Roughly 4% of all car accidents occur as a result of lane-change crashes in the U.S. With that in mind, lane change accidents can cause severe injuries, death, and significant property damage. However, knowing who is at fault for lane change accidents can be complicated. In some cases, the driver who is changing lanes may be at fault, and in other cases, both drivers may share the blame.
Working with an experienced car accident lawyer can help to pinpoint liability and assist victims in seeking maximum compensation for their injuries and property damage. If you’ve been involved in a lane change accident, we can help. Contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers today for your free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer you can trust.
Continue reading to learn more about lane change accident liability in California.
When the Driver Changing Lanes is at Fault
The most common type of lane change collision occurs when one driver veers into another lane and causes an accident. In that case, the driver who changes lanes is typically liable for the accident. That’s especially true if the driver changes lanes in an unsafe, reckless, or negligent manner.
When Both Parties Are Liable
In rare cases, both parties are at fault for a lane change accident. This can occur when two or more drivers unsafely and simultaneously merge into a lane. Since neither driver waited until they could safely merge into another lane, they may share the blame. However, California is a comparative negligence state. That means that even if both parties share the blame, each can still seek compensation for their injuries, depending on the circumstances.
How Distracted Driving Plays a Role in Lane Change Accidents
In many cases, lane change accidents happen due to distracted driving. Distractions that increase the likelihood of an accident include using a cellphone, eating, searching for a lost item, and more. In addition to distracted driving, individuals who recklessly operate a vehicle are also more likely to be responsible for lane change accidents — for example, speeding, tailgating, driving under the influence, etc.
If you’ve suffered injuries due to a distracted or reckless driver unsafely merging into your lane, it’s recommended that you contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
Proving liability in lane change accidents is not always an easy task. That’s even truer if one or both drivers deny fault. Working with a skilled car accident lawyer can drastically improve your chances of winning a personal injury case and getting the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been the victim of a lane change accident, the caliber of car accident lawyer you hire will have a direct impact on the eventual outcome of your case. At Steinberg Injury Lawyers, our attorneys are experienced, aggressive, and committed to seeking maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact us today for your free initial consultation.
