Drivers who change lanes unsafely can cause collisions that result in serious injury or death. Unfortunately, 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.

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Drivers who change lanes without signaling or checking their surroundings are putting themselves in danger and everyone else on the road. 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. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

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Unsafe Lane Change Accidents

Lane changes are a common cause of car accidents. Many of these crashes could be avoided if drivers paid more attention to their surroundings and followed the proper precautions and safety procedures.

We can all help reduce the number of lane-changing crashes by being aware of our surroundings and using caution when switching lanes. Remember to use your turn signals, check for blind spots, and give yourself plenty of time when changing lanes.

Unsafe Lane Change Car Accident Statistics

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

  • Nearly 3% of all fatal crashes
  • 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 hours, on weekdays, and in good weather conditions.

Illinois Improper Lane Change Accident Statistics

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) statistics show that:

  • 1,272 people were injured in unsafe lane changes in Illinois in 2019
  • Eight people were killed in lane-changing accidents in Illinois in 2019

Common Causes for Unsafe Lane Change Accidents

Many factors can contribute to a dangerous lane-changing accident. Some of the contributing factors leading to an unsafe 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 lanes
  • Following too closely

Studies show that every driver can avoid car accidents caused by unsafe lane changes by watching out for other vehicles.

Common Injuries in an Unsafe Lane Change Car Accidents

Serious injuries can occur when a driver changes lanes unsafely. Dangerously changing lanes often results in head-on collisions or T-bone crashes, which can cause serious injury or death.

Drivers, passengers, truckers, motorcyclists, and others experienced catastrophic injuries from the traffic violation when an at-fault driver failed to follow the road rules.

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

Every injured victim should seek medical attention immediately, follow the doctor’s recommendations to heal properly, and take appropriate measures to recover compensation for damages.

Fatal Accidents Involving Unsafe Lane Changes

When a driver changes lanes unsafely, it can often result in a deadly car accident. In some cases, the driver may not see an oncoming car and end up swerving into the other lane, resulting in a head-on collision.

The driver may change lanes too quickly in other cases, causing the car to lose control and crash. However, not every fatal accident caused by an unsafe 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. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), dangerous lane changes are responsible for around 3,000 fatalities yearly.

How an Unsafe Lane Change Lawyer Can Help

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

An unsafe 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 can ensure you receive financial compensation from the accident resulting in your damages. Our legal team will:

  • Obtain the crash report
  • Review your medical records
  • Document an accurate and timely record of exactly what occurred

Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 for a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options in filing one or multiple insurance claims.

Proving a 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 resolve their claim successfully.

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 lanes, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to determine if you have a financial compensation case. They will help you understand your rights.

Call us today for a free case evaluation.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Did you lose a loved one in an accident 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, current medical bills, and future medical costs?

Illinois law allows surviving family members to file a personal injury lawsuit based on wrongful death in civil court. Qualifying family members likely include the surviving spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.

Contact an unsafe lane change lawyer today to schedule a free consultation to protect your legal rights. Tell our legal team exactly how the accident happened, if the responding police officer issued a traffic citation to the other motorist and if any other injured party is involved.

Time is of the essence, and all unsafe lane change accident cases must be filed before the statute of limitations expires. However, in certain circumstances, there may be an extended period for any injured party to file a claim with the defendant’s insurance company or a lawsuit in civil court after the statute of limitations.

Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer FAQs

Our personal injury law firm understands that many people have unanswered questions when involved in unsafe lane change accidents 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 safely change lanes or reading the road conditions correctly can increase the chances of an unsafe lane change accident. It is important 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 remember to always use their 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 that you drive safely and responsibly.

What is the most common mistake drivers make?

The most common mistake drivers make when changing 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 accidents.

Always use your signals when making a lane change and ensure that the way is clear before you switch lanes. Additionally, remember to check every blind spot and monitor road conditions to remain safe while driving.

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 greatly reduce a driver’s attention and reaction time, increasing the risk of improper lane change accidents. It is important 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 to do so.

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.

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Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

- Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own.

- Ethan Armstrong

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan!

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This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you.

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Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

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Chicago, IL 60606
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