Who Is at Fault for a Lane-Change Collision?
When driving on California highways and other busy roads, drivers often change lanes or merge with other lanes of traffic. While this action is common, many drivers breach their duty of care when changing lanes. However, determining fault is not always easy. If you have suffered injuries in a lane-change collision in California, it is essential to have an experienced lawyer’s help to identify a liable party and hold them accountable for their breach of their duty of care.
At Younglove Law Group, we have over 20 years of combined experience and over $50 million recovered for our clients. Therefore, you can trust us to manage every aspect of your claim with the utmost care and attention while you focus on your recovery. Our dedicated lawyers work closely with you to understand your unique situation to create a personalized plan that gives you the best chance of achieving maximum compensation. With this client-focused approach, you can rest assured your lane-change collision claim is in capable hands.
Who Is Responsible for a Lane-Change Collision in California?
When determining fault in a lane-change collision claim, it is important to understand the right-of-way in these situations. When changing lanes, the driver established in a lane has the right of way, and the driver changing lanes must ensure it is safe to do so. Similarly, when merging, the driver whose lane is ending must yield the right of way to drivers in the primary lane.
With these right-of-way rules in mind, we thoroughly investigate whose negligence caused your injuries in a lane-change accident.
Driver Changing Lanes
According to California law, drivers changing lanes must only do so when it is safe and after using their turn signal. This involves checking blindspots, ensuring there is enough room, and looking over their shoulders to check for traffic. If they fail to check their mirrors, use their signal, pay close attention to the road, or drive at a safe speed when changing lanes, they could be liable for an accident and injuries.
Driver Established in a Lane
While you may assume the driver changing lanes is always liable for a lane-change collision, this is not always the case. The driver in an established or primary lane owes other drivers around them a duty of care. If they neglect this duty by interfering with a lane change, such as rapidly accelerating instead of slowing down or failing to move over for safe merging, they could be held accountable for a lane-change accident.
Proving Fault in California Lane-Change Accident Claims
As a victim filing a lane-change accident claim, you carry the burden of proof. This means your claim must contain evidence that proves the following points:
- The liable party owed you a duty of care to drive responsibly.
- They breached this duty of care by acting negligently.
- This negligence directly caused the lane-change collision and your injuries.
- Your injuries resulted in damages.
At Younglove Law Group, we work diligently to uncover crucial evidence that demonstrates these elements and hold the liable party accountable. Information from medical records, Event Data Recorders, the police report, traffic and security camera footage, and witness testimony can help prove liability, your injuries’ existence, and the physical, emotional, and financial damages you suffered. With this information and our unwavering advocacy, you can rely on us to negotiate with insurance adjusters and fight for your rights every step of the way.
Get the Support You Need for Your California Lane-Change Collision Claim With Younglove Law Group
Navigating the aftermath of a lane-change collision can be overwhelming. At Younglove Law Group, we have a proven track record of success in handling complex car accident claims. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to understanding your unique situation and providing the personalized attention you deserve. We prioritize clear communication and will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you feel supported and informed.
You do not have to face this challenging time alone. Trust us to fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Contact Younglove Law Group today for a free consultation at (949) 691-3660 or through our contact form.
