Los Angeles Lane-Change Accident Attorney

Motorcycle Crashes Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) counts sideswipe or lane-change accidents among the most common types of vehicle accidents across the country. In 2020, nearly 12% of all crashes fit this description. These collisions occur when a car or truck swerves or merges into a lane occupied by a motorcycle. In many of these accidents, the motorcyclist cannot do anything to avoid being hit.

At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we have the experience to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies fully accountable when they cause devastating accidents. When you turn to our firm, your case will never be passed to an associate or paralegal; rather, founding attorney Scott J. Corwin will listen to your story, review your legal options, and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Lane-change accidents can be brutal. For help recovering the compensation you are owed, look to experienced Los Angeles lane-change motorcycle accident attorney Scott J. Corwin. In addition to being a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association, he has also been selected for inclusion in the Southern California Super Lawyers® list every year since 2007. He is known for his compassionate and personalized legal representation, his aggressive approach to litigation, and his ability to secure the results his clients need to heal.

Call our office at (310) 683-2300 or contact us online today to request a free consultation.

What Is a Lane-Change Motorcycle Accident?

Also known as “sideswipe” accidents, lane-change collisions occur when one vehicle changes lanes or merges into another vehicle. When motorcycles are involved, these accidents often result from the driver of the passenger vehicle or truck failing to check for the motorcycle before changing lanes or merging. Sadly, these collisions often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities—and motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer these devastating consequences.

Without the protection offered by steel frames, heavy car doors, airbags, and seatbelts, motorcyclists are at an exponential risk of being severely injured when they are involved in lane-change accidents with other, larger vehicles. As a result, injured victims often require extensive medical treatment, as well as ongoing and potentially lifelong care. They may suffer permanent disabilities or impairments that prevent them from returning to work for weeks, months, or even the rest of their lives.

At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we recognize the significant impact these accidents have on victims and their families. Our Los Angeles lane-change motorcycle accident attorney is committed to securing the maximum compensation you are owed for your medical expenses, future care costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Do Lane-Change Accidents Happen?

California allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of traffic, known as “lane-splitting.” While proponents of lane-splitting argue that it is safer for motorcyclists to travel between slowed or stopped traffic, rather than remain inside lanes and continuously start and stop, this practice also puts motorcyclists at risk.

Negligent motorists often fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes, especially in stop-and-go traffic. If a motorcyclist happens to be lawfully lane-splitting when a driver decides to suddenly change lanes, they may end up the victim of a serious sideswipe accident.

Although lane-splitting is a common factor in lane-change motorcycle accidents, it is not the only one. Other common causes of lane-change accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Failure to check blind spots/see motorcyclists
• Failure to use vehicle blinkers
• Fatigued driving
• Road rage
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Speeding
• Poor visibility
• Swerving to avoid roadway hazards
• Overcorrecting

If you believe the driver who caused the accident was negligent, reach out to Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation right away. We can help you determine your legal options during a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, including your potential right to file a claim and seek compensation for your damages.

Who Is Liable for a Lane-Change Accident?

Both motorcyclists and drivers of other motor vehicles have a responsibility to obey the rules of the road and avoid putting others at risk. Although some motorcyclists engage in dangerous behavior, most sideswipe accidents are caused—at least partially—by the negligence of other motorists.

Most often, the person or party who is liable for the accident is the same person or party who caused the accident. When more than one person shares the blame, California’s rule of pure comparative negligence comes into play. Under this rule, an injured party can file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for their damages regardless of their degree of fault. However, the injured party’s total financial recovery will be reduced by the same percentage of fault they are assigned. For example, if a motorcyclist was found to be 25 percent at fault for a lane-change accident, they would only be able to recover up to 75 percent of the amount they were seeking in a personal injury claim.

In some cases, the actual person who caused the accident might not be wholly liable for the injured person’s damages. This often occurs in cases involving commercial vehicles or personal vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as large trucks, delivery vehicles, buses, taxis, Ubers, or Lyfts. These cases tend to be extremely complex, so it is important that you hire an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate the legal system and advocate for the maximum compensation you are owed.

Why Hire an Attorney With Experience Handling Lane-Change Accident Claims?

Lane-change accidents often occur because motorists fail to notice a motorcycle when changing lanes. Because of this, the motorist is generally considered negligent.

It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible so that evidence of negligence can be collected and preserved. Sometimes the negligent driver may try shifting the blame to the motorcyclist when it comes time to pay the bill. For example, they may claim that you were speeding or riding erratically. Statements from independent witnesses can provide important evidence to support your version of events.

Remember, the insurance company is not on your side. They will often dispute or devalue your claim in an attempt to limit your payout. In some cases, they might deny your claim altogether. It’s important that you have an experienced and aggressive attorney by your side who can stand up to the insurance company and advocate for your rights.

Request a Free Consultation With Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Did another driver fail to afford you an equal right to the road? Were you injured or was your loved one tragically killed in a sideswipe motorcycle accident in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas? Learn more about your legal rights by requesting a free case evaluation from motorcycle accident lawyer Scott J. Corwin.

We handle complex personal injury and wrongful death cases in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, as well as throughout the state of California. There are no upfront or out-of-pocket expenses when you hire our firm. Instead, we only collect legal fees if we recover a settlement or verdict for you.

Submit a free online contact form or call our office at (310) 683-2300 today.