Atlanta Improper Lane Changes Accident Lawyer

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It’s estimated that about one in three car accidents happen when a vehicle unexpectedly or improperly changes lanes.

This statistic makes sense, as lanes are put into place to help direct traffic and prevent collisions. There are specific laws that dictate how and when vehicles should switch lanes and how to signal that they’re about to do so. When drivers obey traffic laws, things run smoothly, but when people make mistakes or intentionally swerve out of their lanes, then it can easily lead to a collision.

Unfortunately, these types of accidents can cause debilitating losses to individuals who are blameless in the crash. In these situations, it’s often best to speak with a lane change car accident attorney about what happened. Below, we’ll go over more about the laws here in Atlanta that you can use to your advantage if you were recently hurt in an improper lane change accident that wasn’t your fault.

What is an Improper Lane Change Accident?

An improper lane change in Georgia happens when a driver moves from one lane that they’re driving into a nearby lane without signaling, indicating their intention, or otherwise following the proper traffic laws. An improper lane change can occur during a merge, on a straight road, or a highway.

A car accident is very likely to result if drivers change lanes without checking for traffic around them. Blind spot accidents happen when a vehicle is traveling in a parallel lane but you can’t see them in your mirrors. You may switch lanes without signaling or seeing the other car.

What Constitutes an Improper Lane Change? Legal Definitions

Under the law, an improper lane change in Georgia occurs when drivers unsafely move from one lane to another, putting themselves and other drivers at risk. Not maintaining one’s proper lane could also be considered an improper lane change, especially if the driver is riding between two lanes or simply swerving in and out of lanes.

Common Scenarios that Qualify as Improper Lane Changes

Several types of scenarios could qualify as improper lane changes including the following driving behaviors:

• Changing lanes without using a traffic signal
• Switching lanes without looking for traffic around you
• When two vehicles attempt to enter the same lane at the same time
• Crossing multiple lanes in one fluid motion
• Swerving or driving in between lanes
• Switching lanes at an intersection
• Switching lanes into the merge lane
• Switching lanes into the merge lane

Causes of Improper Lane Change Accidents

There are many different reasons why and how an improper lane change in Georgia can lead to a crash. Here are a few of the most common causes of these types of accidents:

• Distracted driving
• Blind spot accidents
• Driving under the influence
• Recklessness
• Failure to use a turn signal
• Fatigue

Do you believe that another driver was responsible for your recent improper lane crash? If so, then it might be a good idea to talk to a lane change car accident attorney about what happened. We’ll go over why you should do this as soon as possible below.

Importance of Early Legal Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer

After you experience an accident, it’s important to get in touch with a lane change car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An early consultation with an attorney can help protect your rights and preserve evidence. If you wait too long to reach out to an attorney, then some evidence could get lost. For instance, video footage recorded by surveillance cameras could provide valuable proof of your claims, but this footage is often erased regularly if no one requests the tapes. That said, you’ll want to start an investigation promptly to preserve this and other types of evidence in your case.

You’ll also be more likely to preserve and protect your rights when you seek out timely representation. Without a lawyer, you could accidentally make a statement or act in a way that puts your claim at risk. For instance, if you tell an insurance adjuster that you’re not hurt or that you contributed to the accident, then that could cause problems if you attempt to claim compensation later. With an attorney’s solid counsel, you’d know not to make those types of statements or speak in detail about your accident at all with an adjuster until your attorney has advised you on what to say.

How to Determine Fault in a Lane-Change Accident?

If you experience an accident while changing lanes whose fault is it? In most situations, the driver who improperly exited their lane is the party that will be considered at-fault and legally liable for the incident. That’s not always 100% the case, though, as sometimes both parties play a role in causing the accident.

To determine fault in your specific situation, you’ll need to thoroughly review all the available evidence in your case. Evidence may come in the form of police reports, video footage, photographs, witness statements, and the results of investigations. If you’re not sure how to determine fault after your crash, then get in touch with a lane change car accident lawyer. The right attorney will direct you on how to identify fault and potential liability in your specific situation.

The Importance of Evidence Collection

When you file a legal compensation claim, you have the burden of providing proof of your claims. The only way to prove your claims is by gathering up the right evidence. Without solid evidence, your claim will not be successful.

Strategies for Proving Negligence

You can prove negligence by showing that the other driver was engaging in unreasonable behaviors while driving. You could bring up the person’s phone records to show they were texting behind the wheel, or you could show video footage from a dash cam that shows the driver swerving in and out of various lanes.

When to Call an Improper Lane Change Accident Lawyer

Some accidents result in very minimal damage and injuries. In these situations, you may not need an attorney’s help to settle the minor claim. It might be time to get in touch with a lane change car accident lawyer, though, if you believe the accident was caused by someone else and your losses are substantial. You should also call an attorney if the insurance companies are giving you problems.

How an Atlanta Unsafe Lane Change Attorney Can Help

A lane change car accident lawyer will be your best legal advocate as you navigate your situation. They’ll be able to provide you with solid legal counsel and advice that you can rely on. They’ll help you gather evidence, document your losses, and file the right paperwork. They’ll negotiate with the other party on your behalf and represent you in court if your case goes to trial. Below, we’ll go over everything the right attorney should provide for you.

Collecting Evidence

Your attorney should be able to help you with collecting all the evidence you’ll need to prove your claims. First, you’ll need to prove that an accident happened and that the other party was involved. Typically, a police report is enough to establish these facts. Next, you’ll need to prove fault. You can use the police’s initial investigation as evidence, but you’ll likely need other support, too. This evidence could come in the form of witness statements, video footage, or photographs. Finally, you’ll need proof of your losses. This should include things like your medical bills, property repair bills, and a statement from your employer regarding your lost wages.

Handling Insurance-Related Matters

Your attorney can also talk to any insurance adjusters on your behalf. This is usually a huge advantage, and it can help prevent you from derailing your own claim.

What Should I Do if an Unsafe Lane Change Causes an Accident?

After an accident, it’s important to follow specific steps to protect your physical safety and your future rights to compensation. Below, we’ll go over step-by-step what to do after an unsafe lane change causes an accident.

Move to Safety

The first thing you need to do after an improper lane change in Georgia is get to safety. If you’re at risk of getting hit again, then it might be best to move your car or yourself out of harm’s way. Otherwise, leave the vehicles where they are for investigative purposes.

Call the Authorities

Next, you’ll want to involve the police. Always involve the authorities when your accident causes property damage or potential injuries.

Document the Accident

If you aren’t too hurt, then you can start documenting the scene of the crash. Take photographs, ask nearby drivers or people if they witnessed the crash, and consider looking for cameras that could’ve caught the crash on film. Wait for police to arrive and help them create a report on the crash.

Seek Medical Treatment

Next, you’ll want to seek out timely medical care. Seeking medical care is important because it establishes the extent of your injuries and condition while also proving that the accident is what led to your losses.

Contact an Attorney

If your losses are adding up, then it’s time to contact a lane change car accident attorney. This is especially true if deadly distractions lead to your loved one’s death in a lane change accident. The right attorney will help advocate for justice in your situation and help you recover financially from what happened.

Are You Ready to Talk to an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney?

Were you recently involved in a car accident that resulted in significant injuries and losses? In Atlanta, courtrooms determine legal liability after car accidents based on each party’s respective percentage of fault. If the injured person is less than 50% at fault for the crash, then they can seek out a claim to recover some of the expenses they incurred.

To leverage your rights and seek a claim, it might be best to consult with a lane change car accident attorney. The right legal advocate will help you accurately identify your options, value your claim, build up evidence, negotiate with the responsible party, and pursue justice.