Changing lanes while driving carries certain risks, especially on busy roads. Drivers attempting these maneuvers when it’s not safe to do so can cause serious car accidents. If you were hurt in one of these collisions in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, understanding your legal rights is essential, which is why hiring attorneys can be one of the wisest decisions you make.
Because the state has complex insurance laws, having assistance can protect your rights. At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our team of car accident lawyers offers the legal support you need as you pursue a claim for compensation following any lane change crashes in Lebanon, PA. Contact our Lebanon lane change accident lawyers today at (717) 231-1640 for a free consultation.
How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help After a Lane Change Crash in Lebanon, PA
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we can assist you and provide you with the greatest chance to properly address your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Our Lebanon car accident lawyers offer numerous services, including:
- A free, no-obligation case assessment
- A thorough investigation into your accident
- Evidence gathering, including collecting witness statements
- Establishing liable parties
- Calculating your damages
- Negotiating with insurers to achieve a settlement
- Representing you in court, if a settlement isn’t possible
With decades of experience, our team offers the tenacious representation that clients throughout Lebanon, PA, need (and deserve) as they deal with the losses they’ve incurred because of another party’s conduct. We never shy away from complex cases and have been able to obtain significant settlements and jury awards for our clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Lane Change Crashes and Pennsylvania’s Insurance System
In Pennsylvania, the insurance you choose—limited tort or full tort—significantly impacts your legal options after a lane change crash, because the state operates under a choice no-fault system.
- Limited Tort: You can recover economic losses like medical expenses and lost wages, but you generally cannot sue for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering—unless your injuries meet the legal threshold for a serious injury (e.g., serious bodily impairment or permanent disfigurement), or certain exceptions apply (like the other driver was DUI, uninsured, or registered out-of-state).
- Full Tort: Opting for full tort coverage removes these restrictions. You retain the unrestricted right to sue for both economic and non-economic damages, regardless of how minor your injuries may seem.
Importantly, Pennsylvania applies modified comparative negligence laws—meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50%, though your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Why Lane Change Crashes Occur in Lebanon, PA
Most of the time, lane change crashes are the result of driver negligence. Distracted, fatigued, or intoxicated driving can all lead drivers to attempt a lane change when it’s not safe to do so.
Reckless driving, however, is different. In these instances, the driver is aware that their conduct could lead to accidents. Rapidly changing lanes, not signaling what they’re about to do, and speeding are all reckless behaviors that can result in lane change collisions.
Road conditions could also be a problem that leads to these crashes. Potholes could cause drivers to swerve to avoid them, which could lead to crashing into vehicles in the next lane.
Visibility issues are a concern, too, since drivers may not notice that there are other cars nearby. Although weather is the primary cause of low-visibility crashes, missing street lights can also be a problem.
Contact Our Lebanon Lane Change Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Lane change crashes often result in significant injuries. And if the accident occurred because of another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct, you may be able to begin a claim against them. However, because these processes require negotiating with insurance companies, it’s never a good idea to attempt them without legal representation.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our team offers the tireless support you deserve. We provide ongoing guidance so that you always know what to expect from every step. Contact our Lebanon lane change accident attorneys today for a free consultation.