes include:
- Not checking blind spots before merging
- Changing lanes when there isn’t enough space
- Not checking mirrors before merging
- Switching lanes when conditions are not safe
- Weaving in and out of lanes without signaling
- Changing lanes in front of another car and braking quickly
- Spending too much time in between lanes when merging
- Speeding while merging.
Drivers should also be careful about “Do Not Pass” areas. In these situations, it is not safe to change lanes or pass. Doing so could cause catastrophic injuries or deaths.
An improper lane change does not give other drivers enough time to avoid a crash. Each driver should check where they want to go before merging. They should provide a signal long enough to alert other drivers. Then, they should only change lanes when it’s safe.
Georgia’s Move Over Law
The state of Georgia has a “Move Over Law” related to changing lanes too. This law applies to people who are driving in a lane next to the road’s shoulder. If the driver sees an emergency or utility vehicle stopped for official duties, they should move over one lane.
The Move Over Law helps protect:
- First responders
- Department of Transportation (DOT) vehicles
- Utility vehicles
- Wreckers
- HERO Units
The law also protects all other drivers on the roads. Interfering with an official vehicle can cause injuries or other damages. Those who violate the Move Over Law can face up to $500 in fines.
If a driver cannot move over a lane, they should slow down and stop. They should remain stopped and wait until it’s safe to go again.
Negligence and Improper Lane Changes in Cartersville
Negligence is a crucial word for personal injury cases. Here’s what you need to know:
- In Cartersville, the at-fault driver in an accident is responsible for the costs.
- If another driver caused your accident, they might owe you a settlement to pay for your expenses.
- To seek compensation, you will need to file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company.
- To have a valid case, you must prove that the other driver was negligent.
Negligence is a legal term for carelessness. All drivers in Cartersville have a “duty of care” to drive safely. If a driver acts carelessly, it’s a form of negligence.
When negligence leads to injuries, the negligent person is responsible. They must pay for the injury costs. A driver who performs an improper lane change could be at fault.
Here are some examples of negligent behaviors that come with unsafe lane changing:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield
- Not signaling
Improper lane changes often lead to side-swipe accidents. Rear-end accidents and no-contact collisions are also common.
How to Recover Damages After an Improper Lane Change Accident
The at-fault driver in your accident could be liable for all of your costs. Here are some losses you might have.
Special Damages
You can prove special damages through set dollar amounts. Examples of special damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
You will need to include documentation of these costs in your claim. It’s best to work with a lawyer who can calculate your total special damages.
General Damages
Unlike special damages, general damages are less straightforward. Examples of general damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Embarrassment or fear
It’s challenging to show general damages. Many of them are mental or emotional. You’ll need to put a dollar value on these damages. Thankfully, a car accident lawyer will know how to do this.
At John Foy & Associates, our priority is to get you the fullest compensation possible. We do not collect a fee unless we win you money. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
An Experienced Lawyer Can Fight for Your Rights
If you don’t know where to start with your case, contact an experienced lawyer. They can help you with each step. Plus, most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation.
Your lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the cause of your car accident.
- Gathering evidence of the other driver’s negligence.
- Calculating the full value of your damages.
- Fighting for your right to total compensation.
When you file your claim, the insurance company will be ready. Insurance companies have one main goal: paying as little as possible. Be careful never to accept the first settlement offer.
The first offer is usually a lowball. It won’t come close to covering your costs — even if it seems good. But the insurance adjuster might try to convince you to take less.
A Cartersville car accident lawyer protects your rights. They can handle the insurance company for you. If the insurer lowballs an offer, your lawyer will be ready to negotiate.
Talk to a Cartersville Improper Lane Change Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Don’t get stuck paying for another driver’s mistakes. Contact John Foy & Associates today to know your options.
With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win. We will help you build a strong case and fight for what you deserve. Plus, we won’t charge you a fee unless we win your case.
To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
