Traffic lanes exist for a reason in Smyrna. They keep cars at a safe distance from each other, and drivers must follow lane changing laws correctly. When someone performs an unsafe lane change, it can cause a serious accident. If this type of accident injured you, it’s time to talk to a Smyrna car accident lawyer.
Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help. We have over 20 years of experience in personal injury law. We’ll assist you in building a strong case for recovery.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation. We’ll match you with the best lawyer for your needs. Plus, there is no fee unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online to get started for FREE.
What Georgia Law Says About Lane Changing
Under Georgia Code Section 40-6-123, drivers must give a “signal of intention” to change lanes. They should signal long enough for nearby drivers to know they will change lanes. Otherwise, an accident can happen from the front or rear.
Drivers also should not:
- Change lanes on a roadway unless they can do so with “reasonable safety.”
- Suddenly stop or slow down without an appropriate signal.
- Use a turn signal other than for changing lanes, turning, or starting from a parked position.
- Merge into a center lane meant for turning left unless the driver plans to turn left.
Traffic lanes help control travel and keep everyone safe. If someone fails to change lanes correctly, it’s dangerous. An unsafe lane change can easily cause an accident.
If another driver’s unsafe lane change caused your crash, you have rights. The driver and their insurance company might be liable.
Talk to a lawyer about filing a personal injury claim. You might be entitled to financial recovery for your injury costs.
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How Drivers in Smyrna Perform Unsafe Lane Changes
Drivers often change lanes unsafely when they are speeding. Someone might zoom in and out of roads without giving a proper warning. Drivers might engage in other negligent behavior at the same time.
Here are some examples of unsafe lane change situations:
- Changing lanes without using a signal first
- Weaving in and out of traffic lanes
- Switching lanes in the middle of a crosswalk or intersection
- Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
- Drifting in and out of lanes
- Taking too long to change lanes
Some unsafe lane changes happen because a driver is impaired or drowsy. Reduced alertness can cause someone to drift between lanes, and this action is incredibly dangerous.
You will need to determine how the poor lane change caused your accident. If you’re not sure where to start, call a car accident lawyer. John Foy & Associates can provide the right lawyer for you.
We have been helping accident victims in Georgia for 20-plus years. Working with us is risk-free because:
- We do not collect a fee unless we win your case.
- There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
- The consultation is completely FREE.
To speak with the best lawyer for your needs, call us for a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
What Happens When Someone Changes Lanes Incorrectly
Unsafe lane changes often lead to side-swipe accidents. It starts when the merging driver moves incorrectly into another car’s lane. The second car’s driver doesn’t have enough time to move out of the way. The first car sideswipes the second.
Unsafe lane changes can also cause accidents like:
- Rollovers
- Head-on collisions
- Multiple-vehicle accidents
- No-contact crashes
- Rear-end collisions
No-contact or “phantom vehicle” accidents happen when one driver swerves to avoid a merging driver. The swerving driver might run off the road or hit another vehicle. This type of accident can involve multiple cars at once.
No matter the name for your accident, you have options. The lane-changing driver might be responsible for all of your damages.
Damages You Can Claim After an Unsafe Lane Change Accident
If you were not at fault for your accident, you can pursue compensation. You can file an injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Your claim should include damages like:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
Georgia is a fault state. If your accident happens in Smyrna, you should not have to pay for a crash you didn’t cause. You have a right to pursue financial recovery.
Your injury claim will need to prove your damages. It will also need to show how the other driver is liable. Thankfully, a Smyrna car accident lawyer can help.
Building Your Personal Injury Case
Building a strong personal injury case takes time. The statute of limitations in Georgia is two years from the accident date (Georgia Code Section 9-3-33). This time goes quickly, so it’s best to get started immediately.
There are several actions you’ll need to take to build your case. Here are some of the most essential:
- Report the car accident to the police.
- Exchange names and contact information with the other driver.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and your car damage.
- Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Save all medical bills and other records of your costs.
We know that a car accident is very stressful. You might not want to deal with the details of an accident case. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone.
A car accident lawyer will help you with each step. They’ll handle the legal side of things so that you can focus on healing.
Talk to a Smyrna Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer for Free Today
John Foy & Associates is one of the largest and most well-known injury firms in Georgia. Our founder is the “Strong Arm” because we don’t back down. We’ll fight for your right to the fullest compensation possible.
If you don’t know what to do after your accident, contact us. We’ll give you a FREE consultation. You won’t pay a single fee unless we win your case.
To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
