Los Angeles Improper Merge Accident Lawyer  

Every year, a high number of motor vehicle accidents in Los Angeles are caused by drivers making improper merges and lane changes. When a freeway is divided into multiple lanes, a driver wishing to merge must yield the right-of-way to existing traffic. Unfortunately, many Los Angeles drivers violate these laws and put others at risk.  

If you or a loved one has been injured in an improper merge accident, the Los Angeles accident attorneys at Rose, Klein & Marias LLP, can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and seek the financial compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to begin your case with a free consultation.

Why Choose Us?

• We care about our clients and are committed to fighting for their futures. Your lawyer will always put you first during an improper merge accident case.
• Our success stories showcase our ability to secure the financial compensation that our clients need. We have acquired over $5 billion in settlements and jury verdicts.
• We understand how personal injury cases in Los Angeles work. Our attorneys have achieved multiple seven-figure results for crash victims throughout California.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hiring a car accident attorney to represent you during an improper merge accident case can put you in a stronger position during insurance claim negotiations. Your lawyer will prevent a car insurance company from taking advantage of you and offering a settlement that is less than your claim is worth. 

An attorney will take over complex legal aspects of your case, such as crash investigation, accident reconstruction, the hiring of experts, claims filing, settlement negotiations and – if necessary – litigation at trial. With an attorney advocating for your rights and best interests, you can focus on healing from your injuries with greater peace of mind about your financial future.

What Is an Improper Merge or Lane Change?

All drivers in California have a responsibility to operate their motor vehicles in accordance with state traffic laws. This includes California Vehicle Code § 22107, which states: 

Section 22107 – Turning from direct course or moving left or right upon roadway

 No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move 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 in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.

 Under this law, changing lanes and merging with existing traffic is prohibited unless a driver can make these movements with reasonable safety. Drivers must take proper care before leaving their lanes to ensure that no vehicles are in the destination lane. They must check their blind spots, signal their intent to merge in advance, and execute the maneuver in a way that is safe and prudent while maintaining a reasonable speed.

Who Pays for an Improper Merge Accident in Los Angeles?

Changing lanes on top of another vehicle, cutting another driver off, failing to signal the intent to change lanes, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and failing to yield the right-of-way are all examples of driver errors that violate Section 22107 of state law. These errors constitute negligence by the at-fault driver, meaning the failure to use proper care when driving.

Under California’s fault-based insurance law, an injured car accident victim can bring a claim or lawsuit against one or more parties for negligence that causes or contributes to a crash. This includes violating California’s merge and lane-change laws. If a negligent driver makes an unsafe or illegal lane change and this causes an accident, the driver can be held liable (financially responsible) for the victim’s losses.

 A car accident claim seeks to make the victim whole again by providing financial compensation for related losses from the at-fault party (defendant). In California, all drivers are required to maintain at least $15,000 per person for injury or death, $30,000 per accident for injury or death, and $5,000 for property damage. This liability insurance can pay for a crash victim’s bills and losses.

Proving Negligence in an Improper Merge Accident Case

 A fault-based car insurance claim could result in greater coverage for a victim’s injuries than a first-party PIP (personal injury protection) insurance claim, which is the legal option available in no-fault states. The tradeoff is that the crash victim must prove that the other driver is at fault for the collision.

 Establishing negligence in an improper merge accident case takes evidence of four elements:

1. Duty of care: the defendant had a legal obligation to operate a motor vehicle in a manner that a reasonably prudent driver would have in the same circumstances.
2. Breach of duty: the defendant fell short of the duty of care by violating California’s traffic laws and making an improper merge or lane change. 
3. Causation: the defendant’s breach of the duty of care was the actual or proximate cause of the car accident.
4. Damages: the victim suffered real losses in the improper merge accident, such as medical bills, property damage and lost wages.

Together, these elements make up the legal doctrine of negligence. An attorney from Rose, Klein & Marias LLP can help you establish negligence during your claim using clear and convincing evidence. This may include police accident reports, eyewitness statements, crash reconstruction, photographs of property damage and expert testimony.

How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Cost?

At Rose, Klein & Marias LLP, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means when our car accident attorneys take a case, they charge $0 upfront and $0 out of pocket, win or lose. If we do not win your case, you will not owe us for our legal services, guaranteed.

If we do achieve a financial award on your behalf, we will deduct our fee directly from the settlement or judgment award won. Under this system, we can help you seek justice against a careless driver at no financial risk.

We Are Ready to Represent You in a Los Angeles Improper Merge Accident Case

If you or someone you love was recently involved in a car accident where another driver committed an unsafe or improper merge, contact us to discuss your legal options during a free case consultation. We can help you hold a driver accountable and move on from the crash with the compensation that you need. Call (866) 542-4302 today.