On a daily basis, there are various actions we take as drivers that we don’t put as much thought into as we used to. Newer drivers can be more aware and cautious because everything feels so new to them, but as we grow accustomed to driving, some things become almost like second nature. Unfortunately, when drivers become more lax about certain things, a crash occurs when changing lanes.
However, when lane-changing accidents occur, it is not always the driver changing lanes that is at fault. In these cases, there can be multiple perspectives on what happened, which can lead to finger-pointing. When this occurs, it is often necessary to work with an attorney and gather evidence to determine who was ultimately the one at fault.
If you or a loved one are injured in a lane-changing accident, the personal injury experts at McCoy & Sparks are here to help. We have experience handling various kinds of car accident cases and know what it takes to help our clients prove fault. We are dedicated to helping the victims of lane-changing accidents get the compensation they deserve.
How Do Crashes Occur When Changing Lanes
Changing lanes or merging into a new lane is an action that comes naturally to most experienced drivers, but many factors in these situations can lead to an accident. While lane change incidents at slower speeds might not result in extensive damage or injuries, lane-change collisions that occur on highways at high speeds can be severe.
Some of the most common reasons for lane-change accidents include:
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Failure to signal a lane change
- Failure to check for oncoming traffic before changing lanes
- Blind spots
- Crossing over multiple lanes without pausing to check each lane
- Two vehicles merging or changing lanes at the same time
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
Potential Liable Parties When a Crash Occurs When Changing Lanes
When a crash occurs when changing lanes, there could potentially be multiple parties at fault—it simply depends on the individual situation and how exactly the accident happened. When a claim is filed and before damages are awarded, insurance companies will look at all parties involved to determine who was guilty and who is eligible for compensation.
The parties that could be responsible include:
- The driver changing lanes: If the driver who was changing lanes caused the accident due to their negligent actions, they will likely be the one held liable. For example, if they failed to signal that they were changing lanes or if they failed to thoroughly check for cars before changing lanes they will be viewed as responsible.
- A driver from another lane: Drivers in other lanes can also be at fault. If a driver rear-ends the car that changes lanes because they weren’t paying attention or because they decided to be aggressive and speed up at the last minute, they could be held accountable.
- All drivers involved: There are situations where both parties could be held liable. Kentucky is a pure comparative fault state, which means you can file a claim, but you will have your compensation reduced based on your percentage of fault. So, it is possible for more than one driver to carry the blame—for example, if both drivers were attempting to merge at the same time, or if one driver didn’t signal, but the other driver was also not paying attention.
Determining Fault After a Crash Occurs When Changing Lanes
After a lane-change accident occurs, you will need to work with an attorney to prove fault. In these cases, it is possible that the other driver will work with an attorney as well, so you will want to have proper representation and make sure you are fully prepared in case the other party tries to point the finger at you.
Proving fault in lane-changing cases requires collecting evidence that can help support your claim. Your attorney will work with you to gather this evidence and any other necessary information to ensure the appropriate party is held accountable. Evidence used in these cases can include:
- Police reports
- Photographic evidence from the scene of the accident
- Video surveillance footage that captured the crash on camera
- Eyewitness statements
- Driver statements
- Driving records of the parties involved
- Medical records and doctor statements about the injuries sustained in the accident
- Accident reconstruction diagrams
Trust McCoy & Sparks—Premier Personal Injury Attorneys in Central Kentucky
Determining fault after a crash occurs when changing lanes can be tricky, but with the help of an expert attorney, it is not impossible. At McCoy & Sparks, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with a car accident case while trying to recover from any injuries sustained. We are dedicated to helping our clients prove fault and get the compensation they deserve.
Recognized as one of Central Kentucky’s best law firms for over a decade and counting, our team represents thousands of clients in Central Kentucky with a focus on providing premium service and delivering superior results. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Make the right call to (844) 4KY-WINS for a risk-free consultation with one of our attorneys today.