When people drive on the road, they often pass other drivers to change lanes. What happens when a simple lane change does not go as planned? If you were in a Long Island accident caused by improper lane changes, a lawyer may help you fight for your rights.
Our team at the Morelli Law Firm is here to help. Our team can help you gather evidence to support your case and help you fight for compensation. Call us today at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation and learn how a Long Island accident caused by improper lane changes lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation for your damages.
Improper Lane Changes Can Cause Accidents
Changing lanes can seem like a simple task. However, when not done properly, it can be dangerous. According to the New York Vehicle & Traffic Law (VAT) §1128, a driver cannot pass another vehicle unless they have made sure it is safe to do so. If a driver does not ensure it is safe to change lanes, they can cause a serious accident.
An accident may occur if a driver:
Changes Lanes without Looking
Every vehicle has blind spots. Blind spots are areas located behind or to the side of you where you cannot clearly see if another person or vehicle is on the road. If you do not thoroughly check your blind spot before changing lanes, you might run into another vehicle that you did not see.
Changes Lanes Without Signaling
If you change lanes without signaling, the drivers around you will not know that you intend to change lanes. They might try to change lanes at the same time or speed up, not knowing you plan to switch lanes.
Stays Between Lanes for Too Long
The lines on the road are meant to act as barriers between the lanes. If you stay on the middle line for too long, you are taking up both lanes of traffic. Other vehicles might try to pass you improperly, or you might hit a vehicle in one of the lanes.
Changes Lanes in a Roadway with a Solid Middle Line
When there is a solid middle line on the roadway, you are not allowed to change lanes. The solid line indicates it is not safe to pass at that specific location. There could be a blind driveway up ahead or a hill or curve in the road.
Changes Lanes at an Intersection
You should never change lanes at an intersection. If you need to change lanes, change lanes before or after the intersection. Changing lanes at an intersection can result in a serious accident.
Need help with your case? Call the Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation. If we determine you have grounds for a personal injury claim or lawsuit, we can assign a Long Island accident caused by improper lane changes lawyer to work on your case.
A Lawyer Can Help Determine What Kind of Compensation You Might Be Owed
The cost of being in a car accident can be expensive. Beyond financial damage, accident victims might also get severely injured and have to deal with the aftereffects of recovery.
The Morelli Law Firm wants to help you fight for justice if you were severely injured in a traffic accident. Our team is here to help you tell your story and explain why you should be compensated for your damages. You might be entitled to more compensation than you realize. You may be able to receive compensation for the following:
Medical Expenses
You may be compensated for any medical treatment you received for your accident-related injuries, such as emergency room care, doctor’s visits, X-ray exams, blood tests, surgeries, and physical therapy.
Vehicle Damages
If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you might be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of the repairs. If your vehicle was totaled, you may be able to get compensation to cover the cost of the value of the vehicle to replace it.
Loss of Income
If you suffered injuries that caused you to miss time from work, you may be compensated for wages you lost as a result. You may also be compensated if your earning capacity was reduced. This means your injuries forced you to switch to a lower-paying job or caused you to get fired.
Pain and Suffering
If you experienced any physical or emotional damage because of the accident, you may be compensated for your pain and suffering. Your lawyer can help you value your pain and suffering in relation to your overall damages.
Long Island Improper Lane Changes Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
A Lawyer Can Help You Gather Evidence
If you were in a Long Island accident caused by improper lane changes, you might need to collect evidence to support your case in order to get compensation. As stated in the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you were in an accident within the last three years in New York, you may still be able to file your case and fight for compensation. However, you should act as soon as possible, as evidence might not be available forever. Evidence to support your case may include:
- Photographs
- Video footage
- Dashcam footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical documentation
- Mechanic statements
- Expert testimony
How the Morelli Law Firm Can Help
If you were involved in a traffic accident caused by a negligent driver who made an improper lane change, a Long Island accident caused by improper lane changes lawyer can help you fight for compensation.
Being aware of the traffic around you is vital if you are driving on the road. When someone is not aware of their surroundings and causes you harm, they may be held liable for their negligent actions.
Let our team at the Morelli Law Firm serve as your legal advocate. We can handle communications between the parties involved, the insurance companies, and other lawyers. We can walk you through the process to ensure you understand your legal options. Call us today at (212) 751-9800 to get started on your case. The first consultation is free.