Who Is At Fault After A Highway Lane Change Accident?

When entering a highway, some motorists become confused and will accidentally collide with other vehicles. When entering the highway, the driver might not pay attention and collide with other motorists. The driver might also discover that he's about to miss an exit and change lanes abruptly, colliding with your vehicle. Even if you're convinced that the other driver is responsible for the accident, you must still prove that this is the case with the help of an auto accident attorney.

Accidents Involving Lane Changes Cause Serious Injuries

In some cases, a car might simply nudge another car slightly. However, collisions involving lane changes can cause serious damage to your vehicle and may even push your car into another adjacent vehicle. When this occurs, you might not only suffer damage to your car, but you may also become injured and may have medical bills as a result. 

When the driver moves into your lane, he is usually considered at fault for the accident. This is especially true if the driver was inebriated or was distracted while driving. Determining fault is essential because you must prove that the driver was at fault for the accident regardless of whether you intend to take the other motorist to court or seek compensation from his insurance provider. 

The other driver might argue that you were speeding and that this prevented him from judging the time he had to change lanes. Or, the driver might argue that it was nighttime and that you didn't have your lights on. If he successfully makes this case, you may not be entitled to compensation because you will both be considered equally at fault. However, he will need to provide evidence that you committed this traffic infraction.

Lane Change Laws

A driver can only change lanes if he can do so safely. For example, if inclement weather reduces visibility, the driver will be more likely to be held responsible for the accident. The driver must also signal his intention to change lanes.

These facts are important because your auto accident attorney can bring them up when negotiating with the other driver's insurance provider. Auto insurance providers will do everything they can to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. However, an auto accident attorney has experience negotiating with auto insurance providers and also has the resources necessary to engage in discovery in an effective manner so you will be more likely to win your case.


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