Lane-Change Accidents
The Florida highways are among the most dangerous in the nation, and while most accidents are avoidable, lane-change accidents stand out as some of the most preventable accidents that we as car accident lawyers experience. If you’ve been injured in an accident because another driver violated your right of way by shifting into your lane, contact Abercrombie, P.A. We are ready to zealously pursue your claim.
The Challenge of Lane-Change Accidents
A 2003 report sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration entitled Analysis of Lane Change Crashes attempted to tackle the difficult issue of the number of lane-change accidents that occur in the United States. The report concluded that in one year there were about 539,000 lane-change accidents across the country. Of those, 207,000, occurred when two vehicles were on parallel paths and one moved into the lane occupied by the other vehicle. Here are a few common reasons why this occurs.
- Distracted Driving – When a driver is paying attention to the car stereo, the GPS, or their phone, they often take their eyes off the road. Oftentimes, this causes them to make a slight or dramatic change of course.
- The Blind Spot – Most cars have a blind spot where the mirrors can’t see vehicles in the adjacent lane. In most cars, this is to the rear right of the vehicle where the rear post of the car blocks the driver’s view. When the driver changes lanes without looking over their right shoulder, they may miss a car in that lane.
- Disparate Speeds – Sometimes a driver will check before changing lanes, but a faster car will move into the clear space.
These are just a few of the most common reasons that drivers will fail to maintain a single lane or fail to yield the right of way to a driver in another lane.
What to Do If You’re in a Lane-Change Accident
Lane-change accidents can offer occur at high speeds and in dangerous locations. If you are in a lane-change crash, there are certain precautions that you need to take.
- Maintain control of your vehicle
- Pull over to the shoulder of the road if your vehicle is driveable.
- If you are unable to move your vehicle, exit it when safe and stand in a safe spot.
- Call 911 and provide your location, identity, and all other information that the dispatcher asks for.
- Take photos and video of the accident for future evidence.
- Allow paramedics to examine you on scene and follow their advice.
- If you feel any pain or notice injuries after the accident, see a doctor immediately.
- Contact a professional car accident lawyer with experience in lane-change accident.
The Real Cost of a Lane-Change Accident Injury
Many people walk away from lane-change accidents without injury, but the ones who aren’t as lucky often face insurmountable debt in addition to a lengthy healing process. A car accident attorney can help you recover damages not only for your medical expenses but for other costs as well. Many car accident injuries result in the following economic and noneconomic expenses:
- Hospitalization
- Medical Tests
- Surgery
- Prescription Drugs
- Physical Therapy
- Medical Equipment
- Ambulance Service
- Vehicle Damage and Property Loss
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
A personal injury lawyer will work on a contingency basis, which means that they will only get paid once your case is settled or you receive a jury award. There are no out of pocket costs and settlements, even after the contingency fee, often exceed the initial offer by the insurance company.
Central Florida Car Accident Lawyers
Over the course of the past two decades, Yulric Abercrombie of Abercrombie, P.A. has established a reputation as a formidable personal injury lawyer by fighting for the rights of accident victims. Attorney Abercrombie has the legal acumen and experience to win. Contact Abercrombie P.A. immediately for a free initial consultation.