
Unsafe lane changes happen all the time in the U.S. While you’re on the streets or the freeway, many drivers merge and change lanes with little to no regard for others around them. All drivers on the road need to drive safely, so others do not get hurt. Changing lanes unsafely is negligent behavior and makes the driver liable for any accidents they might cause.
Our unsafe lane change lawyers can help residents in Johns Creek get a settlement to cover their damages. We do not want you to pay for the mistakes of others. Allow us to help you recover compensation so you can focus on recovering from your accident.
Call us today at (404) 341-6555.
How We Prove Negligence and Fault
Even though the driver doing the unsafe lane change is clearly at fault, you still need to prove their negligence in court and during negotiations. To prove liability, you need to establish these four things:
- The driver had a duty of care to you and others around them.
- The driver’s negligent action of changing lanes unsafely breached that duty of care.
- Through this breach, an accident occurred, which you were a part of.
- After the accident, you sustained damages directly caused by it.
Once you can prove these four things, you will have a strong claim that can potentially get you a settlement.
To prove fault, you will need evidence to support your claim. Always retain all police reports, medical records, financial documents, witness testimonies, and photographs. These are invaluable assets to help assess your damages and prove liability.
Remember, most insurance companies are not going to casually sit on their hands while you seek compensation from them. They will try to do whatever they can to avoid responsibility. More often than not, they will try to delay negotiations to force you to settle for less. Always retain a lawyer after your accident so you can fight back against their tactics.
What Our Lawyers Can Do for You
Our lawyers can help you in many ways:
- Gather, retain, and organize evidence for your claim.
- Enlist the assistance of experts and professionals to evaluate your claim and strengthen your case’s merits.
- Handle all negotiations between you and the insurance company.
- Represent you in court should your claim go to trial.
- Answer all of your questions and operate with transparency and compassion.
You can choose to file and handle your case alone, but this will put your claim at a disadvantage. When insurance companies know that you have strong legal representation, they will often try to settle quickly to avoid a long and costly legal battle.
Get Compensation for Your Damages
There are many damages you can receive compensation for:
- Lost wages and reduced income
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
- Medical expenses, equipment, treatment, medicine, etc.
- Vehicle repairs and property damages
Whether your damages are economic or non-economic, we will calculate all of them. Our lawyers will ensure that no damage gets left out and that the settlement you receive covers everything.
Potential for Punitive Damages
Some unsafe lane change accidents can qualify for punitive damages. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-12-5.1, personal injury victims only receive punitive damages when an accident meets specific criteria. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the at-fault party if the accident they caused was done under egregious circumstances. If your accident was:
- Caused with malice
- Caused with intent
- Caused through fraud
- Caused through extremely negligent behavior such as drunk driving
Then your claim can qualify for these damages. To see if your claim qualifies for punitive damages, you should consult with a lawyer.
What Is the Best Time to File a Claim?
It may seem confusing when you should file. A general rule of thumb to follow is to wait until you have accounted for all of your damages.
Even still, waiting too long can also be detrimental to your case. Georgia law states you have two years to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires.
Knowing the best time to file is complicated as every accident claim is different with its own unique context. We can help you figure out the best time to file and work out a good timeline for your case.
Call Our Unsafe Lane Change Lawyers
The lawyers at our law firm have many years of experience helping clients throughout Georgia, including Johns Creek. We always put our clients first above anything else and strive to win them a fair settlement. If we do not win you compensation, you do not have to pay us anything. There are no upfront fees or hidden costs.
To learn more about all of the options available for your case, call us today for a free consultation at no risk to you. You can reach us at (404) 341-6555.