While changing lanes is a basic move when driving, it can lead to car accidents when executed improperly. A vehicle crash that occurs as a result of cars changing lanes can lead to disastrous consequences and injuries ranging from head injuries to broken bones. Although it is unknown how many car accidents in Kentucky involve changing lanes, determining fault in this type of auto accident can be challenging.

Who is at Fault if a Crash Occurs When Changing Lanes?

Depending on how your lane changing accident occurred, there could be one or several at-fault parties:

  • The motorist changing lanes. A common scenario is when a vehicle is driving in a lane, and another is merging into that lane. Typically, the driver who merged into the lane is liable for the accident unless the other party was negligent. The driver changing lanes is often negligent for failing to signal their intention to switch lanes, not leaving enough space between vehicles and rear-ending another car, and not checking blind spots.
  • A distracted motorist. Not paying enough attention to the road and engaging in distracted driving is always risky, but even more so when changing lanes. Regardless of whether the driver changing lanes or the one who is already in a lane is distracted, they can be held at-fault for causing the lane-changing accident.
  • Both motorists. Since Kentucky has a pure comparative fault statute, both drivers can be held liable in a lane-changing crash. For instance, a motorist failed to signal their intention to change lanes and crashed into a vehicle that was speeding in that lane. In this scenario, both parties will bear responsibility. The degree of fault will impact each driver’s compensation. Talk to a lawyer if your lane changing accident was a multiple-vehicle crash.

Injuries in Lane-Changing Accidents

While you can sustain a variety of injuries in a lane-changing accident, these are the most common injuries associated with this type of collision:

  • Head and brain injuries
  • Internal organ damage or bleeding
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries and back injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Scrapes and cuts
  • Knee injuries
  • Concussion
  • Soft tissue injuries

You should get medical care after a car accident in Lexington, Kentucky, if you suffered any of the above-mentioned injuries. In fact, you should seek medical attention even if there are no physically visible injuries, as symptoms may take time to show. A motorist owes a duty of care to all other drivers around them. If a driver who changes lanes or the other party is negligent and that negligence causes harm to other motorists, the injured party can seek compensation by showing that their injury occurred due to the at-fault party’s negligence. You may need a knowledgeable attorney to prove negligence on the part of the other motorist in a lane-changing accident. Contact our experienced and skilled car accident attorney in Lexington for a case evaluation. Reach out to Roberts Law Office for a case evaluation. Call at (859) 231-0202 or complete our contact form.