All drivers in Johns Creek must signal and yield correctly before changing lanes. Unfortunately, not all drivers follow the laws properly, especially when smaller vehicles like motorcycles are around. Some drivers fail to check for motorcycle riders, which can lead to a serious accident.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by an unsafe lane change, talk to a lawyer. You could deserve full financial compensation for what you’ve suffered. But don’t wait to get started—the clock starts ticking the moment the crash happens.
Contact John Foy & Associates to get the ball rolling today. We have been successfully handling motorcycle accident claims for over 20 years. Our lawyers don’t charge a fee unless we win you money.
To get started with a free, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online now.
Johns Creek Laws on Unsafe Lane Changes
The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §40-6-123 covers the state’s laws on lane changing. According to the statute, all drivers must provide a continuous “signal of intention” before changing lanes. Every driver must alert others that they intend to switch lanes.
Not using a turn signal is a common reason for unsafe lane change accidents. Failure to yield is another common cause of these accidents. For example, a car or truck driver might not look carefully before switching lanes. If they don’t see a motorcycle in the lane already, they could cause a serious collision.
If a driver’s actions lead to a motorcycle accident, they’re responsible for the damages. As the injured party, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover your costs from the accident like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Motorcycle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
According to OCGA §40-6-312, motorcyclists are not allowed to “lane split,” or drive between traffic lanes. Many bikers know this and follow the laws. But the other driver or their insurance company might claim you were lane splitting as a defense to your claim.
There are many moving parts when it comes to a motorcycle accident case. If you’re not sure where to start, contact a lawyer who can uphold your rights from the beginning.
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Examples of Unsafe Lane Change Accidents
There are many ways a driver might perform an unsafe lane change. Most of the time, it’s because the driver is negligent in some way. “Negligence” is a legal term for carelessness towards others. A negligent driver lacks the ordinary care they should have while operating a vehicle.
Examples of negligent behavior that causes an unsafe lane change accident are:
- Not signaling before changing lanes
- Merging onto a highway before yielding
- Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
- Swerving in and out of lanes
- Moving between lanes too quickly
- Not providing a proper warning to other drivers before merging
- Intentionally changing lanes in front of another driver (such as trying to cut them off)
A drunk or distracted driver can make an unsafe lane change at any time. These drivers are not fit to operate a vehicle. They are very dangerous to motorcyclists and others. A drowsy or fatigued driver is also a huge hazard to others on the road.
If an unsafe lane change caused your motorcycle accident, don’t wait to take action. You’ll need to prove how the other motorist’s actions led to your crash and damages. To discuss your legal options during a free consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How to Document Your Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident claim requires strong evidence. You’ll need to show that:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver breached their duty of care (by performing an unsafe lane change)
- The breached duty led to your unsafe lane change accident
- You have physical injuries and damages from the collision
Building an injury case takes time and effort. If you’re still healing from your injuries, this can feel impossible. Thankfully, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can handle the details while you focus on recovery.
You or your lawyer can start building your case by:
Reporting the Accident
Call 9-1-1 to report the accident to the police, even if the other driver is hesitant. Hesitancy is a sign that the other driver is hiding something or trying to get out of paying.
Always call the police, and make sure they create an accident report.
Document the Scene
Gather whatever information you can from the scene. If you didn’t or couldn’t do this, contact a lawyer immediately so that they can go back to the scene.
If possible, get pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Your bike damage
- The entire accident scene, including skid marks and vehicle positions
Picture evidence helps preserve the scene even after someone has cleaned it up.
Also, talk to anyone who might have witnessed the accident. Witness statements can be very helpful for your claim. Ask for witnesses’ names and contact information. Your lawyer can interview them soon after.
Get Medical Treatment
Do not wait to see a doctor, even if you feel you’re okay. It’s common to put off medical care because of the cost, but you will need documentation of your injuries.
Without proof, the insurance company will probably not factor your medical costs into what they offer you. If you’re unsure how to navigate seeing a doctor right now, contact our Johns Creek motorcycle accident lawyers for help.
Call an Unsafe Lane Change Lawyer
Most lawyers (like John Foy & Associates) offer a free consultation. Schedule a review today so that you can understand your compensation rights. This will help put you on the right track towards fighting for what you deserve.
A lawyer can also help protect you from sneaky insurance company tactics. The other driver’s insurer will look for ways to blame you or reduce your compensation. But your lawyer can handle all communication and make sure they protect your rights.
Talk to a Johns Creek Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. If another driver’s unsafe lane change was the cause of your collision, it could leave you feeling hopeless. But you should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistakes, and you certainly shouldn’t do it alone.
At John Foy & Associates, we know how to fight for the recovery you deserve. While we cannot reverse what happened, we can help you build a claim to recover the monetary side of what you lost. That includes seeking compensation for physical injuries and emotional pain and suffering, too.
Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. There is no charge to you unless we win you money.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for free today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
