One of the leading factors in car accidents in the US today is unsafe lane switching. Several things could influence a driver’s decision to change lanes, from blind areas to high speeds. Driving on the congested streets of metro Atlanta requires the ability to change lanes quickly. However, some careless drivers fail to check to see if it’s safe before driving. Knowing what to do when involved in a lane-changing accident can be a necessary and lifesaving set of skills. 

What Is a Lane Changing Accident? 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), lane changes or merging collisions are thought to be the cause of roughly 9% of all motor vehicle accidents. Because the second vehicle engaged in the collision is caught off guard and placed in an extremely vulnerable position, these types of collisions are frequently catastrophic. As a result, when changing lanes recklessly, the accident victim is unable to act to prevent the collision. 

Like typical auto accidents, the causes of a lane-changing accident can range drastically from incident to incident. For example, driving while under the influence can cause various kinds of accidents, including lane-changing on the highway. Similarly, distracted or drowsy driving can cause drivers to veer towards one side of the road, causing a lane change accident. 

How to Navigate a Lane-Change Accident

Everywhere and every day, improper lane changes take place. According to Georgian legislation, if a driver wants to change lanes, they must use their turn signals. Additionally, all vehicles must use a single lane on any route with two or more lanes. Some of the necessary steps to take after any lane change accident include the following: 

  • Secure a safe location: Never leave the scene of an accident; instead, proceed to a secure area. To prevent any additional collisions, transfer the concerned vehicles to a secure location if possible. From there, contact the authorities. 
  • Determining who is at fault: The method used to establish liability in an improper lane change collision depends on the negligent behavior of the at-fault motorist at the time. For instance, if a driver was texting when he or she changed lanes, a lawyer can subpoena the driver’s mobile phone data to show that the crash happened at the same time as the texting. The police will evaluate the scene and determine which driver is at fault. 
  • Take pictures of the accident: The accident site should be captured in as many photos as possible by the victims. Take images of all the participating automobiles along with their license plate numbers and any other potential environmental evidence. After the accident and while recovering, taking pictures of any injuries is a good idea.
  • Record information: Insurance information must be shared between all parties. Note down names, phone numbers, and insurance details. Additionally, be sure to get the names and contact details of any witnesses. Witness accounts can be very influential in auto accident lawsuits.
  • Get medical attention: Call 911 to the scene right away if the injuries require immediate attention. Otherwise, visit a doctor immediately following the collision. This is critical to do to protect the health of everyone involved, as well as to avoid conflicts with the insurance provider when submitting a claim for compensation.

After your accident, there are vital things one should do and important things one shouldn’t do. Never confess wrongdoing and wait to speak with a lawyer before agreeing to provide a recorded statement or sign paperwork.

Legal Representation for Lane Change Accidents

Seeking legal representation after any auto accident is important for proper representation in court. Regardless of whether a driver is at fault for an accident, the skills of an experienced auto accident lawyer can help make addressing these accidents feel less complicated. At Lamar Law Office, LLC, our team can help with any lane-change-related accidents, so visit our website and contact us today to get started on a claim.