Every day, drivers in Bridgeport decide to make dangerous maneuvers when changing lanes. Dangerous driving can cause major accidents, leading to injury treatment bills and other steep costs.
Car accidents are common in Connecticut, but they are the last thing on one’s mind when they leave to their destination. Improper lane change accidents are no different, and they cause substantial property damage, painful injuries, and costly medical bills that ultimately should be paid by the one at fault.
You might have a claim if you were hurt because of another driver’s negligence. Get started today by calling Bert McDowell Injury Law at (203) 590-9169 or by visiting our website to schedule a free case review.
We are ready to help you.
How a Bridgeport Improper Lane Changes Attorney Helps You
Drivers enter roadways trusting that others will follow traffic laws and avoid accidents, but this is not always the case. Even when driving with the best intentions, you may encounter a driver who acts carelessly and maneuvers their car in a way that is dangerous for all around them.
When you are hurt in an improper lane change accident, you can seek to reclaim your losses from the responsible party. Even though there is no legal requirement to call and work with an attorney for your injury claim, gathering evidence for claims, negotiating with insurance companies, and dealing with potential court cases can be overwhelming for anyone who isn’t in the legal profession.
Managing your own legal case, injuries, doctor’s appointments, and your usual obligations can be overwhelming. An injured individual already has the added responsibilities of medical appointments and therapy sessions.
For many, adding the responsibility of processing an insurance claim and potential legal case is more than they can handle.
In addition, victims face difficulties in negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies often use aggressive tactics to get victims to accept less than they deserve.
Working with a Bridgeport improper lane change lawyer means hiring an experienced professional — someone who understands state laws and applies their knowledge to build a solid claim for all damages you have suffered. An experienced Bridgeport personal injury attorney will review evidence and medical documents, calculate medical and future medical bills, and review insurance policies to construct your case.
During negotiations, an attorney takes the front line in representing their client and, if necessary, in court — all actions that help you focus on recovery while maximizing your chances of receiving a settlement that returns some sense of normalcy.
What Is an Improper Lane Change?
According to Connecticut’s General Statute, drivers must operate their vehicles in a way that keeps them in a single lane at any given time. If they switch to another lane at any point, the maneuver must be done safely, and drivers must be aware of any objects or obstacles in their immediate surroundings.
When an improper lane change occurs, the driver moves their car without a second thought about their surroundings or anyone sharing the road with them. This sudden movement creates a hazardous situation that may lead to serious injuries, costly damages, and possibly even death.
They may also make dangerous maneuvers like riding between two lanes or cutting across multiple lanes at once. Simply put, they take others’ safety into their own hands with little regard for the consequences.
Sideswiping Car Crash
A sideswiping car accident is a direct result of an improper lane change accident. Often, drivers will ignore their blind spots or not look at all, and in turn, cause a collision where one side of one car hits the side of another.
These types of accidents are dangerous for a couple of reasons: they are often on a multi-lane road, and there is no guarantee that the speed limit on the road is less than 40 miles per hour.
If an accident occurs, there can be many cars coming in the same direction, leading to pileups and more disastrous car accidents with many more parties. If the speed limit is higher than on a residential road, you can expect multiple injuries and thousands of dollars associated with property damage.
Common Causes of Improper Lane Changes
There are multiple reasons why an improper lane change may occur:
Distracted Driving — Talking with passengers, looking at signs, listening to loud music, and using cell phones are just some ways drivers distract themselves from the road.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving — Tailing, speeding, and swerving through traffic are just some examples of reckless and aggressive driving. Whether done intentionally or not, the results are catastrophic.
Drunk Driving — Impaired judgment and slowed reaction times associated with alcohol or substance use can lead to improper lane changes, posing significant risks on the road and to those using it.
Failure to Signal — Basic traffic laws require drivers to use their car’s indicators when changing lanes. Failure to signal appropriately increases the likelihood of accidents, as other drivers might be unable to predict a lane change.
