At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., a Los Angeles auto accident law firm, we represented a client, a husband and his wife, who were driving when they were involved in an unsafe lane change collision. The accident occurred when another car side-swiped our client's vehicle. Our client experienced personal injuries, and their car was extensively damaged.

Our legal team at Fassonaki Law Firm P.C. investigated the details of the accident and collected all the relevant evidence. In this case, the adverse driver engaged in dangerous and reckless behavior that put others at risk under California law and violated California Vehicle Code § 21658 and §22107.

According to Cal. Veh. Code § 21658, whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.

California Vehicle Code § 22107 prohibits drivers from turning a vehicle from a direct course or moving right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal.

It was our team's effort and commitment that led us to a great victory, the adverse driver was at fault for the accident under California law and accepted liability for the loss. Our client was entitled to compensation for his bodily injuries, including economic and non-economic damages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sideswipe & Unsafe Lane Change Accidents

1. Who is at fault in a sideswipe accident in California?
Fault depends on how the collision occurred. A driver who moves into another lane without first determining that the movement can be made safely may be responsible for a resulting sideswipe collision. Evidence showing the position and movement of both vehicles can be important in determining liability.

2. What does California Vehicle Code § 21658 say about lane changes?
California Vehicle Code § 21658 generally requires a vehicle on a roadway with clearly marked lanes to remain within a single lane and not move from that lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety.

3. What does California Vehicle Code § 22107 require?
California Vehicle Code § 22107 prohibits a driver from turning or moving right or left on a roadway unless the movement can be made with reasonable safety. It also addresses signaling when another vehicle may be affected by the movement.

4. Can an unsafe lane change cause a sideswipe accident?
Yes. Sideswipe collisions can occur when a driver moves into an occupied lane, fails to check surrounding traffic, or otherwise makes an unsafe lane change. The circumstances of the maneuver and available evidence will help determine fault.

5. What evidence can help prove fault in a sideswipe collision?
Useful evidence may include dashcam footage, surveillance video, photographs of vehicle damage, accident-scene photos, police reports, witness statements, and information about roadway markings and traffic conditions.

6. Can both a husband and wife pursue injury claims after the same accident?
Potentially. When both occupants suffer injuries in the same collision, each injured person may have an individual claim based on their own injuries, medical treatment, damages, and other circumstances.

7. What compensation may be available after an unsafe lane change accident?
Depending on the circumstances, injured individuals may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages resulting from the collision.

8. How can a Los Angeles car accident lawyer help with a sideswipe accident?
A Los Angeles car accident lawyer can investigate how the vehicles collided, preserve relevant evidence, evaluate applicable California traffic laws, communicate with insurance companies, document damages, and pursue available compensation.

Schedule a consultation with Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., a Los Angeles auto accident law firm, by calling 323-524-8994.