Chicago Lane Change Car Accident Lawyer

Compensation for Victims of Improper Lane Change Accidents in Chicago

Chicago lane change car accident lawyer services are essential when you’re dealing with injuries and damages caused by reckless merging or sudden lane shifts, especially on busy highways like I-90/94, where these crashes often lead to serious collisions and complicated fault disputes.

Our dedicated team of Chicago car accident attorneys has extensive experience handling lane change car crash cases. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

• $4,000,000 secured for the family of a passenger who tragically lost his life during a company-related trip.
• $2,000,000 policy limit car accident claim obtained for a client injured in a rollover accident, ensuring full recovery under the available insurance coverage.
• $449,000 recovered for a woman who sustained facial trauma after her head hit the windshield during a collision.
• $250,000 settlement reached through an uninsured motorist claim for a woman injured in a hit-and-run incident.

The Value of Your Unsafe Lane Change Injury Claim

The value of a car accident claim stemming from an unsafe lane change depends on several key factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical bills, time lost from work, and the long-term impact on your quality of life.

In many cases, victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If the at-fault driver was especially reckless, such as speeding or distracted at the time of the lane change, punitive damages may also be on the table.

Every case is unique, and working with an experienced auto accident attorney can help ensure you’re not settling for less than you deserve.

Wrongful Death Claims

When a loved one is killed due to a negligent driver’s unsafe lane change, the surviving family may pursue a wrongful death claim under 740 ILCS 180/1. These cases can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, emotional suffering, and the loss of companionship.

In Illinois, wrongful death claims are typically filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of surviving family members. While no amount of money can truly make up for such a devastating loss, a successful claim can bring some measure of justice and financial relief to the grieving family.

Local Laws and Regulations That Affect Your Claim

When pursuing an unsafe lane change personal injury claim in Illinois, several laws and legal rules can significantly impact the outcome of your car accident case.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-709 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, drivers must remain in a single lane “as nearly as practicable” and may only change lanes when it is safe to do so. A driver who merges without signaling, checking mirrors, or ensuring a clear path may be considered negligent under this statute.

Illinois follows the doctrine of modified comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). This means a plaintiff can recover damages only if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. If you are found partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Types of Lane Change Accidents

In Chicago’s heavy traffic, unsafe lane changes often cause serious crashes, such as:

• Sideswipe collisions
• Chain-reaction, multi-vehicle crashes
• Run-off-road accidents

Common Causes of Lane Change Accidents

Unsafe lane changes are often caused by negligence or poor judgment. The most common contributing factors include:

• Failing to signal
• Ignoring blind spots
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Aggressive weaving between lanes
• Impaired or fatigued driving

Injuries Caused by Lane Change Car Accidents

Unsafe lane changes often lead to high-impact crashes that cause serious injuries, such as:

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Common in rear-end collisions during lane changes, whiplash occurs when the neck snaps back and forth suddenly. It can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and long-term discomfort that may need ongoing care.
• Broken Bones: Fractures to the arms, ribs, or legs can happen during sudden or improper lane changes. Recovery can be slow and costly, often involving physical therapy, time off work, or surgery.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A hard head injury during a crash can lead to concussions or severe brain damage. TBIs often result in memory loss, mood changes, cognitive issues, and long-term disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Among the most severe injuries, spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or full paralysis. Victims often face a lifetime of care needs, financial hardship, and emotional trauma.

What to Do After a Lane Change Accident in Chicago

• Move to a safe location and check for injuries
• Call 911 to report the crash
• Exchange information with the at-fault driver and others involved
• Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions
• Get contact info from any witnesses
• Seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor
• Avoid admitting fault at the scene
• Contact a Chicago car accident lawyer before speaking with insurers

Local Laws and Regulations That Affect Your Claim

When pursuing an unsafe lane change personal injury claim in Illinois, several laws and legal rules can significantly impact the outcome of your car accident case.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-709 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, drivers must remain in a single lane “as nearly as practicable” and may only change lanes when it is safe to do so. A driver who merges without signaling, checking mirrors, or ensuring a clear path may be considered negligent under this statute.

