Lane-Change Accidents in Louisiana: Who Is Responsible?

In this article, you can discover…

• Whether a driver who changed lanes is always responsible for an auto accident.
• How Louisiana officers typically evaluate fault in lane-change accidents.
• How a personal injury attorney can help you determine liability after such a crash.

What Does Louisiana Law Require Drivers To Do Before Changing Lanes?

Louisiana law requires you to give a signal of your intention to change lanes at least 100 feet before doing so. You must also make sure the lane change can be safely made, and yield to traffic already in that lane.

You should also check your blind spots by physically turning your head; never rely on mirrors alone, as they may not reveal everything approaching or alongside your vehicle.

Is The Driver Who Changes Lanes Always Responsible For A Lane-Change Accident In Louisiana?

Not necessarily. Responsibility for an accident depends on several factors, such as whether the driver signaled their intent to change lanes at least 100 feet before doing so and whether the driver yielded to traffic already in the lane.

If both you and another driver attempt to merge into the same lane at the same time, legally, the driver who was already in the lane first generally has the right of way.

Louisiana’s Husband and Wife Legal Team, Jeffrey Gennusa and Ana Rodrigues Gennusa of the Gennusa Firm in Louisiana are respected, determined personal injury attorneys.

With over 30 years of combined experience, they’ve helped clients just like you investigate and resolve disputes over liability after a lane-change accident.

Have questions, or in need of legal representation after a Louisiana lane-change wreck? Reach out to the Gennusa Firm for a FREE initial consultation today.

How Do Police Officers Typically Evaluate Fault In Lane-Change Collisions?

Police officers will talk to both you and the other driver to determine who established themselves in the lane first. They will also talk to additional witnesses to the accident, if there are any.

If information about the accident is unclear or if the officer receives conflicting stories, he or she may assign fault to both you and the other driver.

How Can A Personal Injury Attorney Help Resolve Disputes Over Liability After A Lane-Change Crash?

Lane change accidents often result in liability disputes. Officers must rely on your word and the word of the other driver, and may assign blame to both of you. Insurance companies also get involved and conduct their own investigation. However, their investigations are often little more than talking to their insured customer about what happened, and they usually take that party’s side.

That is why it’s so important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney after a lane-change collision.

Your attorney will conduct their own investigation and will check to see if any surveillance cameras in the area may have caught the wreck. They’ll also find out if any additional witnesses may have seen the incident. If there are no additional witnesses or footage, then your attorney can challenge a dispute by arguing your case with the insurance company.

Sometimes that’s all it takes to resolve a disagreement over fault. Other times, the insurance company holds onto its position, and in those cases, it will be necessary to file a lawsuit. A personal injury attorney will be invaluable at this point, as well.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on lane change accidents and fault in Louisiana, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (504) 298-1983 today.