Driving in Santa Ana, California, can be frustrating and risky. Maneuvering in heavy traffic requires caution, skill, and patience. When drivers violate traffic laws, multitask, or drive inattentively, they can cause car accidents while passing or being passed. Car accident victims may be entitled to file claims against negligent drivers who cause such collisions.
To win these claims in Santa Ana, CA, the crash victim must prove that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. A Santa Ana lane change crash lawyer from Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers, can gather evidence and present legal arguments to seek compensation. Call (714) 263-3700 to schedule a free consultation.
How Can Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers, Help After a Lane Change Accident in Santa Ana?
The Santa Ana car accident lawyers at Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers are battle-tested in court and negotiations. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars in lawsuit verdicts and settlements for traffic accident victims in Southern California.
After you suffer an injury in a collision caused by another driver’s negligence, our Santa Ana personal injury attorneys can support your claim by:
- Gathering records and evaluating your legal claims
- Discussing your rights and outlining a case strategy
- Filing an insurance claim and negotiating to settle it
- Pursuing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if we cannot reach a settlement
Although most lane change crashes are minor, some can result in severe injuries and significant financial losses. Contact us to schedule a free case review with a Santa Ana car accident attorney to learn how we can help you pursue fair compensation for the losses you have incurred.
Types of Santa Ana Lane Change Accidents
Lane change accidents can take several forms depending on how the vehicles make contact. Common types include:
- Sideswipe collisions: One vehicle moves into another lane and strikes the side of a nearby vehicle.
- Angle collisions: A driver changing lanes hits the front or rear portion of another vehicle.
- Rear-end collisions: A driver changes lanes too closely and cuts off another vehicle, causing a rear-end crash.
- Head-on collisions: A driver crosses into an opposing lane while attempting to pass or change lanes.
- Chain-reaction crashes: An initial lane change collision causes one or more vehicles to strike other cars, barriers, or roadside objects.
Any of these crashes can result in serious injuries, especially when they occur at highway speeds or involve multiple vehicles.
Common Causes of Lane Change Collisions in Santa Ana
Lane change crashes typically result from risky driving behaviors. One of the most common causes of these collisions is an improper lookout. Drivers should check their blind spots before making lane changes. However, lazy drivers may fail to check or may only use their mirrors. As a result, they may hit a car that would have been clearly visible if they had turned their head.
Another common cause of lane-change collisions is a failure to signal before changing lanes. Under California law, drivers must signal lane changes and wait until the maneuver can be made safely. If a driver fails to signal or moves without waiting for the way to clear, they violate state law and risk causing a crash.
Drivers can cause lane change crashes when they pass on the right. California law limits when passing on the right is permitted. As a result, many drivers do not expect other vehicles to pass them on the right. A crash might occur when a driver changes lanes into a vehicle attempting to pass them improperly.
Distracted driving can also cause lane-change crashes. Drivers who are distracted or inattentive might not see adjacent vehicles before changing lanes.
What Should I Do After a Lane Change Accident?
The steps you take after a lane change accident can affect your health and your ability to pursue compensation. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911. Request medical assistance if anyone may be hurt.
You should also take steps to document the crash, including:
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Take photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, lane markings, and visible injuries.
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Ask how to obtain a copy of the police accident report.
- Seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries initially seem minor.
- Keep records of your medical treatment, missed work, repair costs, and other accident-related expenses.
Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the collision. Lane change accidents can involve several disputed issues, including whether a driver checked their blind spot, used a turn signal, yielded appropriately, or moved into another vehicle’s lane.
You should also be cautious when speaking with an insurance company after the crash. An insurer may ask for a recorded statement or offer an early settlement before the full extent of your injuries and losses is known. A lawyer can review the circumstances of the collision, preserve available evidence, and explain your options for pursuing compensation.
Contact Our Santa Ana Lane Change Crash Lawyers for Free Consultation
Santa Ana lane change collisions frequently result from driver carelessness, such as failing to check blind spots, signal before merging, or yield to vehicles already occupying a lane. When these crashes cause injuries, the at-fault driver may be responsible for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Contact Robles Babaee, Personal Injury Lawyers, for a free consultation to discuss your crash and your legal options. Our Santa Ana lane change crash attorneys can review the circumstances of the collision, help identify the responsible party, and pursue compensation for the harm you suffered.