Who is at fault for a lane change accident?

One of the most common questions we get after a car accident is who is at fault. The answer, unfortunately, is not always clear cut, especially when it comes to a lane change accident. Depending on the circumstances, both drivers could be at fault, or one driver may be completely responsible.  To determine who is at fault for a lane change accident, you will need to look at the circumstances leading up to the accident. Was one driver changing lanes without signaling? Were both drivers trying to change lanes at the same time? Was there another vehicle in the way that prevented either driver from safely changing lanes?  These are just some of the factors that can contribute to a lane change accident. If you have been involved in such an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you investigate the circumstances and determine who may be liable. Contact Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog today for a free consultation by calling 713-572-3333.

What to do After Lane Change Accident

If you’re involved in a lane change accident, the first thing you should do is call the police and an ambulance if anyone needs medical attention.  The next thing you need to do is exchange insurance information with the other driver. You’ll also want to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles. If there are any witnesses it is important to get their contact information so they can corroborate the facts of the accident when it comes time to fight your case.  Many people do not like to take responsibility for the accident even if they know it is their fault for fear of the negative outcome.  Once you have all of this information, you can contact your insurance company to start the claims process.

In most cases, the insurance company will determine who is at fault for the accident. They will look at factors like which driver changed lanes first, whether or not there was enough space between the cars, and whether or not traffic was flowing smoothly at the time of the accident. If liability can’t be determined, both drivers may be responsible for paying their own damages.  If the other parties insurance is trying to deny liability it is time to talk to an experienced attorney.

Lane Change Accident Statistics

There are a variety of statistics that point to who is most likely at fault in a lane change accident.  According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 62 percent of all car accidents are caused by drivers changing lanes without properly checking their blind spots first.  This suggests that a majority of lane change accidents could be avoided if drivers were more careful about checking for other cars before making a move.  In addition, another study found that nearly 25 percent of all accidents happen when one driver cuts off another while changing lanes.  This reinforces the idea that many lane change accidents are caused by careless or aggressive driving, rather than simply being an unavoidable collision.

Contact An Experienced Texas Personal Injury Attorney

If you believe you weren’t at fault for the accident, or if the other driver’s insurance company is refusing to pay your claim, you may need to contact an attorney. An experienced car accident lawyer can review the facts of your case and help you determine the best course of action. They can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.  The Miller Law Firm is ready to help you.  We offer free, no-obligation case reviews where Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog, will review the facts of your case and let you know what steps you should take to secure compensation.  Call now at 713-572-3333.