Illinois follows the doctrine of modified comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). This means a plaintiff can recover damages only if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. If you are found partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Types of Lane Change Accidents

In Chicago’s heavy traffic, unsafe lane changes often cause serious crashes, such as:

• Sideswipe collisions
• Chain-reaction, multi-vehicle crashes
• Run-off-road accidents

Common Causes of Lane Change Accidents

Unsafe lane changes are often caused by negligence or poor judgment. The most common contributing factors include:

• Failing to signal
• Ignoring blind spots
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Aggressive weaving between lanes
• Impaired or fatigued driving

Injuries Caused by Lane Change Car Accidents

Unsafe lane changes often lead to high-impact crashes that cause serious injuries, such as:

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Common in rear-end collisions during lane changes, whiplash occurs when the neck snaps back and forth suddenly. It can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and long-term discomfort that may need ongoing care.
• Broken Bones: Fractures to the arms, ribs, or legs can happen during sudden or improper lane changes. Recovery can be slow and costly, often involving physical therapy, time off work, or surgery.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A hard head injury during a crash can lead to concussions or severe brain damage. TBIs often result in memory loss, mood changes, cognitive issues, and long-term disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Among the most severe injuries, spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or full paralysis. Victims often face a lifetime of care needs, financial hardship, and emotional trauma.

What to Do After a Lane Change Accident in Chicago

• Move to a safe location and check for injuries
• Call 911 to report the crash
• Exchange information with the at-fault driver and others involved
• Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions
• Get contact info from any witnesses
• Seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor
• Avoid admitting fault at the scene
• Contact a Chicago car accident lawyer before speaking with insurers

Determining Liability for a Lane Change Car Accident

Proving fault in a lane change car accident often comes down to showing that the at-fault party acted negligently while merging or switching lanes. Key evidence includes:

• Dashcam or traffic camera footage
• Witness statements
• Police reports
• Vehicle damage analysis
• Accident reconstruction, if needed
• Phone records, if distracted driving is suspected

How a Chicago Lawyer Can Help with Your Car Accident Case

An experienced car accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your personal injury claim, from investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating with auto insurance companies or filing a lawsuit. We’ll work to:

• Prove liability and protect your rights
• Accurately calculate the full extent of your damages
• Deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf
• Make sure your claim is filed within Illinois’ two-year statute of limitations
• Fight for maximum compensation, whether through settlement or trial

Guidance by a Chicago car accident attorney can be the difference between a lowball offer and the full recovery you’re entitled to.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Illinois

Illinois law imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident, including lane change crashes (735 ILCS 5/13-202). This limit means that victims must file their claim within two years of the car crash or risk losing the right to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Chicago Lane Change Accident FAQs

Can a driver be held liable for an accident if they didn’t signal changing lanes?

Yes. Failing to use a turn signal is a violation of Illinois traffic law (625 ILCS 5/11-804) and can be considered negligence. If that failure leads to a collision, the negligent driver can be held legally responsible for damages and injuries caused by the crash.

How can lane change accidents be prevented?

Lane change accidents can be avoided by following a few key safety practices:

• Always signal before changing lanes
• Check mirrors and blind spots carefully
• Avoid weaving or cutting off other vehicles
• Maintain a safe speed and spacing
• Stay alert and avoid distractions

Defensive driving and patience go a long way in preventing these types of crashes, especially in congested areas like Chicago.

Consult a Chicago Lane Change Car Accident Attorney Near You!

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have recovered millions of dollars for clients, including those injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by unsafe lane changes. Our Chicago car accident lawyers understand every case is unique, and our legal team takes the time to address your specific needs, offering compassionate and aggressive advocacy.

Our personal injury law firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case and help you recover a fair settlement. To schedule a free consultation with our Chicago personal injury law firm, call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form. Consult an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer!

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.