Changing lanes may be a harmless act if done with care and caution—but not every motorist in Arlington changes lanes with care or caution. There are several ways that an improper lane change can threaten the safety of all road users. When a motorist fails to check their blind spots, use their turn signal, or exercise proper care, they can be held liable for any damages stemming from a collision.
An Arlington accident caused by an unsafe lane change lawyer can provide legal representation if you or a loved one was harmed because of another motorist’s unsafe lane change.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today to find out how our Arlington car accident lawyers could help you recover compensation.
How to Change Lanes Safely
All road users, regardless of what vehicle they are driving, have a legal obligation to drive safely. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that in 2019, there were over 12,800 collisions. Many of these collisions were due to motorists making improper lane changes. It is vital that all motorists know how to change lanes safely and adhere to safe merging practices no matter the circumstance.
When they intend to change lanes, a motorist must:
- Check their side mirrors
- Check their rearview mirror
- Turn their head briefly to check for vehicles in their blind spots
- Engage their turn signal in the direction in which they plan to merge
- Refrain from making lane changes if there is not adequate space
Failing to do even one of these things could result in serious consequences. If there is any confusion or uncertainty about whether it is safe for a motorist to change lanes, they should not do so.
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Liability for Lane Change Accidents
After an accident occurs, your lawyer will need to determine who is at fault. This determination will affect what course of action your legal team elects. A motorist who changes lanes in an unsafe way may be considered negligent. The American Bar Association (ABA) explains that while a negligent party may not mean to cause harm to others, intentionality does not preclude them from liability.
When bringing an insurance claim or lawsuit, your lawyer may argue that the other party was negligent by:
- Establishing that the motorist who made an unsafe lane change owed you a duty of care, which generally means that they must operate their vehicle in a responsible, safety-conscious manner
- Proving that the unsafe lane change violated their duty of care
- Showing that the unsafe lane change was the cause of your accident
- Demonstrating that your accident resulted in financial losses that merit compensation
Depending on the path that your case takes, your lawyer may employ assistance from accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to support your allegations. After reviewing the information associated with your case, your legal team may find that parties other than the at-fault motorist share liability for your damages. For instance, if a motorist’s vehicle malfunctions, causing them to swerve into your lane, then the vehicle’s manufacturer could be held liable under the principle of strict liability.
You can speak with the team of an Arlington accident caused by an unsafe lane change lawyer today for more details about how they can help you or a loved one. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for a free case review.
Our Arlington Unsafe Lane Changes Accident Lawyers Can Handle Your Entire Case
An accident resulting from an unsafe lane change may cause extensive damages, and you may not be certain whether an insurance claim could provide suitable coverage for your losses. Even if an insurance claim does provide adequate coverage, you may experience complications dealing with the claims adjuster or another insurance representative.
A lawyer can assist you with every aspect of your case. They will evaluate the needs of your situation and determine what financial recovery options are available to you.
Some of the specific duties that a personal injury lawyer may perform for you include:
- Documenting the scene of your accident
- Documenting your injuries and financial losses that you have suffered
- Gathering evidence related to your accident
- Reconstructing your accident with the help of third-party consultants
- Calculating your losses
- Negotiating a settlement with an insurance company
- Challenge an insurance adjuster’s determination of fault
- Handling all lawsuit and claim-related correspondence
- Defending your rights
If a trial is necessary, then your lawyer will see your case through the litigation process. However, you must file your lawsuit in accordance with Texas’s statute of limitations, as outlined in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Motor vehicle accident victims typically have two years to file a car accident lawsuit, although certain aspects of their situation may grant them additional time to act.
Loncar Lyon Jenkins can determine how Texas’s statute of limitations applies to your case. You can learn more about the legal process and your options in a free case review when you call us today.
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Compensable Losses in an Arlington Car Accident Case
Following your Texas car accident, the insurance company may offer you money to cover your collision-related losses. This amount will likely not take into account the cost of your future medical expenses and pain and suffering, especially if you suffered severe injuries. Your lawyer can use the receipts, billing statements, and invoices associated with your damages to demonstrate what constitutes a fair settlement offer.
Some of the losses that can be factored into the value of your case may include:
- The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
- The amount of income you have lost due to your injuries
- The cost of medical care that you require for your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Property damage
- Loss of quality of life
- The cost of rehabilitation for your injuries
- The cost of temporary transportation
- Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one in a fatal accident
Your lawyer will fight for fair compensation reflective of your losses. They can use a variety of evidence, such as pictures from the accident scene, police reports, and your medical bills, to support your case for compensation. We will work to hold a negligent driver accountable for your accident-related losses.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today for Help After an Arlington Car Accident Caused by an Unsafe Lane Change
An Arlington accident caused by an unsafe lane change lawyer will make seeking justice their priority while you focus on getting better. Our personal injury attorneys can take legal action and seek what you deserve. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for a free case review.