Traffic lanes were designed to help keep order on the roadways and reduce the risk of several types of crashes. These lanes, however, only work when drivers use them properly. When drivers fail to stay in the same lane of traffic and unsafely switch lanes, deadly crashes can result. Below are several key details that drivers should remember about these potentially devastating accidents.
How Do Unsafe Lane Changes Occur?
A driver in Kansas City can perform a dangerous lane change in a myriad of different ways. A distracted driver might drift out of their lane while texting or fiddling with the radio station. This driver might side-swipe a car in the next lane that is traveling the same direction, or this driver might cross over the center lane and cause a catastrophic head-on collision.
In another situation, a driver might need to change lanes in order to pass another car or access a business or off-ramp on that side of the roadway. If this driver does not adequately signal to other drivers that they intend to change lanes, or if this driver fails to look at their side-view mirrors as well as their blind spot, a serious collision can result.
Because we can never truly know what another driver on the road will do, it is best to drive defensively, avoid distractions, and always anticipate that another driver might be about to change lanes.
Kansas and Missouri Law Involving Unsafe Lane Changes
Both Kansas and Missouri have specific laws addressing unsafe lane changes. Missouri Revised Statute 304.015 states that when driving on a highway with two lanes, drivers must drive in the right-hand lane. Drivers can, however, cross into other lanes to pass vehicles if necessary. On highways with four or more lanes, drivers must travel in the right lane unless passing traffic. After completing a pass, motorists are required under Missouri law to return to the right lane.
In Kansas, KSA 8-1522 was created to prevent lane passing accidents. This statute prevents drivers from participating in unsafe behaviors while on the road. Motorists under this statute are prohibited from weaving between lanes. Drivers under this statute are also prohibited from either traveling in the center lane or on a three or four-lane road except when passing other vehicles. The law, however, makes an exception at points where the center lane is at a marked point permitted left-hand turns. Under the statute, individuals can be cited with improper passing and a fine of $75. Fines of $315 are imposed for passing a school bus, while improper passing of a church or day-care bus results in a fine of $195.
Common Injuries Associated With Unsafe Lane Changes
Each car crash is unique. Some of the most common types of injuries associated with car crashes include the following:
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Lost limbs
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Speak With an Experienced Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured due to an unsafe lane change in Missouri, it may be possible to hold the party who caused your accident accountable. Contact House Law LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation. With years of experience helping accident victims fight for the results they deserve, we understand the challenges faced by accident victims. Contact us today for assistance.
Tags: auto accident, personal injury, Unsafe Lane
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