Navigating multi-lane highways and busy roads requires constant vigilance—especially when it comes to lane changes. Every merge or pass, no matter how routine it may seem, can lead to an accident if the driver does not ensure that they have the room to safely make these maneuvers. When drivers fail to maintain their lanes or make improper changes, they can instantly transform an ordinary commute into a life-altering collision. Please contact a car accident lawyer in McAllen if you were injured in an accident.
Common Causes of Unsafe Lane Changes
Lane change accidents occur with alarming frequency on Texas roads, often stemming from preventable behaviors and poor driving habits. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Driver Inattention: Drivers who take their eyes off the road to check their phones, adjust radio settings, or interact with passengers can fail to notice surrounding vehicles and make dangerous lane movements.
- Failure to Signal: Some motorists neglect to use their turn signals, leaving other drivers unaware of their intentions to change lanes. When these drivers move into the other lane, the surrounding motorists are unable to react appropriately.
- Blind Spot Negligence: Drivers who forget to check their blind spots or rely solely on mirrors may miss seeing vehicles positioned alongside them.
- Aggressive Driving: Impatient drivers who weave through traffic, tailgate, or make sudden lane changes create hazardous conditions for everyone in the area.
- Weather-Related Poor Visibility: Rain, fog, or sun glare can obscure other vehicles and lane markings, leading to misjudged lane changes.
Establishing Fault in Lane Change Accidents
After a lane change accident in Texas, establishing fault is a crucial step. The state follows a fault-based standard for car accidents; the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for any damages that the victims have sustained. If you were injured in one of these collisions, determining liability is important because it directly affects your ability to recover compensation.
Different scenarios can lead to varying degrees of fault in lane change accidents. A driver who suddenly merges without signaling typically bears most or all of the fault. However, if one driver changes lanes improperly while another is speeding, both may share responsibility for the crash. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine the degrees of fault and identify the optimal path to financial compensation.
Various types of evidence help establish fault in these cases, such as:
- Police reports that document initial observations and citations issued at the scene
- Statements from witnesses, such as other drivers, who saw the accident happen
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage that captured the accident
- Photographs and videos of skid marks, vehicle positions, and other factors
- Testimony from accident reconstruction specialists who can establish how the collision occurred
Get Help With Your Lane Change Accident Case Today
The aftermath of a lane change accident can feel overwhelming, which is why you need an attorney on your side. The McAllen injury lawyers at De La Garza Law Firm hold years of experience fighting for victims’ rights in Texas. We understand the complexities of lane change accidents and know how to build compelling cases to obtain justice for our clients.
Take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (956) 533-1426 for a free consultation with a Texas car accident attorney who will stand by your side throughout the legal process.
