Accidents Caused by Illegal Lane Changes
December 29, 2011 By Gaskins Bennett Birrell Schupp LLP
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Accidents caused by illegal lane changes can cause serious injuries and property damage. Imagine that you’re minding your own business, driving along the interstate or even at your local shopping center, and someone illegally changes lanes, either failing to signal or outright merging into you. Suddenly you’re involved an accident that came with no warning and no way to avoid.
What are your rights in accidents caused by illegal lane changes?
Proving Accidents Caused by Illegal Lane Changes
Proving that an accident was caused by an illegal lane change can be difficult. In some cases, the matter is clear-cut based on the police report, but if you and the other driver disagree on whether a lane change was illegal, it may require more advanced techniques to prove. Witness statements can help prove whether or not a lane change was illegal. The location and severity of damage to your car can help demonstrate whether a lane change was illegal. Subsequent investigation may also be required to conclusively prove whether a lane change was illegal or not.
Specifics Vary from State to State
The specifics on car accident law vary from state to state. In states that practice comparative fault, you may be partially at fault for an accident even if the accident is a result of an illegal lane change. If you’re speeding, for example, and were unable to avoid an accident because you were going too fast, you could be partially at fault for the accident - even if the other driver illegally changed lanes. It’s important to know your state’s auto accident laws and determine your role in the car accident.
When you have an accident caused by an illegal change, make sure you specific this in the police report. If you see skid marks or other signs of a sudden lane change, photograph them. Do what you can to document the illegal lane change at the time of the accident to make it easier to pursue your claim later.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gaskins Bennett Birell & Schrupp
At Gaskins Bennett Birrell Schupp LLP, our personal injury-based practice has had unparalleled success in achieving significant results on behalf of individuals whose lives have been altered through the negligent actions of others. We have been helping injury victims all over the state of Minnesota and have extensive experience trying and litigating personal injury, wrongful death, civil rights, police brutality, product liability, insurance coverage, and other matters.
Copyright Gaskins Bennett Birrell Schupp LLP
More information about Gaskins Bennett Birrell Schupp LLP
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Proving Accidents Caused by Illegal Lane Changes
Proving that an accident was caused by an illegal lane change can be difficult. In some cases, the matter is clear-cut based on the police report, but if you and the other driver disagree on whether a lane change was illegal, it may require more advanced techniques to prove. Witness statements can help prove whether or not a lane change was illegal. The location and severity of damage to your car can help demonstrate whether a lane change was illegal. Subsequent investigation may also be required to conclusively prove whether a lane change was illegal or not.
Specifics Vary from State to State
The specifics on car accident law vary from state to state. In states that practice comparative fault, you may be partially at fault for an accident even if the accident is a result of an illegal lane change. If you’re speeding, for example, and were unable to avoid an accident because you were going too fast, you could be partially at fault for the accident - even if the other driver illegally changed lanes. It’s important to know your state’s auto accident laws and determine your role in the car accident.
When you have an accident caused by an illegal change, make sure you specific this in the police report. If you see skid marks or other signs of a sudden lane change, photograph them. Do what you can to document the illegal lane change at the time of the accident to make it easier to pursue your claim later.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gaskins Bennett Birell & Schrupp
At Gaskins Bennett Birrell Schupp LLP, our personal injury-based practice has had unparalleled success in achieving significant results on behalf of individuals whose lives have been altered through the negligent actions of others. We have been helping injury victims all over the state of Minnesota and have extensive experience trying and litigating personal injury, wrongful death, civil rights, police brutality, product liability, insurance coverage, and other matters.
Copyright Gaskins Bennett Birrell Schupp LLP
More information about Gaskins Bennett Birrell Schupp LLP
View all articles published by Gaskins Bennett Birrell Schupp LLP
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
