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Lane-Changing Accidents
Improper lane changes are a common—and dangerous—cause of motor vehicle accidents in the United States today. From blind spots, high speeds, and distracted driving, there are a number of factors that may cause a driver to make the decision to change lanes without making sure it is safe to do so. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about 9% of all car accidents occur due to some sort of lane-changing or merging collision. These types of crashes can be catastrophic because the other vehicle involved in the accident is often caught off guard and left in a vulnerable position.
Lane-changing accidents are generally caused by the negligence or carelessness of another driver. They often cause an accident with another vehicle because the lane change happens quickly, and the other driver does not have time to avoid the collision. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a lane-changing accident, or any other type of motor vehicle accidents, trust the Alabama lane-changing accident attorneys at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. to help you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. You can call us 844.LAW.TALK or 205.324.3600 or reach us online here.
How do Lane-Changing Accidents Occur?
According to a recent study, the top five reasons for lane-changing accidents—and how to avoid them—are as follows.
- Road rush: Motorists weaving in and out of traffic or lane hopping. These events occur when a motorist is in a rush and is impatient. Solution: Realize that driving on the roads is not a race. This "road rush" mentality only leads to lane hopping and a greater possibility of causing an accident.
- The last-second lane change: Motorists who are not focused on their environment may find themselves rushing up behind a slower vehicle and will swerve quickly to change lanes. Solution: Focus on the road and your driving, so you can plan a lane change in advance.
- Inefficient use of mirror and settings: Most drivers do not set their mirrors in such a way to afford them the best view around their vehicle, which also minimizes blind spots. Solution: Set your side-view mirrors in a way that allows you to see more of the lane beside you and not the side of your own vehicle.
- Unintended lane changes: This situation is usually caused by the driver being distracted or fatigued and unintentionally changing lanes. Solution: It is always a good idea to not allow yourself to be distracted in any way while behind the wheel of a vehicle. Stay alert and pay attention.
- Non-signaled lane changes: Surprising other motorists with your lane change can lead to abrupt reactions that cause a loss of control. Solution: Be sure to signal all lane changes. It is always in your best interest that other drivers know what you plan to do next. Never assume that the lane next to you is open, and don't be lazy by not activating the lane change signal.
The above issues are dangerous on any road, but even more so when traveling on highways and interstates. When the speed of the vehicle is increased, the worse the collision and associated injuries will be to the occupants. It is important to be aware and alert at all times to avoid such incidents.
Trust the Alabama Lane-Changing Attorneys at Hollis Wright
It is always the lane-changing driver's responsibility to perform the maneuver safely. The merging driver should always activate the lane change signal first, then determine if it is safe to change lanes and if so, immediately make the lane change maneuver. A safe lane change means no other vehicles are in the way and surrounding drivers have fair warning of the merging event. The destination lane should have enough space to adequately accommodate the merging vehicles without other drivers hitting their brakes or having to move out of the way. If the driver changing lanes does so abruptly, without warning or without enough room to do so, he or she will likely be liable for an accident that occurs.
If you are involved in a lane-changing accident that is not your fault, it is important for an attorney to immediately begin the investigative process to determine fault and an exact timeline. Should you be the victim of a lane-changing accident, this precious time right after an accident is crucial in determining fault and ensuring you are compensated for your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. AS soon as you tend to your medical needs, you should call the Alabama lane-changing accident attorneys at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. at 844.LAW.TALK or 205.324.3600. You can also reach us online here.
Your consultation is always free and confidential. We do not get paid unless we recover damages for you.
