Lane Change Accidents in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is notorious for its busy and dangerous freeways, including the Golden State Freeway, the 405 and US-101. One of the most common causes of freeway accidents is drivers making unsafe lane changes. If a motorist crashed into you because of an unsafe or illegal lane change, you can protect your rights with help from a Los Angeles attorney for car accidents.

What Is a Lane Change Accident?

A lane change accident is a collision that occurs between two vehicles at a time when one or both are attempting to move into a different lane. Lane change accidents can result in multivehicle pileups if other vehicles get involved. These accidents can occur on Los Angeles freeways that have two or more lanes of same-direction traffic.

Who Is Liable for a Lane Change Accident in Los Angeles?

Filing a claim to hold someone liable, or legally and financially responsible, for a lane change accident can bring an at-fault party to justice. In California, the state’s auto insurance law holds the negligent or at-fault party accountable by requiring his or her auto insurance company to pay for the victim’s medical bills, property repairs and other damages.

Liability for a lane change accident is typically determined according to which driver was in the wrong at the time of the collision. Under California Vehicle Code § 22107, all drivers have a responsibility to remain in a single lane and wait to move right or left until such a movement can be made with reasonable safety and the appropriate signal has been provided. If a driver violates this legal responsibility, he or she can be held liable for a subsequent lane change accident.

What Can Cause a Lane Change Accident?

Driver negligence is responsible for most lane change accidents in Los Angeles. A driver is negligent if he or she fails to act in a way that a reasonably prudent motorist would in similar circumstances. 

Common examples are:

• Making unsafe or improper merges
• Speeding or driving aggressively
• Failing to check whether the destination lane is clear
• Large blind spots, such as on a commercial truck
• Failing to properly signal the intent to change lanes
• Weaving in and out of multiple lanes
• Swerving suddenly to “make” an exit 
• Tailgating or following too closely
• Driving under the influence
• Driving while drowsy or distracted driving

Misuse of the lanes on an LA freeway can also contribute to accidents, especially during rush hour. Collisions are more likely, for example, when a slow-moving driver enters the leftmost lane or a fast driver speeds through the slow lanes.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Lane Change Accident in Los Angeles

Unsafe lane changes can lead to serious car accidents, painful physical injuries, expensive property damage and emotional trauma. In the most severe cases, these accidents can cause fatalities or wrongful deaths. If you are the victim of a lane change accident in Los Angeles County, an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit can help to make you whole again.

With serious injuries, no amount of money may ever be able to return your life to normal. A fair settlement or jury verdict, however, can give you greater peace of mind and allow you to plan for the future. The most effective way to optimize your case outcome without the stress is by hiring an experienced car accident attorney to represent you. The skilled lawyers for Los Angeles injury lawsuits at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP, have decades of experience. We have recovered millions of dollars for car accident clients over the years. We can help you with every step of a lane change accident case, starting with a free consultation in Los Angeles. Contact us today.