All drivers have a legal obligation to remain in the lane they are traveling in and when they must change lanes, they must wait until it is safe to do so. Although it makes sense that any driver who does not do this is at fault for a side-impact collision, it is not always easy to determine which driver left their lane.
A Columbus side-impact collision lawyer will use several methods to determine fault in these accidents. For example, the property damage to any vehicle can indicate which driver left their lane. In other cases, the position the vehicles came to rest in after the crash can indicate who is at fault. Most of the time, though, determining liability after a side impact collision depends mainly on the statements from all of the drivers involved, as well as eyewitnesses. Even these can vary from one person to another, though, making it challenging to determine fault.
Although most side impact collisions are caused by negligent drivers who leave their lane without first ensuring it is safe to do so, there are many reasons motorists leave their lane of travel negligently. These include:
It is not always drivers who change lanes that are to blame for side-impact collisions. In some cases, the driver who was struck is found to be partly liable for the crash, as well. This can happen when the driver who was struck took the following actions:
At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus side impact collision lawyer knows the devastation these accidents cause and is passionate about helping injured individuals obtain the full damages they deserve. Call or text us now at 614-220-9100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about your legal options.
