Unsafe Lane Changes

When drivers act carelessly without paying proper attention to motorcyclists, serious accidents and severe injuries can result. When a car or truck changes lanes unsafely, the consequences for a motorcycle rider can be disastrous. Motorcyclists hurt by dangerous drivers in Miami and elsewhere in South Florida can consult motorcycle accident attorney for help in seeking compensation. The Law Offices of Robert Dixon spares no effort in ensuring that motorists responsible for a crash are held accountable for the harm that they caused.

All cars and trucks have blind spots, which are areas of the road that cannot be viewed in any mirror. If a driver fails to check these spots before changing lanes, he or she could end up striking a motorcyclist travelling lawfully within that space. Blind spots can be large or numerous, depending on the car or truck, and a motorcycle can easily go unnoticed on many stretches of road.

No matter how many precautions a motorcyclist takes, drivers may still make unsafe lane changes that result in serious injuries. Unsafe lane changes can be a result of numerous factors, including a driver distracted by his or her phone, a tired truck driver, or aggressive driving. A careless driver can be held accountable for his or her actions if they result in a crash.

All motorists have a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent driver would in similar circumstances. If a truck or car driver unsafely changes lanes, he or she may be held liable for any collision that results from this carelessness. In such situations, an injured motorcyclist must show that the driver acted in a negligent manner. This means that the victim needs to show that:

• The driver had a duty to exercise reasonable care;
• That duty was breached by behavior such as making a dangerous lane change;
• The breach caused injury to the victim; and
• The victim incurred damages as a result.

Once these elements are shown, a driver can be held accountable for any negligent actions and may be required to pay compensation to the injured person. Drivers are required to make safe and appropriate lane changes, meaning they must stay in their own lane and only change if it can be done in a safe manner. An unsafe lane change that results in a motorcycle collision could be a sign of negligence.

Even if a motorcyclist was also at fault in causing the crash, he or she still may be able to collect damages. Florida is a comparative negligence state, meaning that damages will be evaluated based on the percentage of fault attributable to each party. Even if you were mostly at fault, you may recover damages proportionate to the other driver’s negligence. After liability is established, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, loss of income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage to the motorcycle, and lost wages, among other types of damages. In some cases, you may consider asking for punitive damages if the other driver’s actions were especially reckless.

Drivers who act carelessly on the road should be held accountable for injuries caused by their actions. If you’ve been injured near Miami after a motorist dangerously changed lanes, the skilled injury lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule a free consultation regarding your motorcycle accident. Please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online for an initial consultation with no cost or obligation for you.