Unsafe Lane Change Accident Attorneys
Last updated on August 28, 2024
For 73 years, our attorneys at Johnson, Mulholland, Cochrane, Cochrane, Yung & Engler, P.L.C., have been serving Fort Dodge, Gowrie and surrounding communities in Iowa. We’re deeply rooted in this community, and our lawyers understand the unique challenges faced by local residents involved in traffic accidents.
Recent data from the Iowa Department of Transportation’s 2019-2023 safety report highlights a concerning trend: lane departures are among the top three causes of traffic-related injuries or deaths in Webster County. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing unsafe lane changes and their consequences.
An unsafe lane change occurs when a driver moves from one lane to another without proper caution, often failing to signal, check blind spots or yield to other vehicles. These actions can lead to severe accidents, especially on our busy local roads.
Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule in traffic accident cases. This means that if you’re involved in an accident caused by an unsafe lane change, you may be eligible for compensation as long as you’re less than 51% at fault. Our attorneys are well-versed in Iowa’s rules of the road and can help you navigate this complex legal landscape.
Lane Change Crash Causes In Webster County
Understanding the common causes of lane change accidents can help prevent future incidents and strengthen potential legal claims. In Webster County, we’ve observed several recurring factors:
- Speeding and weaving between lanes: Drivers who exceed speed limits often make abrupt lane changes, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Inexperienced young drivers: New drivers may lack familiarity with local roads or awareness of surrounding vehicles, leading to poor judgment in lane changes.
- Older drivers with diminished awareness: Some senior drivers may have reduced reaction times or overconfidence, resulting in unsafe lane maneuvers.
- Distracted driving: Use of phones, adjusting in-car equipment or focusing on external distractions can lead to careless lane changes.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use significantly impairs a driver’s ability to change lanes safely.
Each of these factors can result in catastrophic accidents, causing severe injuries and, in tragic cases, fatalities. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving these circumstances and are prepared to advocate for your rights.
Compensation For Serious Injuries After A Lane Change Accident
If you’ve been injured in a lane change accident, you may be able to claim several types of compensation. These can include:
- Medical expenses (current and future): This includes costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy and any ongoing medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: We can help you recover income lost due to time off work for recovery. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, we’ll also factor in potential future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: This noneconomic damage compensates you for the excruciating pain and emotional distress you’ve suffered as a result of the accident and from your injuries.
- Property damage: We’ll work to ensure you receive fair compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement, as well as any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Loss of consortium: In cases where injuries significantly impact marital relationships, compensation may be available for loss of companionship, affection or support.
- Rehabilitation costs: If your injuries require long-term rehabilitation or adaptive equipment, we’ll pursue compensation to cover these expenses.
- Home modification expenses: For severe injuries requiring home adaptations (like wheelchair ramps), we’ll seek compensation for these necessary changes.
Our lawyers work tirelessly to pursue effective strategies for success in your case. We conduct thorough investigations, consult with experts and negotiate with insurance companies to seek fair compensation for our clients.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a serious accident can take on you and your family. Our attorneys are committed to providing personalized attention to each case, ensuring that your unique circumstances are fully considered in our legal strategy.
Start Your Path To Compensation
If you or a loved one has been involved in an unsafe lane change accident in Fort Dodge, Gowrie or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our firm offers free consultations for personal injury cases, including those involving traffic accidents.
Contact our Fort Dodge office at 515-639-3124 or our Gowrie office at 515-346-6346 to schedule your consultation. Let our experienced attorneys guide you through this challenging time and work toward achieving your legal goals.
At Johnson, Mulholland, Cochrane, Cochrane, Yung & Engler, P.L.C., we’re not just your lawyers – we’re your neighbors, committed to serving our community and upholding justice for local residents like you.