Every time a driver is looking to change lanes, they must check to ensure that there are no other vehicles nearby. That’s not always what happens, however. Negligent drivers can make these maneuvers without paying attention, which could result in a serious car accident in Bowling Green, KY. If you’ve suffered injuries in one of these collisions, you need a Bowling Green lane change crash lawyer.
At Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, our team offers the assistance you need to hold the right parties liable. We have over 100 years of combined experience and have recovered over $1 billion in compensation.
With our lawyers on your side, you can focus on getting the medical care you need while we handle the legal process. Contact us today at (859) 550-2900 for a free case assessment to learn more.
How Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC Can Help After An Accident In Bowling Green, KY
You can suffer all manner of injuries in a lane change accident in Bowling Green, Kentucky. These crashes often end up hitting the side of the car, which doesn’t offer as much protection as other areas, so you can sustain serious wounds like brain injuries and broken bones that leave you with medical expenses, lost wages, and a totaled car.
An option you have is to file a claim against the responsible parties. At Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, our Bowling Green car accident attorneys can help you by offering a number of services. We can:
- Assess your claim
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence
- Establish liability
- Communicate and negotiate with insurers
- Take the case to court, if necessary
Our lawyers have decades of combined legal experience and the dedication necessary to offer the compassionate support that clients need. We’ve helped people throughout Kentucky recover the compensation they deserve after the losses they sustained. Contact our team to speak with one of our Bowling Green personal injury lawyers.
Why Lane Change Crashes Occur
Driver errors are the leading cause of lane change crashes, with some specific behaviors making the problem more likely to occur.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a serious problem in Kentucky and throughout the country, with 80% of all traffic crashes involving some form of distraction. Cell phone use while operating a vehicle is the most common distraction, but there can be many others, including eating or drinking, changing the radio station, and even speaking with passengers.
A distracted driver might not remember to check that there are no vehicles in the lane they’re planning on moving to, or they could miss a motorcycle. They might also forget to signal their intentions. The consequences of distracted driving can be catastrophic.
Intoxicated Driving
A driver who has had an alcoholic drink or taken a drug, even certain prescription ones, can be a danger to others on the road. Alcohol and drugs impact reflexes as well as coordination while also making the driver more distracted. Intoxication can also impact depth perception, which could lead them to think that they have enough room to attempt a lane change when they don’t.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving refers to someone operating a motor vehicle with a complete disregard for the safety of others. Rapid lane changes and not giving the right of way are both reckless driving behaviors.
Speeding
A driver who is traveling at a faster rate than is appropriate for road conditions and the speed limit can more easily cause a lane change crash. They may maneuver to change lanes to avoid a collision with the vehicle in front of them, which could result in sideswipe accidents and even more serious collisions.
Who’s Liable In A Lane Change Collision?
Kentucky is a choice, no-fault state for car accidents, meaning drivers can choose to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. If you have PIP, you will typically file with your own insurer to cover medical costs and lost wages. If you suffer a more serious injury, however, and PIP doesn’t cover all your expenses, you may be able to file a claim against the party that caused the accident.
The car attempting the maneuver is usually liable for any losses. They must ensure that there’s enough room to change lanes safely and indicate to the vehicles around them that they’re planning on taking that action.
In some instances, however, a third vehicle could be responsible. The driver that struck you might have been compelled to swerve into the next lane because of the conduct of that third driver.
Contact Our Bowling Green Lane Change Crash Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Lane change accidents in Kentucky can often result in significant injuries that require filing a claim against the other party. At Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, our team of Bowling Green lane change crash lawyers can help you understand who is liable for your losses and can fight for fair compensation. Call us to speak with one of our attorneys.