Changing lanes on busy roads requires checking that there are no nearby vehicles or hazards that could prevent you from safely making the maneuver. A negligent driver, however, can attempt to change lanes without paying attention to everyone around them, causing serious car accidents that result in all manner of injuries.
Lane change crashes in St. Louis, Missouri, are particularly common, and if you have been hurt in one yourself, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. And at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of St. Louis lane change crash lawyers can guide you through the entire process. Contact us today at (314) 932-1066 for a free consultation.
How Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Lane Change Crash in St. Louis, MO
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our St. Louis car accident attorneys offer a number of services to help you through the claims process, including the following:
- Evaluating your claim
- Investigating the lane change accident
- Gathering evidence to establish liability
- Calculating your damages in full
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies
- Litigating, if settling isn’t possible
For nearly two decades, our firm has been helping the people of St. Louis fight for their rights. Personal injury cases are complex, but we provide free consultations and charge no upfront fees, all to ensure that everyone who needs help can receive it.
Contact our team today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.
How Lane Change Crashes Occur in St. Louis
Lane change accidents are a common cause of collisions in St. Louis, often resulting from a mix of driver mistakes, reckless behavior, and hazardous road conditions.
Below are some of the most common causes:
Driver Error
The majority of lane change accidents in St. Louis are caused by driver error. Reckless motorists may attempt to change lanes without signaling or fail to check their blind spots before making a maneuver. These oversights often lead to collisions that could have easily been avoided with more care and attention.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another major factor in lane change crashes. Missouri law prohibits drivers from holding a phone while operating a vehicle, yet cell phone use behind the wheel remains a problem. Other distractions, such as eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in conversation with passengers, can also take a driver’s focus off the road long enough to cause a serious accident.
Speeding
Speeding adds another dangerous element to lane changes. A driver who cannot complete the maneuver in time may attempt to accelerate, creating a higher risk of losing control. When speeding contributes to a crash, the severity of the impact is often far greater because of the increased force of the collision. Alarmingly, in Missouri, more than a third of all traffic fatalities involve speeding.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigue also plays a significant role in these types of accidents. Drivers who are overly tired often have slower reflexes and impaired coordination. They may misjudge the amount of space available to change lanes safely or fail to remain fully aware of vehicles around them, both of which can result in devastating crashes.
Road Hazards
Finally, lane change accidents sometimes occur when drivers attempt to avoid road hazards. Large potholes, damaged asphalt, or debris in the roadway can force a driver to veer suddenly into another lane. In such situations, not only might the driver be at fault, but government entities responsible for maintaining safe roadways could also share liability.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Lane Change Accident Victims?
If you’ve been injured in a lane change accident in St. Louis, you may be entitled to different types of compensation. These damages are designed to cover both your financial losses and the personal impact of the crash.
Economic Damages
Economic damages reimburse victims for measurable financial losses.
These often include:
- Medical expenses such as hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages during recovery and diminished earning capacity for the future
- Property damage, including repairs or replacement of your vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
These damages help ensure you are not left paying for costs caused by another driver’s negligence.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all harm from a lane change accident is financial. Non-economic damages compensate victims for the intangible ways their lives have been affected, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life if injuries limit daily activities or hobbies
- Loss of companionship or consortium in cases affecting close relationships
These damages recognize the life-changing toll accidents can have beyond just medical bills.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, victims may also pursue punitive damages. Unlike other forms of compensation, these are not meant to reimburse losses. Instead, punitive damages punish drivers whose conduct was especially reckless, such as road rage, drunk driving, or extreme speeding. They also serve as a warning to discourage similar behavior in the future.
Together, these forms of damages provide lane change accident victims with a path toward justice, accountability, and financial recovery.
Contact Our St. Louis Lane Change Crash Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have suffered an injury in a St. Louis lane change crash caused by another party’s conduct, you may be entitled to seek and receive compensation. To have the best chance at recovering what you deserve, though, you’ll need assistance from an experienced attorney.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, our team can fight for your rights so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our St. Louis lane change crash attorneys.
