Changing lanes is a normal part of driving in Alpharetta. When someone fails to signal or yield before changing lanes, it can cause an accident. If you or a loved one were injured in this way, you have options.
You can pursue financial recovery after a crash that wasn’t your fault. But you will need to build and file a claim against the other driver. An Alpharetta unsafe lane change accident lawyer can help.
We can match you with the best lawyer for your needs. We have 20 years of experience helping accident victims in Georgia. Plus, we don’t charge you unless we win your case. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
How Unsafe Lane Changes Lead to Accidents
Unsafe lane changes happen every day. Each case involves some type of careless behavior. Proper lane changing is part of being a good driver, so a poor lane change is negligent driving.
An accident can happen if a driver is:
- Not signaling before changing lanes
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Failing to check blind spots before merging
- Making an improper turn into a lane
- Drifting between lanes
- Changing lanes while crossing an intersection
- Staying too long in between lanes
- Crossing over a solid line
Drivers must also pay attention to current road conditions. Sometimes, road or weather situations make it unsafe to change lanes. Or, a driver might change lanes too quickly and lose control.
Unsafe lane changes often involve aggressive, impaired, or distracted driving. No matter how it happens, the driver puts everyone at risk. Usually, the unsafe lane change causes accident injuries or deaths.
Georgia’s Lane Changing Laws
Georgia Code § 40-6-123 covers Georgia’s laws on lane changing. According to section b of the code, drivers must:
- Signal when they are about to turn or change lanes
- Signal continuously and long enough to alert other drivers
- Only change lanes when they can do so with “reasonable safety”
Drivers behind and approaching from the opposite direction must be able to see the signal. The driver must use their blinker long enough to alert others.
Violating lane change laws can cause an accident. Much of the time, the accident causes injuries or deaths. But you should not have to pay for the at-fault driver’s carelessness.
If someone’s unsafe lane change caused your accident, they are responsible for the damages. The driver can also receive a ticket or worse for their actions.
Common Car Accident Damages
Personal injury damages are any losses you have from the accident. Common damages include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
If you weren’t at fault, you can seek financial recovery for your damages. But compensation won’t come automatically. You will need to file a personal injury claim against the other driver.
Four Parts to a Personal Injury Claim
Your personal injury claim must prove that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver did not uphold their duty
- The driver’s negligence caused your accident
- You have damages from the accident
Basically, you need to show that the driver’s negligence caused your accident and damages. Negligence is a legal term that means carelessness. If the driver performed an unsafe lane change, that’s a type of negligence.
Your claim should also prove your damages. You can show your financial losses through bills and other documents. For the emotional damages (like pain and suffering), you’ll need help from a lawyer.
If another driver caused your accident, contact our Alpharetta unsafe lane change accident lawyers. We’ll give you a FREE consultation to discuss your options. Call (404) 341-6555 or contact us online today.
How to Build a Strong Injury Case
You can start building your case immediately. In fact, you can gather crucial information at the accident scene. Even before you have a lawyer, here are some actions to take:
- Call 911 to report the crash to the police.
- Get emergency medical treatment at the scene if you need it.
- Take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the whole scene.
- Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver.
- Avoid talking about the accident or admitting any fault.
- Tell officers if you noticed any suspicious behavior from the other driver.
When you contact a lawyer, they’ll use the above information to start on your case. Don’t wait to get a lawyer for help. It’s best to start as soon as possible.
Even if you feel okay, you should also see a doctor. Minor injuries can become severe quickly. You could also have underlying issues that you don’t notice yet.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side. Even if the adjuster seems friendly, they are looking for ways to pay you less. So, be very careful about what you say or do after the accident.
The best thing you can do for your rights is to contact a trusted lawyer. Your lawyer will communicate with and handle the insurance company for you. They’ll know how to protect your rights best and build a strong case.
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t pay for an accident that wasn’t your fault. If a driver’s unsafe lane change caused your crash, don’t wait. Contact an attorney who can help you fight for fair compensation.
Get Help from an Alpharetta Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer Today
Make sure you know your legal rights after an unsafe lane change accident. You might be entitled to a full financial recovery. An injury claim can help you heal, recover your costs, and start to move on.
If you don’t know where to start (or what to do next), call our car accident lawyers. We have 20-plus years of experience building strong accident claims—and winning. You won’t have to pay us a thing unless we win your case.
Learn your options today during a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss your case, your rights, and how we can help. Call (404) 341-6555 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
