Every year, numerous accidents on West Lafayette's busy roads are caused by drivers making unsafe lane changes. These dangerous maneuvers include failing to signal, cutting off other vehicles, weaving through traffic, and merging without proper clearance. The consequences can be severe, ranging from side-swipe collisions to multi-vehicle pileups, particularly on high-traffic areas like Sagamore Parkway and State Street. When drivers fail to check their blind spots, misjudge distances, or change lanes aggressively, they put everyone at risk. The resulting accidents can cause serious injuries including whiplash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries. For victims, these incidents often lead to substantial medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs. Understanding your rights and options for pursuing a personal injury claim is crucial, as Indiana law provides specific protections for those injured by negligent lane-change behavior.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Indiana Code § 9-21-8-24 requires drivers to ensure a lane change can be made safely and to signal their intention at least 200 feet before changing lanes. Under Indiana's modified comparative fault system (IC § 34-51-2-6), accident victims can recover damages as long as they are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana is two years from the date of the accident. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. Insurance considerations include Indiana's minimum liability coverage requirements of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Working with experienced legal counsel can help ensure proper documentation and timely filing of claims.

Improper lane changes can cause many types of accidents. Good accident attorneys can help with all kinds of accidents and injuries - click the links below to get information from a:

• West Lafayette car accident attorney;
• West Lafayette motorcycle accident lawyer;
• West Lafayette truck accident lawyer;
• West Lafayette bicycle accident attorney;
• West Lafayette drunk driving accident lawyer;
• West Lafayette distracted driving accident lawyer;
• West Lafayette rear-end accident law office;

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• Tippecanoe County Superior Court
• Tippecanoe County Circuit Court

Support Services:

• Indiana Auto Accident Victim Support Network
• Tippecanoe Emergency Ambulance Service
• IU Health Arnett Hospital Trauma Services
• West Lafayette Police Department Accident Reports Division

Legal References:

• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Driver Safety Program
• Indiana Code Title 9: Motor Vehicles
• Indiana State Police Crash Reports Portal
• Tippecanoe County Bar Association Referral Service

Return to the West Lafayette car accident information page