An accident victim's car having taken damage to its doors after another vehicle's bad lane change.Improper lane change accidents happen when you least expect them. They can lead you to become seriously injured, with unpaid medical bills and lost work income.

Filing a claim against the driver who carelessly changed lanes is the only way to seek full recovery from all the losses you have experienced. With the support of a legal team that knows the ins and outs of Connecticut law, your claim has a better chance of receiving the payout it deserves.

You’re not alone if you were involved in an improper lane change accident. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand your challenges when filing a claim.

With our team’s many years of experience, you can expect quality legal guidance and strategic knowledge as we navigate the legal hoops together. Our assistance helps you negotiate for more with insurers, with clear documentation of your losses and efforts to firmly establish fault.

Don’t settle for less than your case is worth! Give us a call at (203) 633-7449 or contact us online to schedule a free case review today.

Working With a Hartford Improper Lane Changes Accident Attorney Helps Your Claim Succeed

Reaching a reasonable settlement amount with insurers does not always come easy, as companies are quick to deflect blame, offer low payouts, and use pressure tactics to get you to accept their first “lowball” settlement offer. Dealing with these tactics directly can be overwhelming and certainly frustrating.

When you work with an attorney who knows Connecticut law and who has handled other improper lane accidents before, you are more likely to receive a settlement offer that matches the full value of damages you sustained.

Your improper lane accident attorney will:

  • Help with the collection and review of evidence
  • Identify the types of damages you sustained and apply them to your total claim amount
  • Calculate totals in damages to request from insurance companies
  • Build a solid claim and meet deadlines to submit to insurance companies
  • Serve as your frontline in negotiations, representing you in a lawsuit or jury trial if no out-of-court settlement can be reached

Victims of car accidents face many challenges when going through recovery, from multiple doctor’s appointments, recovering from surgery, needing time off work, and burdening the family to help them resolve their usual responsibilities. For many, adding the responsibility of filing and negotiating an insurance claim and potential legal case is more than they can handle.

Working with a Hartford improper lane change lawyer means hiring an experienced professional who understands state laws and can apply their knowledge to build a solid case.

An experienced 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 and returning to some sense of normalcy.

What Are Common Causes of Improper Lane Change Accidents?

Improper lane change accidents cause serious safety and roadway concerns. In fact, 9% of all accidents in the US are caused by reckless lane changes.

When a driver suddenly shifts from one lane to another without looking fast and aggressively, it promotes risk to all sharing the roadway. It only takes one small mistake or act of negligence to cause an accident. Below, we have listed some of the main

Weaving In and Out of Traffic Lanes

Jumping quickly from lane to lane is typically referred to as “weaving in and out of traffic.”

Typically, reckless drivers using this dangerous technique are either speeding, under the influence, or just plain negligent regarding the safety of those around them.

Whether they are looking for a gap in between cars or seeking whatever lane moves faster, their impatience will likely cause a wreck.

Last-Second Lane Changes

We all sometimes forget where we need to turn, but we must be aware of our surroundings while consistently behind the wheel.

Drivers may change lanes quickly when:

  • The driver in front brakes, and they realize they will not have time to brake in time
  • Realize that they are about to miss a turn to their destination

Whatever the reason, drivers changing lanes at the last minute might not have enough time to process who and what is around them, leading to a potentially serious crash.

Lack of Mirror Use

Our side and rear-view mirrors are there for a reason! Drivers must often use and check their mirrors when on the road to know who and what is around them.

When properly using their mirrors, they will know when to change from one lane to another, turn, or move in reverse. In addition, not all drivers set their mirrors in the right position, leaving blindspots that can have disastrous consequences.

The Connecticut DMW Driver’s Manual states that the driver should be able to see out of the back window and set the side mirror in a position where, if you slightly lean forward, you will see the side of your car.

Lack of Signal Use

Signals are intended to let others know you are moving from one lane to another, turning soon, or are having trouble with your vehicle (hazards). If you do not use signals, there is no possible way for other drivers to know in what direction you are changing directions or that something is wrong.

A sudden lane change without signaling can cause others to lose control and an accident, as they are forced to react to the sudden movements of the negligent driver.

Distracted While Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents today. From cell phone use to using the radio or talking to your passengers, any action that takes your focus from the road is cause to a severe car accident.

Being distracted can even cause a driver to shift from one lane to another unintentionally.

The Sideswipe Car Accident

A sideswipe accident is the most common type of car accident caused by improper lane changes. In these events, one car shifts from one lane into another, not realizing that another driver is already present.

In many cases, negligent drivers ignore their blind spots, fail to use their mirrors, or, in some cases, fail to look at all, creating a collision with an unexpected victim. This type of car accident can be dangerous for a couple of reasons:

  • They happen on a multi-lane road
  • They happen on a roadway where the speed limit is likely over 40 mph

Types of Compensation for Damages

While no single case is the same, there are common types of damages that can apply after an evaluation and review from your attorney. These damages are calculated and filed as a claim to the negligent party’s insurance company.

Your case might include these damages:

  • Disability — Compensation for long-term disabilities resulting from the accident, whether temporary or permanent
  • Loss of consortium — Compensating for the loss of personal relationships and companionship as a result of the accident
  • Lost wages — Total loss of income due to an inability to work during recovery from injuries sustained in the accident, including future income losses
  • Medical costs — Covering expenses related to hospital bills, treatments, and medications caused by the accident
  • Pain and suffering — Providing compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
  • Property damage — Addressing the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged vehicles or other property affected in the accident, like your clothes and phone

Commonly Injuries in an Improper Lane Changes Accident

Like many types of car accidents, injuries can be minor or catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries seen in these accidents are listed below.

Lacerations

With sideswipe accidents — as commonly seen in improper lane change accidents — broken glass and auto parts may go flying at impact. Especially in a crash where the speed limit is more than 40 mph, the force of the crash may cause even personal items to go flying, increasing the chance of hitting a passenger and causing serious injuries.

Sprains and Broken Bones

The impact of the car and the sudden stop or crash into another object may lead to bad breaks and sprains. Especially for drivers or passengers sitting on the side of the impact, the sudden force on their bodies may be enough to cause serious pain.

Head Injuries

A sudden movement will force a person to crash into the car’s frame or windows. This creates lacerations, but with a strong enough impact, it will also cause serious head injuries.

TBIs, or traumatic brain injuries, are common in car accidents, especially those caused by improper lane changes.

Work With a Proven Hartford Improper Lane Changes Accident Law Firm

Driving on the local roads or the Hartford highways comes with risks. Other drivers may not see you as they switch lanes or drive recklessly, causing a dangerous car accident that could lead to serious injuries.

Improper lane changes can happen in any kind of road system, but when the accident happens at high speeds or causes a pile-up of cars, the results can be devastating.

If you were involved in an accident, know that you do not have to navigate the claims process and healing alone. With the support of our attorneys, you can rest assured that the development and resolution of your case will be handled with care.

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand improper lane change accidents and know how to resolve them. Lead attorney Bert McDowell even once worked for insurers, giving him insights into the factors that can make or break an injury claim’s chances of success.

Give us a call today to schedule your free initial case review, and let us show you how we can help. Schedule your free consultation with an experienced attorney in Hartford when you call (203) 633-7449 or contact us online.