Chicago Lane Change Crashes Lawyer

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Joseph Conboy | June 30, 2025
Chicago Lane Change Crashes Lawyer

Lane change accidents are common in Chicago. These crashes often happen in heavy traffic, on highways, or near intersections. A small mistake while changing lanes can cause serious harm. Victims may suffer injuries, damage to their car, and financial stress.

Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers, we help accident injury victims who were hurt because of unsafe lane changes. We understand how a quick swerve or careless move can lead to serious injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. If someone’s reckless lane change caused your accident, our team is here to help.

You do not have to face the insurance companies or legal process alone. We work hard to protect your rights and fight for a fair settlement. Our personal injury law firm is ready to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you recover compensation and get your life back on track.

What Is a Lane Change Accident?

A lane change accident happens when a driver moves from one lane to another and hits another vehicle. These accidents often involve unsafe lane changes, such as failing to use a turn signal, not checking blind spots, or merging without enough space.

Lane change crashes can lead to spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious injuries. In many cases, these accidents are caused by a negligent driver who did not follow the rules of the road.

Common Causes of Lane Change Crashes in Chicago

Common Causes of Lane Change Crashes in Chicago
  • Distracted Driving: The driver is texting, calling, or not paying attention while changing lanes.
  • Failure to Use Turn Signal: Not signaling before moving into another lane confuses other drivers.
  • Blind Spots: Drivers may not check their blind spots and hit a car already in the next lane.
  • Speeding or Reckless Lane Changes: Changing lanes quickly or weaving through traffic increases the risk of car crashes.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Drunk driving slows reaction time and affects judgment while changing lanes.
  • Heavy Traffic Conditions: In tight traffic, drivers may make unsafe moves trying to get ahead.

Who Is at Fault in a Lane Change Accident?

  • The At-Fault Driver: Usually, the driver who made the unsafe lane change is responsible for the accident.
  • Both Drivers: Sometimes, both drivers share faults. For example, if one was speeding and the other changed lanes without signaling.
  • Third Party: A third car may force one driver to swerve, causing the accident.
  • Negligent Driver: Any driver who fails to follow Illinois law or traffic rules may be found liable.

How a Chicago Lane Change Crashes Lawyer Can Help

How a Chicago Lane Change Crashes Lawyer Can Help

When you have suffered injuries in a lane change accident, it can be hard to know what to do next. A skilled car accident lawyer helps you take the right steps to protect your rights and recover compensation.

From the moment you reach out, your attorney works to build a strong case and take care of every detail for you.

Investigate the Accident Scene

A lawyer will carefully examine the crash site to understand how the accident happened. They may visit the location, take photos, look for tire marks, and document any signs of an unsafe lane change. This early investigation helps prove who the at-fault driver was and shows that the other driver acted carelessly or broke Illinois traffic laws.

Gather Video, Eyewitness, and Police Evidence

Proving fault often depends on solid evidence. Your attorney can collect surveillance footage, police reports, and witness statements to support your story. These details can make a major difference when showing that a negligent driver caused the crash by making a reckless lane change or failing to use a turn signal.

Deal With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may try to lower the value of your car accident claim or say you were partly at fault. An experienced attorney will talk to the insurance companies for you, protect your legal rights, and push for a fair settlement. This helps make sure your medical records, property damage, and other losses are taken seriously.

File a Lawsuit if Needed

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair payment, your lawyer can take legal action. Filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the best way to hold the at-fault driver accountable and fight for the money you deserve. This includes covering medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for serious injuries.

Illinois Traffic Laws That Apply to Lane Changes

Under Illinois law, drivers must follow clear rules when changing lanes to prevent unsafe lane change accidents. These laws require using a turn signal, checking blind spots, and ensuring the lane is clear before moving over.

Failing to follow these rules may be considered negligence, especially if the accident caused involves injuries or property damage. Drivers who make reckless lane changes or ignore traffic signs can be held responsible in car accident cases.

If the negligent driver violated any traffic laws during the crash, that violation can be used as key evidence in your personal injury claim.

Insurance Challenges in Lane Change Accidents

Insurance Challenges in Lane Change Accidents

Lane change accidents often lead to disputes between drivers, making it hard to prove fault. Insurance companies may blame the other party or claim that both drivers were equally responsible. Without strong evidence like police reports, witness statements, or surveillance footage, the claim may be denied or reduced.

Many unsafe lane change crashes happen without clear video proof, so insurance companies may use that to delay or limit the car accident claims payout. An experienced car accident lawyer helps gather the right documents, organize medical records, and respond to adjusters who try to lower the value of your personal injury claim.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes, under Illinois law, you may still recover damages if you were partially responsible, as long as your fault is less than 51%. This is called modified comparative fault, which means your financial award will be reduced based on your share of the blame.

For example, if the court finds you 30% at fault in a Chicago car accident, you can still collect 70% of your total damages. This may include medical expenses, property damage, and payment for pain from serious injuries.

A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will fight to show that the other driver made the unsafe lane change and holds the greater share of fault.

FAQs

Yes, working with Chicago car accident attorneys increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. These professionals understand how lane change crashes in Chicago, IL, occur and know how to collect strong evidence. They also guide you through all your legal options, especially if you are dealing with severe injuries or permanent injuries.

A car accident lawsuit can help you recover costs for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. In tragic cases involving wrongful death, families may also be able to claim funeral costs and other related losses with help from Chicago personal injury lawyers.

The Illinois statute gives most accident victims two years to file a personal injury claim. However, it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines. Chicago car accident lawyers can help you act quickly and protect your rights.

Yes. Rear-end collisions can happen during lane changes, especially when the other driver follows too closely or fails to stop in time. If you suffered severe injuries, you may be able to file a claim. A skilled attorney will evaluate the crash and explain your legal options.

We are proud to serve Chicago residents with honest, dedicated service. Our team of Chicago personal injury lawyers provides experienced support for people dealing with Chicago, IL, lane change crashes, and other accidents. We focus on securing the results our clients need, offering personalized care and strong legal help every step of the way.

Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love was hurt in a lane change crash, our team is ready to help. Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers fights for Chicago residents who have suffered severe injuries, permanent injuries, or lost a loved one due to a wrongful death. We understand how stressful it can be to deal with medical bills, lost income, and pressure from insurance companies. That is why we offer clear answers, honest support, and strong legal representation from the start.

Our Chicago car accident lawyer can explain your rights, gather key evidence, and handle your case with care. Whether the crash involved a lane change in Chicago, IL, a rear-end collision, or another type of accident, we are here to provide trusted guidance. Your first step is simple.

Contact us for a free initial consultation today, and let our team give you the legal help you need to move forward with confidence.

Joseph Conboy
Founding Attorney

Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.

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