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Houston Lane Change Car Accident Lawyer
Making a lane change in Houston traffic may seem routine, but one small mistake can lead to serious accidents. Whether on the congested lanes of I-10, merging onto Beltway 8, or navigating I-610 during rush hour, drivers are expected to signal, check blind spots, and ensure a safe path before moving over. When someone fails to follow the rules, it can cause devastating sideswipes, multi-vehicle crashes, or even deadly motorcycle accidents.
At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, we help victims injured in unsafe lane change accidents get the justice and compensation they deserve. From Uber or Lyft crashes on I-45 to hit-and-runs near I-69/US 59, we understand the unique traffic dynamics in Houston. If you or a loved one was injured due to someone else’s reckless lane change, we are here to fight for your rights.
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Understanding Texas Lane Change Laws
Texas drivers are legally required to follow lane discipline under Transportation Code §§ 545.060 and 545.061. Section 545.060 states that drivers must remain within a single lane as much as practical and may only switch lanes when it can be done safely. The center lane on a three-lane, two-way road can only be used for passing, making left turns, or when permitted by traffic signs.
Under § 545.061, on roads with three or more lanes moving in one direction, drivers entering from the right must yield to vehicles already in the lane from the left. These laws are especially important on high-traffic roads like US 290 and SH 288. A trusted Houston unsafe lane change accident lawyer can help if you’ve been injured.
How Do Unsafe Lane Change Accidents Happen in Houston?
Improper lane changes are often caused by drivers who act recklessly, distractedly, or aggressively. These collisions often happen during heavy traffic or when merging onto busy roads like Beltway 8 or I-69. Common causes include:
- Failing to signal before switching lanes
- Driving while distracted by phones or GPS
- Cutting off another vehicle without enough space
- Drifting between lanes due to fatigue or intoxication
- Merging without yielding to oncoming traffic
Truck-related crashes are especially dangerous. A common scenario involves a smaller vehicle traveling slightly ahead and to the right of a truck—within the truck’s blind spot. The truck driver may not see the vehicle and unintentionally sideswipe it during a lane change. If the passenger car is hit on the rear side, it can spin out in front of the truck and suffer a devastating second impact.
Sideswipe accidents and rear-end crashes often result from such behavior. In rideshare accidents, impatient drivers trying to pick up passengers may change lanes unsafely. These cases demand detailed investigation—something Mokaram Injury Lawyers handles with precision.
Lane Change Accident Statistics
Improper lane changes remain one of the top causes of vehicle collisions in Texas. A recent study revealed there are approximately 630,000 lane-change crashes each year across the U.S., involving both large trucks and passenger vehicles. Texas alone sees a significant portion of these crashes due to unsafe driving behaviors.
2024 crash data from the Texas Department of Transportation shows:
- 50,287 crashes were caused by drivers who changed lanes when it was unsafe
- 42,588 crashes resulted from drivers who failed to stay in a single lane
These figures emphasize how common and dangerous unsafe lane changes can be. Whether it’s due to distracted driving, reckless maneuvering, or failure to check blind spots, these actions put everyone on the road at risk—especially in traffic-heavy areas like Houston.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Unsafe Lane Change Accidents
Lane change accidents often happen at moderate to high speeds, especially on freeways and major roads. As a result, victims may suffer from:
- Whiplash, soft tissue damage, or torn ligaments
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from sudden impact
- Spinal cord injuries or herniated discs
- Broken bones, fractures, or joint dislocations
- Internal bleeding or organ trauma
- Knee, hip, or chest injuries from forceful contact with the steering wheel or dashboard
- Amputation injuries caused by crushing impacts
- Road rash and fractures, especially in motorcycle accidents
- Whether the crash was a sideswipe or a rollover caused by an unsafe lane change, your injuries can be severe and long-lasting. Our Houston lane change car accident lawyers help clients get full medical evaluations to support their claims.
What Safety Steps Should You Follow When Changing Lanes?
Every driver should follow these safety guidelines to avoid causing a crash:
- Signal your intent early and clearly
- Check both side and rearview mirrors
- Look over your shoulder to check blind spots
- Only change lanes when there’s enough space
- Avoid changing lanes near intersections, exits, or ramps
Ignoring these steps is a frequent cause of accidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, especially in urban areas like downtown Houston.
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What Is the Most Important Step in Making a Safe Lane Change?
While signaling is essential, checking your blind spot is the most important step in making a safe lane change. Mirrors don’t capture the full view around your vehicle, especially when other cars or motorcycles are in adjacent lanes. A quick shoulder check can prevent:
- Sideswipes on multi-lane highways
- T-bone accidents at intersections
- Intersection collisions caused by sudden or improper lane changes
- Dangerous merging accidents during heavy traffic
- Drivers who skip this crucial step are more likely to cause harm—and more likely to be held liable for the damages.
Why Is It Critical to Check for Motorcycles When Changing Lanes?
Motorcycles are smaller and often harder to see in mirrors, making them especially vulnerable during lane changes. A driver who doesn’t visually confirm a clear lane may:
- Knock a motorcycle off balance during a sideswipe
- Cause a rear-end collision by merging too close
- Force a rider into another vehicle or guardrail
In high-speed areas, these mistakes can be fatal. Mokaram Injury Lawyers has successfully represented motorcyclists injured in lane change accidents caused by negligent drivers.
What to Do After a Lane Change Accident in Houston
After any accident involving a sudden or improper lane change, take these steps:
- Move to a safe location if possible
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Exchange insurance and contact details
- Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and license plates
- Speak with witnesses and get their information
- Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine
- Contact a Houston lane change accident attorney immediately
Even if the at-fault driver fled the scene (hit and run), we can investigate using surveillance footage or witness statements.
Who Is at Fault in a Lane Change Accident?
Fault in these accidents usually lies with the driver who made the unsafe lane change. However, every case is unique. Other potentially liable parties include:
- Commercial truck drivers who failed to signal or yield
- Rideshare drivers rushing to pick up passengers
- Bus drivers who didn’t account for blind spots
- Distracted or intoxicated drivers who drifted between lanes
Texas follows a comparative fault system. If you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation—just reduced by your percentage of fault. We’ll fight to ensure that your share of liability is minimized.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Lane Change Crash?
Under Texas law (Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.001), you may be eligible for financial compensation if a negligent lane change caused your injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one. Depending on the specifics of your situation, available damages may include:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish or PTSD from the crash
- Wrongful death benefits if a loved one died
- Mokaram Injury Lawyers works with experts to evaluate long-term costs so you’re not left covering future medical bills out of pocket.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Lane Change Accident Claims in Texas?
Under Texas law (Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003), you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. That’s why it’s important to speak with a Houston lane change accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Choose Mokaram Injury Lawyers After a Lane Change Accident?
Our firm has decades of experience handling Houston lane change car accidents. We’re familiar with how insurance companies try to shift blame—and we know how to fight back. Our team offers:
- In-depth crash investigations using traffic cam footage and reconstruction
- Skilled negotiations to maximize settlements
- Trial-tested attorneys if your case goes to court
- Multilingual staff and 24/7 support
No matter where your accident occurred, Mokaram Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through recovery and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Speak to a Houston Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was hurt in a lane change accident in Houston, don’t wait. Insurance companies will try to pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. At Mokaram Injury Lawyers, we fight for your rights every step of the way.
Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Houston improper lane changes accident lawyer who will stand by your side.
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Our personal injury lawyers in Houston, TX are relentless in defending your rights. We stand up to insurance companies, ensuring you get every penny you’re entitled to. With a proven track record, we won’t rest until you receive the full compensation you deserve.
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