In Tampa, the ratio of cars to pedestrians is relatively high. When you look at the ridiculously high number of car accidents that happen in Tampa and across Florida, it is easy to see why Florida is one of the most dangerous places in the country to be a driver or a pedestrian. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), over 400,000 accidents happen every single year in the sunshine state, with 200,000 hits and runs and nearly 3,600 deaths.
On top of those statistics, Florida also has the world’s largest rental car hub, and every single day thousands of tourists hire cars here, adding even more drivers to Tampa’s already busy roads. This is why improper lane changes can potentially have such catastrophic consequences in Tampa, Florida.
If you have been injured as a result of an improper lane change in Sarasota county, or you are being accused of doing so, the best thing you can do is to contact a skilled personal injury lawyer. Here at The Law Place, we have years of experience dealing with both sides of incidents like this. Get in touch today for a free consultation with a Tampa personal injury lawyer by calling (813) 544-4444.
A Common Mistake to Make
Improper lane changes are an easy mistake to make, and a common one at that. They happen quickly and often without much effort. All it takes is a split-second distraction, a text message, or eating some food, and you might not spot the car in your blind spot. These accidents can end up being nastier than they should because both parties are completely unaware of what is about to happen, leaving neither party with enough time to react.
Improper lane changes can end in horrible injury and can ruin the lives of the parties involved. In a study conducted in 2014, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) found that drivers fail to indicate their lane change in almost 50% of all lane changes.
Examples of Improper Lane Changes
There are several different ways that you can change lanes improperly. These are the most common ones we see in the Tampa area:
- Changing lanes when other drivers have restricted views of what you are doing.
- Forgetting to check mirrors and blind spots for cars.
- Failing to use your indicators to signal a lane change.
- Taking up two lanes for a long period of time.
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What Are the Penalties for Unsafe Lane Change Accidents?
Changing lanes improperly is one of the most common types of accidents we see here in Tampa, Florida. The penalties here range from tickets to citations in terms of local punishment. If your accident has caused injuries to another party, it gets more complicated and more costly.
If you are found negligent, and your negligence is seen to have caused an injury, you may be liable to pay for the following damages:
- Medical expenses – Any medical bills that have been incurred since the accident, including ambulances, surgeries, and medication.
- Future bills – If a medical professional has decided that you will have long term injuries as a result of the car accident, this will be calculated.
- Loss of enjoyment – If the accident has caused someone to change their life so that they cannot do what they normally enjoy.
- Property Damage – Car repairs and anything in the car that was broken.
- House/car alterations – If the patient has become disabled as a result of the accident, the costs to adapt their house for a new style of living.
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How to Avoid Committing Improper Lane Change Infringements
Everyone knows the importance of correctly indicating that they want to change lanes, you learn it in your driver’s education. Lots of us still commit minor incidents, like forgetting to indicate every day.
Here are some tips to minimize your chances of being punished:
- Yield when merging – You have a duty to yield when you are merging. You should never push in or do anything dangerous when two lanes become a single one. Follow the right of way and wait for the correct and lawful time to merge.
- Turn signals – Your turn signals are there for a reason. You must use your turn signal every single time you make any change of lane or direction without fail. If a driver is in your blind spot, they might see what you plan to do, even if you have not noticed them. Try and use your signal a few moments in advance to turning too.
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What Will a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
When you are making a car accident personal injury claim, your Tampa car accident case is going to depend heavily on how prepared you are in terms of evidence and knowledge of car accident and personal injury law.
This is why it is massively beneficial for most people to get a free consultation and hire a car accident lawyer for their car accident case. Your accident attorneys will know Florida law inside and out and will have dealt with accident victims and accident cases just like yours before.
First things first, you will be called in for a free consultation. During this free consultation, you will get some honest and free advice regarding your case. If you then decide to hire us, we will begin investigating and liaising with all parties involved so you can relax and focus on your health.
We will speak to witnesses and investigate the accident. After this, we will use the information to build a case for you. With this strong case, we will have a position of power to negotiate from and will send a settlement demand to the other party. If they send back a fair and reasonable offer and you agree to it, you get your money, and we take our fee.
If you do not find the settlement sum agreeable, then we will use your case to fight for your compensation in court. Most cases settle before this point, as insurance companies do not want to fight against skilled car accident lawyers.
Here at The Law Place, we have dealt with cases like yours across the entire state of Florida. We know Florida law and know how to navigate it successfully in order to maximize your compensation claim.
Our phone lines are open 24/7, get in touch today, and find out how we can help you. Simply call us on (813) 544-4444.
