Unraveling Responsibility: Who’s at Fault in a Lane Change Collision?

Changing lanes on a road is possibly one of the riskiest things a person can do. Although it might seem like a simple process, actually doing it securely requires some attention to detail and experience. Unfortunately, lane-change-related incidents happen often all over the U.S. Recently there was a lane change accident involving a pedestrian that led to debate of who is at fault.

In this article, we will talk about the lane change accident that almost killed two sisters on the road due to lane changes. As you may know, whenever there is a car accident, the police usually come to assess the damage and investigate. This is to find out who is at fault, and oftentimes, things like this are caused by one driver. 

It is possible, nevertheless, that other drivers contributed to the collision to differing extents. Situations like this can be complicated and confusing, especially when it comes to getting paid through an insurance settlement.

So in this case, our famous accident attorney Ugo Lord talks about who can be at fault in lane-change accidents that happen on public roads.

How to Identify Who Is Responsible for Accidents Caused by Lane-Changing

Who has the right-of-way when two drivers—one in the left lane and the other in the right lane—want to be in the middle lane? The freedom to choose your lane swiftly devolves into chaos when you have to share the numerous lanes with other cars and there is no established protocol for doing so. This is similar to what happened with the two sisters during the lane change accident.

The video shows two sisters were driving safely when the lane change accident happened. Two cameras captured the whole scene; one exterior and the other interior.  

Now, if you watch the video closely and slowly, you will see that the driving sister attempted to change to the right middle lane but later changed her mind and stayed on the left lane number one.  As a result, the sedan from behind collided with them. 

So, Who Is To Be Blamed?

The sedan followed the two sisters’ vehicle at a high pace, as seen by the interior camera. According to TikTok attorney Ugo Lord, the blue sedan is responsible for the damages. This is because, despite their initial decision to switch to the right lane, the sisters never left the left lane; hence, the sedan was not supposed to overtake them.

Common Right-of-Way Situations in California

If a driver or pedestrian has the right of way, it means that they get to be the first or the next party in a sequence to proceed. In some cases, the right of way is determined by automation, such as stoplights, draw bridges, and train track crossing signals. But frequently, the right of way is determined by memorized road rules that all drivers must follow.

Left Turns

If you want to make a left turn at an intersection, you will typically be the last in line in the right-of-way hierarchy. Ahead of you would be oncoming traffic as well as pedestrians crossing the street. However, if a traffic arrow controls your advance, no oncoming traffic or pedestrians should exist.

U-Turns

U-turn right-of-way rules are pretty much identical to left-turn ones. The oncoming vehicle will have the right of way unless the person making a U-turn does so on the command of a green arrow. Pedestrians should not figure in the equation of a U-turn whatsoever. All of these are in a bid to avoid a lane change accident.

Uncontrolled Intersection

Uncontrolled intersections have no signs or lights. Instead, drivers must interpret the situation based on the rules of the road to decide who goes first. Generally speaking, a driver who arrives at an intersection must yield to already there drivers. If two drivers arrive simultaneously, the driver to the right will usually have the right of way.

Controlled Intersection

Various levels of controls may exist at an intersection, including stop lights, stop and yield signs, and other markings. Regarding traffic lights, one of the main confusions pertains to right-hand turns. California allows drivers to make a right-hand turn at a red light. 

When this occurs, the driver making the right-hand turn must cede the right of way to other traffic, including pedestrians and vehicles engaged in left-hand turns.

Regarding signs, some intersections have up to four stop signs. Generally, the person arriving at the stop sign first takes precedence. After that, drivers the right of way is in sequential order. If a driver faces a yield sign, that driver does not have the right of way, but they need not stop if they can proceed safely.

Knowing the Fundamentals of Traffic Lanes to Avoid Lane-Change Collisions

The most well-known traffic lane regulations are as follows: never turn in front of an oncoming vehicle without using your turn signal, stay in the left lane when passing, stay in the right lane if you are a slow driver, and don’t follow other vehicles too closely. 

Although numerous governments have implemented a “right-of-way” policy, such as at T-intersections, each state can establish its traffic law. The duty to drive safely rests with all drivers. As a driver, you know that the right-of-way belongs to the vehicle that is already in the lane, as previously mentioned. This will help you avoid lane change accidents.

Nevertheless, if a driver’s actions make it difficult for other drivers to pass in their lane, they can be held accountable if any accident occurs. To close the distance and prevent other cars from passing them, some drivers speed up inappropriately, just like what the sedan did in the video above that resulted in the collision.

Crucial Safety Guidance to Keep in Mind When Changing Lanes

It can be intimidating to merge into another lane, particularly if you’re new to the driving world. However, putting safety first will help a lot: 

• Only move into the lane when it’s safe to proceed.

• Make sure there is sufficient room to enter the lane. 

• If it’s safe to do so, try to keep up with the other cars in the lane.

It’s crucial to remember that you should always put safety first, even when you have the right of way. This way, you’re less likely to get involved in a lane change accident.