Philadelphia Lane Change Accidents Lawyer

Improper lane changes are one of the most common causes of car accidents in Philadelphia. If you were injured in such an accident, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Our Philadelphia lane change accident lawyers at Rosenbaum Injury Law can help you understand your legal options.

How Do Lane Change Accidents Happen and Who is Usually at Fault?

Pennsylvania law requires drivers to remain within a single lane and avoid moving from that lane until the change can be made safely. Drivers must also signal before changing lanes to decrease the risk of a collision while shifting lanes.

Lane change crashes usually result from:

• A driver changing lanes without signaling
• A driver merging without checking their mirrors or blind spots
• Two vehicles that attempt to enter the same lane at the same time
• A vehicle cutting across several lanes in one maneuver
• A vehicle sideswiping another car
• A driver forcing another motorist off the road or into another lane

The driver who changed lanes and caused a crash is often at fault for the resulting injuries. However, that is not always the case. Another motorist may have contributed to the collision by speeding, blocking the merge, or drifting across the lane line. In some crashes, both drivers share responsibility, and damages are apportioned based on each driver’s share of fault.

What Injuries Do Lane Change Accidents Cause?

Many lane change collisions are sideswipes, but they can also transform into a rollover crash, rear-end collision, or even a multi-vehicle wreck. A driver may also lose control and strike a stationary object.

Common injuries from these collisions include:

• Whiplash/neck injuries
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Shoulder and knee injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Internal organ damage

If you suffered these or other injuries in a lane change crash, you could be entitled to significant compensation for the resulting losses. An experienced Philly lane change accident attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered After a Lane Change Crash?

Under Pennsylvania law, your compensation award should account for the full effect of the accident, in financial and personal terms. Economic damages are available to address your monetary losses, while non-economic damages are designed to cover your personal pain and suffering.

Depending on your injuries and insurance coverage, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Past medical bills
• Future medical care
• Rehabilitation
• Lost income
• Reduced earning ability
• Vehicle damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring or permanent disability
• Loss of quality of life

Importantly, Pennsylvania drivers who selected limited tort coverage for their insurance may face restrictions on recovering compensation for pain and suffering (unless they sustained a serious injury or qualify for an exception). A Philadelphia lane change accident lawyer can review the available policies and determine which damages you may pursue.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Philadelphia?

In Pennsylvania, you’ll generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident resulted in wrongful death, that deadline is still two years, but starting on the date of death.

If you miss the relevant deadline for your claim, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will have no recourse for recovering compensation. That’s why you should contact our Philadelphia lane change accident lawyers today for help getting your claim started.