Illinois, like most states, has traffic laws designed to maintain order on the roads and prevent accidents. Changing lanes, when done carelessly, can quickly lead to devastating car accidents.
An improper lane change in Chicago is one of the causes of car accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident due to an unsafe lane change, an experienced car accident attorney in Chicago can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your losses.
Improper Lane Change Law in Illinois
To ensure the safety of all motorists, Illinois has specific laws governing lane changes. Here are some key provisions from the Illinois Vehicle Code:
- Signaling: Drivers must use their turn signal to clearly indicate their intent to change lanes – and give sufficient time before doing so.
- Checking for Other Vehicles: Drivers must thoroughly check their mirrors and blind spots to ensure no other vehicles are occupying the space they’re moving into.
- Safe Distance: It’s imperative to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles in the lane before and during the lane change process.
- Prohibited Lane Changes: Lane changes in certain areas, such as intersections or curves, may be explicitly prohibited.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in traffic citations and, if an accident occurs, the driver who made the improper lane change may be held liable for damages.
Car Accidents Caused by Improper Lane Changes
While lane changes may be a routine part of driving, the consequences of doing them recklessly can lead to a car accident in Chicago. These are some of the common ways unsafe lane changes cause car accidents:
- Sideswipe Accidents: Even at lower speeds, sideswipe accidents can have significant consequences. Besides vehicle damage, they can easily startle drivers, leading to overcorrections and potentially causing them to lose control.
- Rear-end Collisions: These kinds of accidents are particularly dangerous on highways where vehicles travel at high speeds. Not only can the impact be severe, but sudden lane changes often force those behind to brake abruptly, increasing the risk for those even further back.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Imagine an unsafe lane change on a busy highway. The immediate collision forces cars to brake rapidly, and some might swerve. This sets off a chain reaction that quickly becomes chaotic and can tragically involve numerous vehicles.
Unsafe lane changes in Chicago aren’t simply an inconvenience. They are a reckless behavior that can set off serious events, jeopardizing the safety of everyone sharing the road.
Common Injuries from Improper Lane Change Accidents
Car accidents caused by improper lane changes can jolt one’s body unexpectedly and with extreme force. Here’s why it’s crucial to seek medical care even if you think you escaped serious harm:
- Whiplash: It’s important to understand that even minor-seeming collisions can cause whiplash. Symptoms may take hours or days to manifest, which is why seeking medical attention promptly is crucial.
- Broken Bones: The jarring force transmitted through a vehicle can be immense. While seatbelts save lives, arms and legs remain vulnerable to fractures in a side impact or unexpected collision.
- Head Injuries: Striking your head against the window, steering wheel, or another part of the interior can happen in any type of car accident. Seek immediate care for a head injury, as even a seemingly minor concussion can have hidden complications.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The trauma of a sudden impact can damage the sensitive spinal cord. Damage can range from temporary impairment to life-altering paralysis.
- Internal Bleeding: Damage to internal organs might not be obvious without a thorough medical examination. Delayed treatment for internal bleeding can have devastating, even fatal, consequences.
Injuries from car accidents stemming from unsafe lane changes are unpredictable. Any level of severity is possible. Getting a comprehensive medical evaluation after a crash is essential for your health. It will document your injuries for legal purposes if necessary.
Your Rights After a Lane Change Car Accident in Chicago
If you’ve been the victim of a car accident in Chicago or surrounding areas, and suspect that an unsafe lane change caused the incident, there are important steps you should take – including consulting an accident attorney in North Center Chicago.
At Roger D. Rudich, Ltd. our attorney understands how stressful a situation like this is. Let us advocate on your behalf while you recover. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and get the legal support you need.
