Texas freeways are busy. Thousands of vehicles, from passenger cars to large semi trucks, are traveling in the same direction to get to their destination. These vehicles are traveling at high speeds, making the roadways dangerous. Along the way, lane changes are often necessary to exit the freeway, avoid hazards and pass slower vehicles.
Lane changes can be more challenging on freeways than on two-lane roads. There are blind spots to consider, as well as traffic moving into multiple lanes. If you merge into another lane at the wrong moment, you could end up hitting another vehicle and causing a horrible accident. When these accidents occur, who is at fault?
Types of Lane Change Accidents
There are various types of lane change accidents. The most typical one occurs when one car changes lanes and hits a car next to it. Another common situation occurs when a vehicle hits another at a roadway junction.
Drifting into another lane is also common. Accidents also happen when one passes and one turns. Another passing situation—when two cars are in the same direction and one tries to pass a third car—also leads to lane change accidents.
Two other common lane accidents occur while merging. One happens when a vehicle leaves a parked position and is hit by a car when attempting to merge. In another situation, a vehicle tries to merge onto a freeway and is hit by another vehicle.
Liability for Lane Change Accidents
Who is at fault for lane change accidents? Under one school of thought, a vehicle that merges into your lane and strikes your vehicle is always at fault. No matter what caused the vehicle to hit your car, you won’t bear any of the liability.
However, it is also believed that a vehicle that’s already in the lane could also be at fault in some way. Even though the driver of the vehicle that is merging needs to pay attention and be aware of the vehicles in the other lane, the other drivers need to look out and drive safely as well. For example, if the driver performs intentional actions such as speeding, slowing down or other maneuvers that prevent the other vehicle from merging safely, he or she could be held partially at fault.
A driver’s failure to signal could also be used as negligence, even if it may not be enough to issue the driver a citation. Each situation is different. The amount of liability a person could face will depend on the circumstances of the accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were involved in a lane change accident crash or any other type of accident, act quickly to preserve your legal rights. You may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Get the legal help you need by contacting the personal injury attorneys at DJC Law. Our aggressive lawyers will fight for your rights. Contact us today at (512) 220-1800 to schedule your free consultation.
