Improper Lane Change
Conducting an improper lane change in Ontario is no small issue. Not only could a driver who performs an improper lane change receive a traffic ticket, he or she could also cause a severe motor vehicle accident. Even typically safe drivers can find themselves making an unsafe lane change. Perhaps they fail to signal their lane change or change lanes so quickly that the lane change becomes unsafe. Drivers who make dangerous lane changes may be subject to a traffic ticket under Ontario law. If they made an improper lane change negligently and caused an accident that resulted in injuries, they may also face a personal injury claim.
Brampton Motor Vehicle Accident Personal Injury Lawyers
Unfortunately, personal injuries resulting from Brampton motor vehicle accidents are all too common. If you have suffered bodily injury as a result of another driver’s negligent lane change, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Improper lane changes can result in serious motor vehicle accidents that can cause other drivers or pedestrians significant personal injuries.
If you or a family member has suffered injuries resulting from a car accident, our experienced lawyers can help you explore your potential legal options. Our lawyers can advocate for you as you seek to recover damages for the personal injuries you have sustained. We understand that each car accident is unique. Our skilled lawyers isolate critical evidence. We effectively use this evidence to demonstrate that the other driver’s negligent and improper lane change caused the car accident that caused your injuries.
Improper Lane Change Punishments in Ontario
The Highway Traffic Act of Ontario covers unsafe lane changes under section 154(1a). This section states that drivers must remain within a single lane until the driver can determine that he or she can safely change lanes. There does exist some gray area as to what precautions constitute carefully making a lane change.
Those who receive tickets for unsafe lane changes face two to three demerit points on their driver’s license. They are also required to pay $85 in fines and an additional government victim surcharge. Insurance companies often increase rates when a driver changes lanes in an unsafe way.
Types of Injuries Resulting from Improper Lane Change Car Accidents
When a driver negligently changes lanes without giving fair warning to other cars, that driver can cause serious car accidents involving two or more vehicles. If the negligent lane change occurred while one driver attempted to merge onto a freeway, the accident can be even more severe due to the high speed of all vehicles involved. Common injuries from serious motor vehicle accidents include the following:
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries that could result in paralysis
- Vital organ damage
- Cognitive disability resulting from a traumatic brain injury
- Burns on the skin that could cause permanent disfigurement
- Chronic Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Serious bone fractures
- Spinal disc herniation
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Lacerations deep enough to affect muscle tissue
- Chronic pain
- Death
All of these medical conditions have the potential to seriously disadvantage the injured party. Seeking treatment can result in substantial medical expenses and emotional trauma. Victims who face lifetime, long-term disability will need care for the rest of their lives. Even those with moderate personal injury may have to cut back on their work hours or quit their jobs altogether due to their medical injuries. Those victims who became paralyzed or suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of an improper lane change may permanently lose their independence.
What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for My Injuries?
When automobile accidents occur due to ill-advised or negligent lane changes, the driver making the improper lane change may be liable for the resulting injuries. If you have suffered an injury as a result of an improper lane change car accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation.
There are two keys ways for our clients to seek compensation for injuries resulting from someone’s negligent lane change. First, they can seek compensation through an accident benefit component. Ontario has a no-fault insurance program. Those injured in car accidents can solicit insurance payouts to help cover the cost of their medical expenses and other expenses related to their injuries. They can also receive an income replacement benefit or non earner benefit.
Those injured in a car accident caused by an improper lane change are not automatically entitled to accident insurance benefits. Our insurance benefit lawyers can help you determine whether you are entitled to an insurance payout. We can also ensure that you receive the most significant possible payout amount from the insurance company.
Those injured in car accidents can file a tort lawsuit claim against the driver who made the negligent lane change. When someone’s negligent actions result in a person’s injuries, that person has a legal right to file a tort claim to seek compensation. Any compensation you receive by submitting a tort action will be in addition to any insurance accident benefit payout you received.
Damages Available to Ontario Car Accident Plaintiffs
Successful car accident plaintiffs may be entitled to the following types of damages:
- Compensation for medical, rehabilitation, and home health care costs
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Compensation for income loss
- Compensation for housekeeping costs
It is crucial that you not delay seeking a claim for compensation. In Ontario, a potential claimant must file his or her claim within two years of the accident that caused the injury subject to the discoverability principle. If you do not submit your claim within this period, you may lose your ability to seek compensation in tort law.
Our Lawyers Effectively Advocate for Clients Injured in Car Accidents
For 60 years, the Ontario based Preszler Injury Lawyers has skillfully represented Brampton car accident victims. If you have suffered an injury in a car accident caused by another driver’s improper lane change, we are here to help you. Our lawyers will deftly investigate the facts surrounding your accident and advocate for the most compensation possible. To schedule your free Brampton, Ontario, legal consultation, contact us today.
