Lane Change Crashes in Fort Mitchell
Young drivers are supposed to learn good driving habits. Two of the most important things to do are to check blind spots and leave adequate space when changing lanes. Unfortunately, these are also some of the first tasks many drivers forget.
When drivers get careless or take shortcuts, they can cause lane change crashes in Fort Mitchell, KY. If you’ve been hurt in one of these car accidents, HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers can help you seek compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurer.
Contact our Fort Mitchell car accident attorney at (859) 578-4444 for a free initial consultation to learn more.
How HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Lane Change Collision in Fort Mitchell, KY
For over 30 years, HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers has represented injury victims in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, against those responsible for harming them. Our attorneys have secured hundreds of millions for our clients.Â
Here are a few of the ways we can help if someone else’s careless or wrongful actions injured you:
- Reviewing your case and explaining the steps for pursuing compensation
- Gathering medical records and other evidence for your case
- Filing an insurance claim and trying to resolve it without litigation
- Filing a lawsuit against at-fault parties who refuse to settle fairy
A lane change car accident can leave you with physical disabilities and financial difficulties. Contact our law firm for a free consultation with a Fort Mitchell personal injury attorney to learn how we can secure compensation for your injuries.
What Causes Lane Change Car Accidents in Fort Mitchell, KY?
Lane changes are a common maneuver. However, they require drivers to follow the same steps every time. The driver must check their blind spots, signal, and maneuver while leaving space for the vehicles ahead of and behind them.
Drivers may skip one or more of these steps for the following reasons:
- Carelessness
- Impatience
- Aggressiveness
- Distractions
For example, a driver might slip into autopilot and just glance at their side mirrors rather than looking over their shoulder. Alternatively, an angry driver might zip in and out of traffic, cutting off other vehicles. These scenarios can lead to sideswipe or angle collisions.
Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to lane change crashes, as they’re more difficult for drivers to see. When drivers fail to check their blind spots, they can easily miss motorcyclists and cause accidents when they change lanes.
What Injuries Can Result From Lane Change Crashes?
Lane change accidents can involve sideswipe or angle collisions. If the sides of the vehicles hit each other, the crash energy is relatively low. Some injuries that can result from these crashes include blunt trauma to the head, shoulder, and knees from striking the door. This can bruise soft tissues and hyperextend joints, causing strains.
Angle collisions are much more dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, angle collisions are more than four times as likely to cause injuries than sideswipes.
This type of crash happens when the vehicles collide at an angle rather than side to side. Such accidents can produce more severe injuries because the vehicles’ forward momentum causes the occupants to whip back and forth, potentially resulting in whiplash and concussions.
What Determines the Value of a Car Accident Case?
The value of your accident case depends largely on your injuries. You’ll have more losses and can, therefore, seek greater compensation if you sustained permanent injuries or those that require expensive treatment.
However, various other factors can also come into play when determining your claim’s value. For instance, if you share any blame for the incident, it can reduce the amount you receive.Â
It’s important to work with a Fort Mitchell personal injury lawyer to ensure that you include all damages you’re entitled to.
What Compensation Can Fort Mitchell Car Crash Victims Seek?
You can seek compensation to cover your economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages pay for you:
- Medical bills
- Reimburse you for any lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses.Â
Non-economic damages address the impact of:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- disability in your life.
What Fees Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge?
Car accident lawyers in Kentucky typically charge a contingency fee, which depends on the outcome of your case. Your attorney will receive a percentage of your total award after they achieve a successful settlement or verdict. Since this fee is paid at the end of the case, you won’t have to make any upfront payments.
Can I Get Compensation If the Other Driver Blames Me For the Lane Change Accident?
Kentucky uses pure comparative fault to assign responsibility for a crash. If the victim shares any blame for the lane change accident, the law still allows them to recover compensation, but it is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, a victim can get 75% of their compensation if they’re deemed 25% at fault.
How Long Does Kentucky Give To File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Kentucky typically only gives car accident victims two years to file a lawsuit. However, you should consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible. It’s best to get the process started right away so that your lawyer can gather the evidence and information needed to prove your case.
What Steps Should I Take After a Lane Change Car Accident?
Following a lane change collision, stop at the accident scene and call the police. Sideswipes are often so minor that drivers may be tempted to ignore them and keep driving. However, doing so could constitute a hit-and-run and jeopardize your subsequent injury claim.
You should also document the scene by taking photos and videos of things like vehicle damage, traffic conditions, and other details. Request contact information from any eyewitnesses.Â
Even if you think you are uninjured, it’s wise to see a medical provider to get an assessment. They may discover underlying injuries, and your medical record will provide a tie between those injuries and the crash.Â
Contact Our Fort Mitchell Car Accident Attorneys For a Free Consultation To Discuss Your Lane Change Crash
A car accident can threaten your health, your finances, and your future. Contact HJV Car Accident Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your crash and get the help you need.