Unfortunately, improper lane changes are a common cause of car accidents, and they often occur when drivers are in a hurry and don’t take the time to signal their intentions.

Drivers who change traffic lanes without signaling or checking their surroundings put themselves and everyone else on the road in danger.

Therefore, Illinois requires every motorist to remain in a single lane and use a turn signal to indicate to others that they are changing lanes.

Were you or a family member injured in an unsafe lane change car accident? If so, the personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help with immediate legal representation.

Contact our Chicago car accident law offices today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form for legal advice and schedule a free consultation.

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Unsafe Lane Change Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), lane change accidents caused by unsafe conditions account for:

Nearly 3% of all fatal crashes occur when a driver changes lanes improperly
About 5% of all injury crashes
Approximately 10% of all property damage only crashes

Data reveals that lane-changing collisions are more common during the daytime, on weekdays, and in good weather conditions.

Common Causes for Accidents Involving Improper Lane Changes

Many factors can contribute to a dangerous lane-changing accident. Some contributing factors leading to a dangerous lane change crash include:

Negligent driver distractions, such as using a cell phone or texting while driving
Driving too fast for the conditions
Failure to use turn signals
Improper merging procedures
Not checking blind spots before changing traffic lanes
Following too closely

Studies show drivers can avoid accidents caused by dangerous lane changes by watching out for other vehicles.

Common Injuries in Dangerous Lane Change Car Accidents

Serious injuries can occur when a driver changes lanes unsafely.

Dangerously changing traffic lanes often results in head-on collisions or T-bone crashes, which can cause severe injury or death.

Some of the most severe injuries suffered in an unsafe lane change car accident include:

Head injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Neck injuries
Back injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Internal injuries

Fatal Accidents Involving Unsafe Lane Changes

A driver failing to change lanes safely can often result in a deadly car accident.

The driver may change traffic lanes too quickly in other cases, causing the car to lose control and crash.

However, not every fatal accident caused by a dangerous lane change immediately harms the driver or passenger.

Regardless of the specific circumstances of the accident, unsafe lane changes are a leading cause of car accidents and fatalities.

How an Unsafe Lane Change Lawyer Can Help

Were you harmed in an accident involving multiple vehicles? Did the crash involve multiple lanes when the at-fault driver drifted into your area due to a distraction or impaired driving?

A dangerous lane change lawyer working on your behalf can seek compensation to ensure you can pay for your ongoing medical expenses, past medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Our law firm will:

Obtain all police reports
Review your medical records
Document an accurate and timely record of precisely how the accident happened.

Proving a Personal Injury Case for a Successful Outcome

According to Illinois civil tort law, every victim or their accident lawyer must prove the four elements of the lawsuit to successfully resolve their personal injury claim.

These four elements include:

The driver responsible for causing the accident failed to provide a safe environment that any reasonable person would when sharing the road
This breach of their responsibility led to the accident with serious injuries, damages, or death
As a result of the accident, the victim suffered damages
The damages are provable and can be physical, emotional, and financial

If you were injured in a car accident involving dangerously changing traffic lanes, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to determine if you have a financial compensation case.

They will help you understand your rights and determine liability.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Did you lose a loved one in a crash caused by unsafe lane changing or a one-vehicle accident involving only the decedent?

Are you wondering how to obtain the financial recovery to pay for your loved one’s lost wages, future lost earnings, funeral and burial expenses, and medical costs?

Illinois law allows surviving family members to file a civil court lawsuit based on wrongful death.

Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer FAQs

Our personal injury law firm understands that many people have unanswered questions when involved in dangerous lane change collisions caused by someone’s negligence and dealing directly with the defendant’s auto insurance company.

A car accident lawyer from our law offices has answered some of those questions below.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) for additional information, legal representation or to schedule a free consultation.

Is the Person Changing Lanes Always At Fault?

No, it is not always the case that the person changing lanes is at fault in an unsafe lane change accident.

Depending on the specific circumstances, the other driver involved could also be liable for some or all of the damages caused by the accident.

Driving speed, visibility, and road conditions are factors when determining who is at fault in an automobile collision.

When this occurs, injured parties should consult with the accident lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, if unsure of their rights or responsibilities when involved in an unsafe lane change accident.

What Risks Are Involved in Changing Lanes?

Changing lanes can be risky if not done with the necessary caution.

When drivers fail to use their turn signals or check their blind spots, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of collision.

Additionally, driving faster than posted speed limits, failing to change lanes, or reading the road conditions correctly can increase the chances of an unsafe lane change accident.

It is crucial for drivers to always be aware of their surroundings and ensure that they are driving safely, no matter what lane they may be in when repositioning.

What are the Common Errors When Changing Lanes?

Common errors when changing lanes include:

Failing to use turn signals
Not following lane markings
Disobeying official traffic control devices
Disobeying local traffic laws
Speeding
Weaving in and out of lanes
Cutting off other vehicles

Motorists must always use turn signals when changing lanes to alert other drivers of their intentions and help avoid possible accidents. Additionally, it is essential to check each blind spot and ensure that the way is clear before you switch lanes.

Finally, be aware of your speed and monitor road conditions to ensure you drive safely and responsibly.

What is the Most Common Mistake Drivers Make?

The most common mistake drivers make when changing traffic lanes is not using their turn signals.

Failing to signal can be dangerous, as it does not alert other drivers of your intentions and can lead to improper lane change collisions.

Always use your signals when making a lane change and ensure the way is clear before switching lanes.

What is the Most Serious and Most Common Mistake Made When Driving?

The most serious and potentially most common mistake made when driving is distracted driving. Distracted driving can include any number of activities, such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, or changing radio stations.

Distractions can significantly reduce drivers’ attention and reaction time, increasing the risk of improper lane change accidents. It is crucial to remain focused while behind the wheel and limit distractions that may take away your ability to drive safely.

Who is At Fault in a Sideswipe?

Generally, the driver changing lanes will be at fault in a sideswipe collision because the person changing lanes should look for any other cars in their lane before switching over and ensure that it is safe.

They will likely be liable for the resulting damages if they fail to do this and cause an unsafe lane change accident.

Hiring an Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer to Resolve a Compensation Claim

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, our personal injury law firm represents injured victims harmed in accidents involving reckless driving, distractions, impaired driving, and other dangerous conditions.

Did someone else’s negligence cause your unsafe lane change accident?

Contact our legal team at (888) 424-5757 or use the contact form today to discuss your case to receive financial recovery for your damages.

We accept all personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront fees are paid until the case is resolved.

Resources: [1] NHTSA

Chicago Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer