When you’re on the road, you’re bound to need to change lanes. However, if you’re moving into an adjacent lane without your turn signals, you may wind up in a car accident. If that happens, you might be wondering who is at fault, and with the laws in Texas, you may share some of the blame.
Even if you habitually use your signal to indicate a lane change, other drivers may not. If you’re involved in a car accident while changing lanes, it’s vital to know your legal rights. Angel Reyes & Associates provides legal support to injured victims in these situations. Below, we provide a greater understanding of what an unsafe lane change violation is, what you can do if you’re involved in a lane change accident, and how our Texas car accident law offices can help.
Understanding Unsafe Lane Changes in Texas
An unsafe lane change is when a driver switches lanes on a road with multiple lanes without taking the necessary precautions that a reasonable driver would. According to the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545, this is what all drivers need to know to avoid a lane change accident and abide by the rules of the road:
Stay in One Lane
Any driver operating on a road that has two or more lanes must stay in that lane, as taking up two or more lanes is a violation. With motorcycles, they aren’t permitted to split lanes.
Don’t Switch Lanes Unless It’s Safe
Drivers must stay in their single lane until the time in which it’s appropriate to complete a lane change safely without the risk of colliding with another motor vehicle, pedestrian, or object.
Know How to Behave on Roads with Three or More Lanes
A driver must stay in his or her single lane if the road has three clearly marked lanes and allows two-way traffic, avoiding the center lane unless they’re passing another vehicle, making a left turn, or if there’s a traffic control device that permits this type of action.
Additionally, according to the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 544, a Texas city has the right to place official traffic-control devices directing slower-moving vehicles to use a designated lane, move in a particular direction, or prohibit the changing of lanes on a section of the roadway.
Examples of Unsafe Lane Changes
Changing lanes properly and in accordance with the rules of the road is imperative for preventing a lane change accident. Every driver should make sure that they’re using care when they change lanes to avoid becoming a car accident statistic.
The most common example of an unsafe lane change is when a driver changes lanes without engaging turn signals to indicate their intent. Other drivers fail to ensure the safety of this maneuver before they change lanes or do so abruptly, forcing the drivers of other vehicles to slam on their brakes or swerve out of the way and potentially causing a car accident. Changing lanes too quickly or simultaneously with another driver are other examples.
Legal Consequences of Unsafe Lane Changes
There are many consequences for drivers who fail to abide by these traffic laws. A driver found making an unsafe lane change may receive a ticket along with a fine up to $200. This will also lead to two points adding to the driving record of the driver committing this infraction.
If a driver has accumulated four or more violations, such as unsafe lane changes or other moving violations within one year, they will have their driver’s license suspended. These violations will also impact insurance premiums with higher prices, though the biggest consequence is if an unsafe lane change accident occurs. The at-fault driver—the one who committed the maneuver—would be held responsible for compensating the other driver.
Your Rights After an Unsafe Lane Change Accident
Many auto accidents are caused by vehicles that switch over multiple lanes without ensuring sufficient space among the surrounding vehicles. If you’re in a lane change accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses caused by the at-fault driver.
You also have the right to legal representation to navigate the process of your injury claim from this lane change accident. An attorney can help you establish fault while ensuring you aren’t falsely blamed by the other party. They will gather evidence, including the police reports, traffic camera footage, your medical records, photos, videos, witness statements, and accident reconstruction provided by experts, to prove you deserve fair compensation.
Preventive Measures for Safe Driving
Movement safely between lanes is often required in any commute. Taking the right care to do it properly will avoid issues with the police and moving violations. It may also help to read our blog about reckless driving to avoid those behaviors, though these tips apply to lane changes:
Always Signal
Before you make your move, put your signal on to let those behind you in traffic know of your intentions.
Check Your Blind Spots
It should be noted that even though you put your signal on, this doesn’t automatically give you the right of way. Always check to make sure you’re clear and have enough space to get over first.
Never Change Lanes at Intersections
When you approach an intersection, stay in your lane. Don’t attempt to change lanes while you’re in the middle of an intersection, or you could cause a crash.
Pass Properly
If you’re on a road that permits passing vehicles in the opposing lane, take your time to avoid misjudging approaching traffic.
Yield to Vehicles in the Lane
The vehicle that’s already in that lane has the right of way. Make sure you’re aware of this when you’re merging or changing lanes.
How an Attorney Can Help You Establish Fault and Recover Compensation
Accidents between two vehicles that involve lane changes often result in a lot of finger-pointing. It will take an investigation and evidence to prove what truly happened and establish fault. Since the laws in Texas allow for shared blame, you will want to protect your legal rights through representation to avoid incurring unwarranted blame.
Angel Reyes & Associates has office locations in four of Texas’s major cities, making it convenient for injured victims to schedule a free consultation. Schedule one today, and you’ll learn more about your legal options and how you may be able to hold the other party responsible for your injuries and damages.
