Who is at Fault in a Car Accident When Changing Lanes in Virginia?

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Who is at Fault in a Car Accident When Changing Lanes in Virginia?

Car Accident Info

Crashes involving lane changes result in sideswipe accidents. Determining who is at fault may depend on the situation, but it is generally the driver initiating the lane change. They are supposed to make sure they can make the lane change safely before moving their car. There are circumstances in which two drivers attempt to change lanes at the same time. In this case, both drivers may share fault for the accident.

The car accident lawyers at Rutter Mills can help determine who was at fault for the crash and fight aggressively with the insurance company so you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Virginia Law Changes Regulations

In Virginia, drivers are supposed to check their rear and sideview mirrors before changing lanes, and they must indicate this using their turn signal. Drivers on a multi-lane highway should only use the left lane for passing, remaining in the right lane otherwise. Changes to the law make drivers caught passing on the right subject to fines and penalties. Slower vehicles in the left lane cause other drivers to attempt passing on the right, a situation making sideswipe crashes more likely.

Other Factors Determining Fault After a Car Accident

Other factors may affect the liability of the driver who was not changing lanes. For example, if that driver were texting while driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or otherwise not obeying the rules of the road– it is arguable that the accident would not have occurred. In addition, some drivers may deliberately attempt to keep a car from making a lane change.

Exactly which party is at fault for a lane change accident is not always immediately apparent, which is why a full investigation is necessary. A good car accident lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, including obtaining any available video footage, interviewing eyewitnesses, and using accident reconstruction specialists to examine the damage on the vehicles.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents may cause serious injuries or death. The victim’s car may strike other vehicles or leave the road entirely. These collisions may lead to a chain reaction of crashes.

Contact Rutter Mills for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a car accident as a result of another driver’s improper lane change, you need the services of a dedicated car accident attorney at Rutter Mills. Contact us 24/7 by text or phone or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

After evaluating your case, we will let you know the next steps to take. We can get to work immediately gathering the evidence needed to prove exactly who’s fault the accident was. Since we work on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless you receive compensation, so call today.

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