Unsafe Lane Changing Accidents

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), nearly 10% of all roadway accidents are caused by unsafe lane change maneuvers. This equates to over 530,000 accidents each year. Adding to this statistic is the fact that motorcyclists are especially likely to be the victims of lane change accidents, as motorists often fail to see motorcycles traveling beside and behind them.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes

There are many ways a motorist can make an unsafe lane change. For example, not using turn signals when making a lane change, making a lane change in an intersection, and making a lane change at a high speed, are all unsafe maneuvers. Likewise, a lane change accident is oftentimes caused by a driver that is engaging in unsafe driving habits. Examples of such unsafe driving habits which commonly cause lane change accidents include:

• Failing to check blind spots before making a lane change
• Failing to check both mirrors before making a lane change
• Changing more than one lane at a time
• Drifting into another lane because of driver distractions
• Using a cell phone or texting while driving
• Failing to signal before making a lane change
• Driving while intoxicated or fatigued
• Changing into a lane where visibility is diminished. (This is especially true in shopping areas, where other vehicles are pulling into the roadway.)

Regardless of the exact circumstance involved in a lane change accident, unsafe lane changes are almost always a traffic violation. Georgia law requires drivers to remain entirely within a single lane, and to only attempt a lane change when it can be done with reasonable safety. When motorists fail to take proper precautions before changing lanes, they are likely to be cited by law enforcement. And when accidents occur because a driver failed to change lanes safely, they can be held liable for injuries and damages they caused.

Motorcycle Accidents Due to Unsafe Lane Changes Cause Serious Injuries

Unfortunately, there is almost no way for a motorcyclist to avoid being hit when a motorist changes lanes suddenly and moves directly into the bike’s path. This is because motorcycles require a lean to turn, making it impossible to move out of the way on a straight roadway.

Because a bike offers no physical protection, motorcyclists often suffer significant injuries in lane change accidents. Even a low-impact collision at slow speeds can result in serious, life-changing injuries for the motorcyclist, such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, and in the worst cases, death.

Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney after a Motorcycle Accident

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a car or truck driver’s unsafe lane change, contact the personal injury lawyers at KWF in Atlanta. We can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Call (404) 460-0101 or (404) 460-0101 to schedule a free initial consultation. We represent clients across the state, including common bike routes such as the North Georgia Scenic Byways.