All drivers in Stonecrest owe each other a duty of care on the road. That duty includes changing lanes safely and correctly. An unsafe lane change can quickly cause a painful car accident.
If you or a loved one were injured in a crash, call our Stonecrest unsafe lane change accident lawyers. John Foy & Associates can help you seek financial compensation for your accident losses like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost income
- Lost future income
- Pain and suffering
We have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. As one of Georgia’s largest injury firms, we know what it takes to win cases. Working with us is risk-free for our clients: We do not charge a fee unless we win you compensation.
Contact us for a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
Types of Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorists in Stonecrest should be careful when changing lanes. Unfortunately, there are many ways drivers can be careless. Unsafe lane changes can include:
- Not using a blinker
- Failing to check blind spots
- Pulling in front of other vehicles suddenly
- Drifting in and out of lanes
- Changing lanes in “no-passing” zones
- Not providing enough space for other drivers
- Changing lanes in front of other drivers and slamming on the brakes
- Switching lanes in an intersection
Too many drivers fail to change lanes safely, causing an accident. If you were hurt in this type of accident, you have legal rights. You can likely pursue legal compensation for your accident costs.
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Accident Damages You Can Claim
Georgia is a fault state. When someone’s negligence causes an accident, that person or party is liable for the costs. If a driver changes lanes unsafely and causes an accident, that driver is responsible.
As the victim of an unsafe lane change accident, you have rights. You can file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the other driver. Your claim can seek recovery for:
- Medical treatment costs
- Future medical care
- Lost income
- Lost future wages
- Vehicle repair costs
- Pain and suffering
These losses are your personal injury damages. Typically, you can start with a claim against the driver’s insurance company. Most injury victims can get a settlement from the other driver’s insurance.
Insurance companies will not always provide a settlement. The insurer might make a lowball offer and refuse to negotiate anything higher. If that happens, you might need to file a lawsuit.
An experienced lawyer can help you determine the best options. Car accident lawyers know how to handle accident claims and insurance companies.
To get help from John Foy & Associates during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Lane Change Laws in Georgia
Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §40-6-48, motorists should stay entirely within a single lane when driving. Drivers should not move from their lane until it’s safe to do so.
Drivers must also signal before changing lanes, according to OCGA §40-6-123. Drivers must signal long enough for other motorists to know about the intention to turn or change lanes.
If a driver failed to change lanes correctly and caused an accident, that driver is liable. As the injury victim, you have a right to seek compensation for your losses.
Building an Unsafe Lane Change Claim
If an unsafe lane change caused your accident, you have rights. You will need to show how the driver’s actions led to your crash. Proving fault is often challenging, which is where a car accident lawyer can help.
At John Foy & Associates, our legal team knows how to gather evidence for car accident claims. We will work to build a strong case in the following ways. You can also collect similar information to help your claim.
Documenting the Accident Scene
Car accident scenes can change quickly. Someone might clean up the evidence soon after the crash. Also, memories can fade quickly.
The sooner you can document the scene, the better it will be for your claim. You and your lawyer can show what occurred by:
- Taking pictures of the accident scene
- Photographing your injuries right after the accident
- Reporting the accident to the police
- Getting a copy of the police crash report
- Get the names and contact information for witnesses
- Obtaining footage from nearby surveillance cameras
Your lawyer will reach out to witnesses soon after the crash. They’ll work to obtain statements that support your case. When you schedule a consultation with an attorney, bring any evidence you’ve already collected to the meeting.
Gathering Evidence of Damages
You will have many losses after a car accident in Stonecrest. Your lawyer can identify all damages and calculate their values. You will need this information to include in your claim.
A car accident lawyer will consider both economic and non-economic damages. Physical and mental pain and suffering are examples of non-financial damages. Your lawyer will use a formula to put a dollar amount on these losses.
Working with Other Experts
Experienced attorneys have connections with trusted professionals. We often work with accident reconstruction experts and other people who can support your claim. We know what it takes to build strong accident cases.
Handling the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often complicate accident claims. Ideally, the at-fault driver’s insurer should cover the damages from your crash. However, insurance companies will look for ways to reduce their costs.
Insurance companies will often use tactics like:
- Offering lowball settlements upfront
- Questioning the severity of your injuries
- Downplaying your total damages
- Trying to use something you’ve said against you
- Asking you for a recorded statement
- Making you feel like you don’t need a lawyer
Be careful when speaking with the insurance company. Do not accept money or sign anything without consulting a lawyer. It’s very easy to do or say something the insurer can use against you. Thankfully, a lawyer will know how to protect your rights.
Talk to a Stonecrest Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer
If an unsafe lane change led to your accident, you have rights. You should not have to pay for damages that were not your fault.
Get the power of the “Strong Arm” with John Foy & Associates. We have over 20 years of experience, and we’re not afraid to stand up to insurance companies.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
