Changing lanes should be a simple part of driving, but careless driving can often cause devastating car accidents in Columbus, Georgia. A driver who fails to check blind spots, signal properly, or yield to oncoming traffic can easily cause a collision. If you were hurt in one of these wrecks, a Columbus car accident lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
At Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm, we focus on protecting accident victims throughout Georgia. Our firm is led by attorney Mark Casto, who has earned respect for his trial skills and dedication to client advocacy.
Call us today at (706) 940-4030 to schedule your free consultation with a Columbus lane change crash lawyer.
Why Choose Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for Help After a Lane Change Crash in Columbus, GA?
In Columbus, GA, insurance companies often dispute lane-change accidents. They may try to argue that you caused the wreck or share the blame. Having an experienced attorney on your side ensures that your rights are protected.
Attorney Mark Casto offers:
- Decades of experience: 26 years of legal experience.
- Proven results: Tens of millions recovered for injured clients.
- Respected reputation: AV-Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell for legal ability and ethics.
- Personal attention: As a solo Columbus personal injury attorney, he handles each case directly and ensures clients always know where their case stands.
This personalized representation helps level the playing field against large insurance companies. Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm today to speak to a Columbus lane change crash attorney.
Common Causes of Lane Change Accidents in Columbus
Improper lane changes can happen for various reasons, but most involve negligence.
Common causes include:
- Failure to check blind spots before merging
- Not using turn signals to indicate lane changes
- Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting a GPS
- Speeding or changing lanes too quickly
- Aggressive driving, like weaving in and out of traffic
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fatigue, which slows reaction times and leads to mistakes
Any of these actions can cause serious crashes, especially on busy highways or in heavy traffic.
Injuries Often Caused by Lane Change Crashes
Even a sideswipe or rear-end collision caused by a bad lane change can result in major injuries.
Victims often suffer:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe cuts, bruises, or scarring
- Wrongful death
These injuries may require extensive medical care, time away from work, or long-term rehabilitation. A Columbus personal injury lawyer can work with doctors and medical experts to build a strong case that includes compensation for all of your accident injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Lane Change Crash?
In most cases, the driver who made the unsafe lane change is responsible for the crash.
However, other parties may also share liability, including:
- Commercial trucking companies, if their drivers caused the crash while working
- Employers of negligent drivers operating company vehicles
- Vehicle manufacturers, if defective mirrors, cameras, or safety systems contributed
- Government agencies responsible for dangerous road designs or poor maintenance
Georgia applies a modified comparative fault rule with a 50% bar. This means you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault, but your award can be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. If you are found 50% or more responsible, you likely cannot recover compensation.
A Columbus car accident attorney can investigate to determine all potentially liable parties and help protect you against any unfair blame-shifting tactics.
What Compensation Is Available to Columbus Lane Change Accident Victims?
If you were hurt in a Columbus lane change crash, you may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages.
These can include compensation for:
- Medical bills, including hospital care, surgeries, rehab, and medications
- Lost wages if you had to miss work during recovery
- Reduced earning ability if you cannot return to your job
- Pain and suffering for physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed in the crash
Attorney Mark Casto can assess the extent of your injuries and calculate the full scope of your damages, aiming to secure a fair settlement or verdict that reflects the true value of your losses.
Steps to Take After a Lane Change Crash in Columbus
What you do after a collision can strengthen or weaken your case.
After a lane change accident, you can protect yourself if you:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help
- Get medical attention immediately, even for minor symptoms
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries
- Gather witness names and contact details
- Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer
- Contact a Columbus car accident attorney to protect your rights
The sooner you act, the easier it is for your attorney to preserve evidence and help you build a strong case.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Georgia
Under Georgia law, you generally have two years to file a personal injury claim and two years to file a wrongful death claim (with some exceptions). Missing these deadlines may prevent you from recovering compensation in court.
How a Lane Change Crash Lawyer Can Help
When you hire Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm, you get full representation.
Our process includes:
- Investigating the crash and gathering evidence
- Working with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Handling all communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Taking your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
With decades of experience, Mark Casto knows how to take on insurance companies and fight for the best results for his clients.
Contact a Columbus Lane Change Crash Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a lane change accident in Columbus, you don’t have to face the aftermath on your own. Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm today. Mark Casto is ready to listen to your story, explain your rights, and pursue the justice you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation today to speak directly with a Columbus lane change crash lawyer.
