If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by improper lane changes in California, you may have a valid personal injury case. Improper lane changes can lead to serious collisions, especially when a driver fails to check their blind spots, signal their intentions, or yield to other vehicles. If you’ve suffered injuries due to a driver’s improper lane change, the at-fault driver may be held liable for the damages and injuries caused.
🚗 What Constitutes an Improper Lane Change in California?
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21658, drivers must always maintain their lane unless they are making a turn or need to change lanes safely. Improper lane changes can occur in several ways, including:
- Failing to signal: A driver must use their turn signal to indicate their intent to change lanes.
- Not checking blind spots: Failing to check for other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians before changing lanes.
- Changing lanes without sufficient space: Changing lanes into an occupied lane or into a space that’s too narrow, causing a potential collision.
- Cutting off other vehicles: Changing lanes abruptly in front of another vehicle without allowing sufficient space, causing the other driver to brake or swerve.
- Changing lanes on the wrong side: Moving into the opposite lane of traffic or across solid lane markings, which may be illegal in certain circumstances.
- Weaving in and out of traffic: Changing lanes repeatedly and erratically, which creates a dangerous driving pattern.
Improper lane changes can lead to accidents, especially if the driver disrupts the flow of traffic or creates hazardous situations for other drivers.
🧩 What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Liability?
To prove that an improper lane change caused the accident, it’s crucial to gather evidence that supports your claim. Here are some key pieces of evidence you should collect:
- Police Report: If the police responded to the accident, the police report may contain information about how the accident occurred, including whether the other driver was cited for an improper lane change.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from witnesses who saw the accident or observed the improper lane change can be crucial in proving liability.
- Dashcam Footage: If you have a dashcam in your vehicle, it may have captured the lane change or the accident itself, providing clear evidence of the driver’s negligence.
- Accident Scene Photos: Take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and signs that may indicate the driver was in violation of traffic laws.
- Traffic Camera Footage: In some cases, traffic cameras at intersections or highways may have recorded the accident or the improper lane change.
- Vehicle Damage and Placement: The damage to the vehicles and their final positions after the crash may indicate whether an improper lane change caused the collision.
💰 What Compensation Can You Recover?
If the driver who made the improper lane change is found to be at fault for your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages:
✅ Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical costs, such as hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and other related treatments.
- Lost wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for the income you lost during your recovery.
- Vehicle repair or replacement: If your vehicle was damaged in the crash, you may be compensated for repairs or a replacement vehicle.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: This covers any other costs you incurred as a result of the accident, such as transportation costs to medical appointments or household help.
✅ Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering: You may be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. This can include both short-term and long-term pain.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, activities, or personal interests, you can be compensated for the loss of enjoyment.
- Emotional distress: If the accident led to psychological harm, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, you may be entitled to compensation for the emotional toll.
👨⚖️ Do You Need a Lawyer?
Yes, if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an improper lane change, it’s important to hire an experienced California personal injury lawyer to guide you through the process. A lawyer can help you with the following:
- Establishing liability: Your lawyer will investigate the accident and help prove that the other driver’s improper lane change caused the crash.
- Gathering evidence: They can help collect key evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and any video footage that supports your claim.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to settle claims for less than they are worth. Your lawyer will fight for a fair settlement that covers all of your damages.
- Filing a lawsuit: If settlement negotiations don’t result in a fair offer, your lawyer can take the case to court.
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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