Lane-change accidents occur when one driver veers into another lane without warning or fails to yield to oncoming traffic. They can be a nightmare for any driver, not just because of the immediate danger but also because of the legal tangle that often follows.
Picture this: You’re cruising down the highway, the wind in your hair and your favorite tunes blasting through the speakers. Suddenly, the tranquility is shattered by the screech of tires and the sickening crunch of metal on metal. You’ve just been involved in a lane-change accident—a scenario all too familiar on Missouri’s roads.
A lane-changing accident in Missouri, reported in June 2023, resulted in three men being hospitalized. It took place on the US-50 in Johnson County, where Karl Cannon, a 60-year-old Sedalia resident, was changing lanes in his Cadillac CTS. Cannon lost control midway, when his car traveled off-road, crashing into a parked pickup truck – a Dodge Ram 2500.
Stephen Cozac and Logan Dunbar, the occupants of the pickup truck, also suffered injuries alongside Cannon and were sent to a nearby hospital soon afterward.
As these accidents become increasingly common in the Show-Me State, they raise a crucial question – who’s to blame when the lanes blur and chaos ensues? Today, we’re going to dive headfirst into this question to better understand the liabilities behind lane-change accidents in Missouri.
Determining Liability in Lane-Change Accidents – Factors Considered by Courts
TorHoerman Law notes that while being in a car is scary enough, its aftermath can be incredibly overwhelming. This involves liability determination, especially in lane-change accidents.
Figuring out who’s at fault in a lane-change accident can feel like solving a complex puzzle. Courts in Missouri look at several key factors to determine liability, and understanding these can help you make sense of the process.
Evidence of Negligence
First and foremost, evidence of negligence is crucial. After all, what is negligence if not one’s failure to act with care that’s only reasonable in such circumstances? In the context of a lane-change accident, this could mean anything from not using turn signals to switching lanes recklessly.
Proving that the other driver was negligent takes you one step ahead in establishing liability. This might involve gathering photographs from the scene, traffic camera footage, or presenting damage to the vehicles that indicate a sudden and unsafe lane change.
A recent example of an unsafe lane change accident was reported in St. Louis last month. It involved a Volvo tractor – a semi-truck – trying to make an unsafe lane change on Interstate 255, colliding into a Mercury Grand Marquis. The collision impacted the sedan significantly, causing it to spin in a circle, after which it veered off the road and hit a concrete wall.
As the sedan returned to the road, the semi-truck collided with it for a second time – on the passenger’s side this time. Both the driver and the passenger in the sedan incurred serious injuries and had to be sent to hospital immediately.
If you’re ever in place of the Grand Marquis passengers, do you know who can help you following your recovery? A car accident lawyer in St. Louis, who will not only answer all your questions but also get you the rightful compensation without hassle.
Traffic Laws and Regulation
Next up, traffic laws and regulations play a significant role. Missouri has specific rules about how and when drivers can change lanes. For instance, drivers are required to signal their intentions and ensure that the lane they’re moving into is clear. If a driver violates these rules and causes an accident, the court is likely to find them at fault.
Familiarizing yourself with these regulations can be a game-changer when discussing liability. So, if the other driver didn’t signal or merged into your lane when it wasn’t safe, these violations can strongly support your case.
Witness Testimony
Finally, never underestimate the power of witness testimony. Eyewitnesses can provide an unbiased account of what happened, which can be incredibly persuasive in court.
If there were any bystanders or other drivers who saw the accident, their statements could help clarify who was at fault. Sometimes, the smallest detail—a sudden swerve, the lack of a signal—can tip the scales in determining liability. Getting contact information from witnesses at the scene can provide invaluable support for your case later on.
Precautions to Minimize Liability
No one wants to deal with the aftermath of a lane-change accident. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can keep you safe and minimize your liability.
Here are some practical tips to help you stay on the right side of the law and out of trouble on the road:
Defensive Driving Tips
Think of defensive driving as your superpower on the road. It’s all about being proactive and ready for anything.
You must always be on the lookout while changing lanes. Also, keep in mind that tailgating is a disaster waiting to happen in such scenarios. Leave plenty of room to react safely if the car in front of you suddenly stops or swerves.
Lastly, assume other drivers might not see you or could make sudden moves. Be ready for anything!
Signaling and Checking Blind Spots
Proper signaling and checking blind spots are key to safe lane changes. It’s always safer to signal in advance before making a lane change. It gives other drivers ample time to notice and drive accordingly.
Another thing you must do before changing lanes is check your rearview and side mirrors to ensure the coast is clear. Simply relying on mirrors isn’t always enough. Take a quick peep over your shoulder. Catch any vehicles lurking in your blind spots? Give them a minute before you move ahead.
An incident where the driver of a tractor-trailer changed lanes without checking the coast on I-70 ended up taking a woman’s life. The accident occurred in February, near the I-70/64 interchange before Lake Saint Louis Boulevard. The tractor-trailer that was changing lanes hit a Ford Mustang before the driver could realize it, sending both vehicles off the road in the process.
Christine Schneider, a 60-year-old passenger in the Mustang, was ejected from her car and killed in the crash. The accident also led to the road being blocked off for four hours.
Ultimately, remember that while changing lanes, smooth and steady wins the race. Make gradual lane changes to avoid startling other drivers.
Legal Obligations of Safe Lane Changes
Knowing and following the rules of the road is essential for any driver. Missouri law requires you to signal before changing lanes and make sure the lane is clear before you move over.
You must always yield to the cars already in the lane you’re entering. This is because the law dictates that they have the right of way, and not yielding can lead to violations and liability.
Constant lane switching, especially in heavy traffic, is also highly risky. So, it’s more sensible to stick to your lane unless it’s necessary to change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Missouri Law allow lane splitting for motorcyclists?
Also referred to as “white-lining,” lane splitting is a practice popular among motorcyclists where they drive between two rows of vehicles or lanes in traffic. While the Missouri Law doesn’t ban it expressly, it’s still a dangerous practice that should be avoided.
How do I merge into a lane safely?
To merge into a lane safely, you must check for a safe gap in the traffic of that lane. Then, match your speed with the vehicles on it. With your signal turned on and the blind spots checked, you can merge into the lane.
What is a sideswipe accident?
Sideswipe accidents are accidents where two vehicles collide side-by-side, whether they’re traveling in the same or opposite directions. These accidents generally occur when one of them moves out of the lane when it isn’t safe to do so.
To sum up, lane-change accidents can be a headache, but understanding who’s liable and taking steps to protect yourself can make a lot of difference. By practicing defensive driving, always signaling and checking your blind spots, and following traffic laws, you can minimize your liability on the road.
