Fort Worth Lane Change Crash Attorney

It’s a daily occurrence on North Texas freeways: Drivers weaving in and out of traffic by abruptly changing lanes without looking or signaling appropriately. Unfortunately, these careless lane changes often lead to serious accidents that can cause catastrophic injuries and, even fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash due to another driver’s abrupt lane change, it’s imperative to contact an experienced Fort Worth personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, our attorneys have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in lane change crashes. In these types of cases, it’s not uncommon for both drivers to try and claim the other was at fault. We will get to the truth of your accident by thoroughly investigating, reviewing all available evidence, and working to build a strong case on your behalf. We will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

In this article, our Fort Worth lane change crash attorney explains Texas lane change laws, how we establish fault in these types of cases, the process for recovering compensation, and how our law firm can help.

Importantly, we work on contingency, which means you will not owe any legal fees unless we secure a successful outcome. We will never add to your financial or emotional burden.

Texas Lane Change Laws

Texas lane-changing laws are designed to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on the road. These laws can be found in the Texas Transportation Code, specifically in Chapter 545, which deals with the operation and movement of vehicles. Here’s a detailed explanation of Texas lane-changing laws:

1. Signaling the intention to change lanes (§ 545.104): When a driver intends to change lanes, they must signal their intention using their vehicle’s turn signal or by giving a hand signal as required by law. The signal must be given continuously for at least 100 feet before the lane change.
2. Safely changing lanes (§ 545.060): Drivers should ensure enough space between their vehicle and the vehicles in the lane they wish to enter. They should not move into another lane if doing so would create an unsafe distance between their car and the other vehicles in that lane.
3. Checking mirrors and blind spots: While not explicitly mentioned in the Texas Transportation Code, it’s a best practice for drivers to check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. This ensures they have a clear view of the traffic around them and can safely change lanes without causing an accident.
4. Yielding to oncoming traffic (§ 545.061): When changing lanes, drivers must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the lane they are entering. This means that if there is oncoming traffic in the lane a driver wishes to enter, they must wait until it is safe before changing lanes.
5. Avoiding unsafe lane changes (§ 545.062): Drivers should not change lanes if the move is unsafe. This includes situations where a driver would need to change abruptly, suddenly slow down or speed up, or weave in and out of traffic. Additionally, drivers should not change lanes in an intersection, as doing so can be dangerous and may lead to accidents.

By following these laws, drivers can help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road. If a driver fails to adhere to these laws and causes an accident, they may be held liable for the damages and injuries resulting from the crash. In some cases, a driver might be forced to change lanes due to another vehicle’s actions or to avoid a hazard on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, it’s important to reach out to an experienced Fort Worth lane change attorney to find out what steps to take to pursue a personal injury claim.

Establishing Fault in Lane Change Accidents

To pursue a successful personal injury claim, it’s imperative to establish fault and negligence. A Fort Worth lane change crash attorney at our firm uses various strategies and evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. Here are some steps an attorney may take to establish liability:

1. Gathering evidence: The attorney will collect evidence from the accident scene, such as photographs of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, and other physical evidence that could help determine the cause of the crash.
2. Police reports: The attorney will review the police reports to gather information about the accident, including statements from the involved parties, witnesses, and any citations or violations issued to the drivers.
3. Eyewitness testimony: The attorney may interview witnesses who saw the accident happen. Their statements can help corroborate the victim’s account of events and provide additional information about the at-fault driver’s actions leading up to the crash.
4. Expert testimony: The attorney may consult with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, or medical professionals to analyze the evidence and provide opinions on the cause of the accident and the extent of the victim’s injuries.
5. Surveillance footage: If available, the attorney may review footage from nearby traffic or security cameras to get a clearer picture of the events leading up to and during the accident.
6. Cell phone records: If the at-fault driver is suspected of using their cell phone or engaging in other distracted driving behavior, the attorney can subpoena their cell phone records to gather evidence supporting this claim.
7. Vehicle data: Modern vehicles often have data recorders that store information about the vehicle’s speed, braking, and other factors at the time of the accident. The attorney can use this data to help reconstruct the accident and prove the other driver’s negligence.
8. Analyzing Texas traffic laws: The attorney will analyze the relevant Texas traffic laws, such as lane change regulations, to determine if the other driver violated any laws and establish their liability for the accident.

By gathering and presenting strong evidence and building a compelling case, a Fort Worth lane change crash attorney can help prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident, ensuring that the victim receives the compensation they deserve for their injuries and damages.

