Unsafe lane changes are a common cause of automobile accidents in and around St. Louis, Missouri.
One of the most common causes of car accidents is unsafe lane changes. Depending on the conditions surrounding this incident, the drivers involved could end up with severe injuries. For this reason, your best bet is to avoid this behavior, especially in the following situations.
Nearly Missing a Freeway Exit
We’ve all been there before. Whether you’re distracted, don’t know where you’re going, or anything other reason, you find yourself a few lanes over from your freeway exit and only a few hundred feet from missing it. Drivers often start to make rapid, unsafe lane changes in this situation. Doing so frequently leads to a ticket or collision.
A Late Decision to Turn
Similar to a freeway exit, people often miss turns on regular streets. The circumstances surrounding the situation are nearly the same, either distraction or confusion, and so is the hazardous result. If you end up in this situation, remember that missing a turn is not the end of the world. In fact, it should only delay you a minute or two at most.
Being Stuck in Traffic
Anyone who drives frequently knows the frustration of being stuck in traffic. Even worse, it often seems like the lane you’re in is going slower than the others around it. In extreme cases, you might be entirely stopped while the cars next to you flow freely. Drivers frequently make quick lane changes in these situations but find that the speed of the other lane is too high to fit in to seamlessly.
An Aggressive Episode
Road rage is one of the most significant driving safety issues, and part of the reason is that aggressive drivers make unsafe lane changes. Because they want to go faster than traffic speed, they may choose to weave in and out of lanes dangerously.
When Your Blind Spot is Occupied
One of the biggest mistakes drivers regularly make is not checking their blind spot. Then, when they try to change lanes, they collide with another vehicle. The truth is that any lane change that doesn’t involve checking your blind spot is dangerous, so be sure to always complete that task first.
Hazard Avoidance
This is the one scenario that may justify an “unsafe lane change.” The reason is that sometimes you must choose a lesser danger over one right before you. Two typical examples are cars stopping quickly in front of you and debris falling on the road. While a dangerous lane change is never optimal, it might be necessary to avoid a collision.
Injuries Resulting From an Unsafe Lane Change Accident
An unsafe lane change car accident can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries in these accidents include:
If you have been injured in an accident caused by an unsafe lane change, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not think you have been seriously injured or do not display any symptoms, you should seek treatment to ensure any injuries that are not readily apparent are properly treated and do not become more severe over time.
Unsafe Lane Change Car Accidents
Making unsafe lane changes while driving can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents. When a driver makes an unsafe lane change, they often end up cutting off other drivers, merging into traffic without sufficient space, or changing lanes without signaling. These actions can cause other drivers to have to react quickly and make sudden changes to their own driving, potentially causing a dangerous collision. Additionally, making an unsafe lane change can cause the driver who made the change to lose control of their own vehicle, potentially leading to a single-vehicle accident. It is important for all drivers to carefully assess their surroundings and make sure they have enough space and time to change lanes safely. This can be done by checking your blind spot, confirming that you have ample room on all sides of you, using your turn signal, and retaining your speed throughout.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers
While you may do your best to drive safely and avoid making unsafe lane changes, other drivers may not. This could result in you being involved in a car accident.
If you are involved in a car accident caused by another driver who made an unsafe lane change, you should consider seeking legal representation from an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer. Your attorney can help you understand your rights and options, as well as represent your interests as you pursue compensation for your losses.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
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