Before a driver changes lanes on a road in Johns Creek, they must be careful to check their blind spot, watch for other drivers, signal that they are merging, and perform each action safely. Unfortunately, not all drivers are cautious when changing lanes, and accidents can result. If you were injured in this type of crash, you’ll want to seek advice from a Johns Creek unsafe lane change lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we are dedicated to helping accident victims pursue compensation for crashes they did not cause. We have been doing this successfully for over 20 years, and we can help you too. Working with us is risk-free because we don’t charge you a fee unless we win you a settlement or award.
Contact us today and we’ll go over your best options during a FREE consultation and case evaluation.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.
What’s Considered an Unsafe Lane Change in Johns Creek
The laws regarding lane changes in Georgia are covered under Georgia Code § 40-6-123. Subsection (b) of that statute addresses lane changes: The driver must give a continuous “signal of intention” to change lanes long enough to alert the driver approaching from behind in the same direction or approaching from the opposite direction.
If a driver fails to use a turn signal before changing lanes, they have breached the above statute and may receive a traffic citation. If the driver’s actions lead to an accident, they may be responsible for the costs of the accident.
So, if you were injured in an accident where another driver performed an unsafe lane change, they might owe you compensation for your damages. To know what your legal options are after the accident, speak with an unsafe lane change lawyer in Johns Creek as soon as you can.
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Common Unsafe Lane Change Behaviors that Lead to Car Accidents
Incorrect and unsafe lane changes can happen in many ways. A lot of times, the unsafe lane change accompanies other dangerous driving behaviors, such as speeding or aggressive driving.
Examples of ways unsafe lane changes are performed in Johns Creek include:
- Changing lanes in an intersection or crosswalk;
- Merging before checking blind spots;
- Failing to use a turn signal;
- Suddenly switching lanes without warning;
- Zooming in and out of lanes;
- Drifting into another lane due to impaired driving, distracted driving, or falling asleep at the wheel;
- Driving in between lanes for too long; or
- Changing lanes too soon during unsafe conditions, such as icy weather or flooding.
Any of the above unsafe lane changes can lead to an accident. If you’re not sure if your situation counts as an unsafe lane change accident, talk to an experienced attorney. They can listen to the details of your accident and let you know your options.
Common Accidents Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes
Side-swipe accidents are, unfortunately, very common consequences of unsafe lane changes. This makes sense, as a driver can collide with the side of another vehicle during an expected or sudden lane merge. Other accidents that often result from poor lane changes include:
- Rear-end accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Phantom vehicle accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Multiple-vehicle accidents
- Single-vehicle collisions
Sometimes, an improper lane change causes a chain reaction accident. For example, the at-fault driver might swerve suddenly in the left lane, causing the driver on their left to swerve away to avoid a collision. When the second driver swerves away, they might crash into a third driver’s vehicle.
Other times, unsafe lane changes can cause “phantom” accidents where no actual collision takes place. The at-fault driver might cause a second vehicle to swerve away to avoid a crash and run off the road, hitting a tree or some other object.
The bottom line is that unsafe lane changes can be incredibly dangerous to all drivers on the road. If someone causes your accident due to this type of behavior, they should be held liable for the damages.
Your Legal Rights After an Unsafe Lane Change Accident in Johns Creek
Drivers may make unsafe lane changes because they’re impatient with busy traffic, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, low on sleep, acting aggressively, or simply being careless. No matter why the action occurs, the driver is responsible if it results in an accident.
If you were the victim of a crash caused by an unsafe lane change, you are likely entitled to compensation for damages like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription drugs
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
Georgia is a fault state, which means the at-fault party in an accident is liable for the damages. You can pursue financial recovery through a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. To file a successful claim, you’ll need to show that the driver was negligent and it led to your damages.
How to Show that Your Accident Was Caused by an Unsafe Lane Change
All drivers in Johns Creek have a legal duty to be careful and not cause harm. If a driver performs an unsafe lane change and causes a crash, even if they did not intend to cause an accident, they have breached their legal duty. Your case will need to demonstrate this and the fact that the accident caused your damages.
You can build your case by:
- Reporting the accident to the police;
- Exchanging contact information and insurance information with the other driver;
- Taking pictures of the accident scene;
- Getting your injuries checked out by a doctor; and
- Contacting an experienced Johns Creek lawyer.
Your lawyer can help you with all of the above and more. They will also help you deal with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurer will look for ways to reduce what they have to pay you, so having a lawyer on your side protects your rights.
Need Help with Your Case? Talk to a Johns Creek Unsafe Lane Change Lawyer During a Free Consultation
Don’t get stuck paying for the costs of another driver’s mistakes after your accident. Call John Foy & Associates today for a FREE consultation and case evaluation. With over 20 years of experience helping injury victims, we know how to help you build a strong case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now to schedule your FREE consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we win you money, so there is no risk in reaching out or working with us. Call (404) 400-4000 to learn more today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
