Following the rules of the road means obeying the speed limit, keeping your attention focused on the road and the other motorists in the vicinity, and avoiding unsafe driving behaviors, like distracted driving, speeding, and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When driving on a busy highway sharing the road with commercial trucks and other vehicles traveling at high speeds, it is essential to prioritize safety. That includes avoiding unsafe or reckless lane changes. Unfortunately, not all motorists are as careful or vigilant as they should be when merging or changing lanes, which can result in severe car accidents.
While changing lanes is a common driving maneuver, particularly when driving on multi-lane highways, you should not change lanes or merge into traffic until it is safe. However, even the most responsible motorist can be involved in a severe lane change accident if another driver engages in negligent behavior, like cutting off another driver, changing lanes without signaling, or checking the blind spot. To hold another motorist liable for a lane-change accident, you must prove that negligence was a factor.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, there are situations where both motorists involved in the accident may be considered at fault for a lane-change accident. For example, you will both be liable if you and the other driver were distracted, speeding, or driving recklessly during the lane change accident. While you may still recover damages, provided you are found to be less than 50 percent liable. The percentage of your own negligence will reduce your damages.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Lane-Change Accidents?
In most cases, a lane-change accident is caused by driver negligence and can be prevented if motorists pay attention to their surroundings and follow the rules of the road. Too often, however, motorists engage in unsafe and even reckless driving behavior, which can increase the risk of a severe car accident. The following are examples of common causes of lane-change accidents:
- Distracted driving
- Driving recklessly
- Failing to use a turn signal when changing lanes
- Merging too quickly when entering the highway
- Cutting off other vehicles when changing lanes
- Crossing multiple lanes of traffic
- Failure to judge the amount of space needed to merge into traffic or change lanes safely
- Drunk driving
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Represent Clients Injured in Lane-Merging Accidents
If you were injured in a lane-merging car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. Call us at 215-569-8488 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, as well as Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.