Poor Weather Conditions — Unsafe weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can impact visibility and tire traction, making it difficult to operate a vehicle safely.
Possible Compensation for Injuries
After an accident, victims may pursue an insurance claim from the negligent party’s insurance company for compensation for their damages. Although not every case will include the same types of damages, you may be able to request compensation for the following:
Medical Costs — Covering expenses related to hospital bills, treatments, and medications caused by the accident
Lost Wages — Total loss of income due to an inability to work during recovery from injuries sustained in the accident
Property Damage — Addressing the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged vehicles or other property affected in the accident
Pain and Suffering — Providing compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident
Disability — Compensation for long-term impairments or disabilities resulting from the accident
Loss of Consortium — Compensating for the loss of personal relationships and companionship caused by the accident
Common Injuries From Improper Lane Change Accidents
Car accidents may result in various injuries, differentiating in severity. Drivers involved in these accidents must seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries appear minor.
Some injuries may manifest or worsen over time, and early medical evaluation and intervention may prevent exacerbated symptoms.
Some common injuries associated with these accidents include:
Whiplash
Sudden lane changes can lead to rapid changes in speed and sudden stops, causing the head and neck to jerk forcefully. Whiplash is a common injury characterized by neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Although this condition is treatable, it can take many weeks, if not months, to fully recover after a series of physical therapy sessions, pain medication, and treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Impact during an improper lane change can cause damage to soft tissues in the body, like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Sprains, strains, and contusions are examples of soft tissue injuries (STIs) that may occur.
These injuries may take a few weeks to recover fully from, causing limited mobility, strength, and unusual stiffness.
Back Injuries
The force of a collision can affect the spine and result in back injuries. These injuries may range from muscle strains to more severe conditions like herniated discs, potentially causing long-term pain and discomfort.
In the worst cases, victims must undergo surgery to correct injuries associated with the accident, prolonging their recovery period.
Head Injuries
If a collision leads to the head striking an object within the vehicle, it can result in head injuries. This may include concussions, lacerations, or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Head injuries are dangerous and are not always present at the time of the accident. Victims should receive a medical evaluation after a car accident to ensure that there are no head injuries that are not visible to the human eye.
Fractures
The impact of an improper lane change can lead to fractures, particularly in areas like the arms, legs, or ribs. Fractures may require medical intervention such as casting or surgery for proper healing.
Victims with fractured bones must undergo many weeks, if not months, of rest and recovery to heal properly from their injuries.
Internal Injuries
The blunt force trauma during a collision may cause injuries to internal organs. Internal bleeding, organ damage, or other complications may arise and require immediate medical attention.
Victims who experience these injuries undergo surgery, which leads to weeks of recovery and possible scarring and disfigurement.
Psychological Injuries
In addition to physical harm, car accidents come with psychological consequences. Victims may experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression as a result of the traumatic event.
Fatal Injuries
In the most tragic cases, improper lane change accidents can lead to fatal injuries. The impact and force involved in such collisions may result in the loss of life.
Bridgeport Improper Lane Changes Accident Law Firm
An improper lane change accident can have severe consequences for all involved. Victims are left in shock and often unsure how to proceed to receive the compensation they are entitled to.
From multiplying doctor appointments, therapy sessions, and visits to the mechanic to fix your car, dealing with insurance companies should be the last thing you should add to your list.
Don’t navigate the complexities of your claim alone if you were involved in an improper lane change accident. Hire a car accident team who is ready to fight for you and work towards securing the compensation your case deserves.
Our legal team is ready to provide the support and guidance you need to move forward, seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact Bert McDowell, Injury Law, at (203) 590-9169 or by visiting our website to schedule your free case review with an experienced attorney near you.
(203) 690-1030
(203) 690-1030
Every day, drivers in Bridgeport decide to make dangerous maneuvers when changing lanes. Dangerous driving can cause major accidents, leading to injury treatment bills and other steep costs.