Common Injuries in Lane Change Crashes

Negligent lane change car accidents in Texas can result in various types of injuries, ranging from minor to severe or even fatal. The nature and extent of injuries depend on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, the type of vehicle, and the safety features present in the vehicles. Here are some common types of injuries that could result from a negligent lane change car accident:

1. Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents and occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked back and forth. This rapid movement can cause strain or damage to the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the neck and upper back.
2. Broken bones: A negligent lane change accident can result in broken bones, including fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, collarbone, and other areas of the body. The severity of the fractures can range from simple hairline fractures to complex, compound fractures that may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
3. Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A TBI occurs when an external force, such as the impact of a car crash, causes damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain injuries that may result in cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
4. Spinal cord injuries: The force of a negligent lane change accident can damage the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. The extent of the paralysis depends on the location and severity of the injury to the spinal cord.
5. Internal injuries: A car accident can cause damage to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen. These injuries can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical intervention.
6. Cuts and lacerations: Glass and metal from a damaged vehicle can cause cuts and lacerations during an accident. Depending on the severity, these injuries may require stitches and can leave permanent scars.
7. Burns: If a car catches fire during an accident, occupants can suffer burn injuries ranging from first-degree burns (affecting only the outer layer of skin) to third-degree burns (affecting all layers of skin and underlying tissues).
8. Emotional trauma and psychological injuries: Car accidents can also result in emotional trauma and psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

It’s essential to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you don’t immediately feel symptoms, as some injuries may not immediately appear. If you’ve been injured in a negligent lane change accident, contact our Fort Worth lane change crash attorney today. We’ll help you seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident, including any long-term consequences, such as chronic pain or disability.

Compensation for Lane Change Crash Victims

In Texas, victims of a lane change crash caused by another driver’s negligence can seek compensation for various damages. The compensation aims to help the victim recover from the accident financially, physically, and emotionally. Here are the primary types of compensation a victim may receive:

1. Medical expenses: This compensation covers the costs of medical treatment for injuries resulting from the accident, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment or assistive devices.
2. Lost wages: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they can seek compensation for lost wages. This includes wages lost during the recovery period and any future lost earnings if the victim is unable to return to their job or perform the same duties as before the accident.
3. Pain and suffering: This compensation covers the physical pain and emotional distress experienced by the victim due to the accident and their injuries. Pain and suffering damages can be subjective and may vary depending on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s quality of life.
4. Loss of consortium: In some cases, the victim’s spouse may be eligible to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy resulting from the accident and the victim’s injuries.
5. Property damage: The victim can seek compensation for the damage to their vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
6. Disfigurement and permanent impairment: If the victim suffers permanent scarring, disfigurement, or a loss of function due to their injuries, they may be eligible for additional compensation.
7. Punitive damages: In cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, the court may award punitive damages to the victim. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and serve as a deterrent to others.

The specific compensation a victim can receive depends on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of their injuries. Working with our experienced Fort Worth lane change crash attorneys is essential to assess the claim’s value, calculate all your losses, and pursue the compensation the victim deserves. Our skilled attorney can help you pursue and obtain fair compensation.

The Role of a Fort Worth Lane Change Crash Attorney

A Fort Worth lane change crash attorney is a type of personal injury lawyer who specializes in representing clients involved in car accidents, specifically those caused by improper lane changes. They help clients involved in lane change crashes receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages while protecting their rights throughout the legal process. Their role includes:

Providing Sound Legal Advice: The attorney provides advice to the client on their legal rights and options. They can guide the client on how to navigate through the legal system, insurance claim process, and what kind of compensation they can expect.

Conducting a Thorough Investigation: The attorney gathers evidence to support the client’s claim. This could include police reports, photographs of the accident scene, witness testimonies, medical records, and any other pertinent information.

Calculating Damages: The attorney helps to calculate the full extent of the client’s damages. This includes not just medical bills, but also lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and any other relevant losses.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies: The attorney deals with insurance companies on behalf of the client. They negotiate to get the maximum possible compensation for the client. This process may involve countering low settlement offers, presenting evidence of the client’s damages, and arguing why the client deserves compensation.

Litigation: If negotiations fail and the case goes to court, the attorney represents the client in the trial. They present the case, argue on behalf of the client, cross-examine witnesses, and strive to convince the jury of the validity of the client’s claim and secure substantial compensation.

At Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group, our attorneys are dedicated to helping clients receive the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 817-207-4878 or contact us online  for a free consulation.

Speak to a Fort Worth Lane Change Crash Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a lane change accident in Fort Worth or the surrounding area, don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Seek professional help from the experts at Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group. Our team of seasoned lane change crash attorneys is ready to support you through every step of the legal process.

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial stress that accidents bring, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you rightfully deserve. We can help you gather crucial evidence, calculate your damages accurately, and stand up to insurance companies who may not have your best interests in mind. We offer free consultation and only get paid when you win, so there is no financial risk or downside to calling us today to find out how we can help. Call 817-207-4878 (HURT).