Unsafe Lane Changes and Personal Injury Claims in San Marcos, Texas: Legal Guide for Accident Victims

 

Each year in San Marcos, unsafe lane changes contribute to numerous traffic accidents along busy corridors like Interstate 35 and Wonder World Drive. These dangerous maneuvers include failing to signal lane changes, cutting off other vehicles, weaving between lanes, and crossing multiple lanes simultaneously. The consequences often extend beyond immediate vehicle damage to include serious injuries like whiplash, spinal trauma, and head injuries. When drivers make abrupt or illegal lane changes, they may be held liable for resulting accidents and injuries. Common contributing factors include distracted driving, speeding, blind spot errors, and aggressive driving behaviors. Victims of accidents caused by unsafe lane changes may pursue personal injury claims to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Understanding the specific circumstances and documentation of lane change violations strengthens these claims, as they demonstrate clear negligence and violation of traffic safety laws.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.060, drivers must ensure a lane change can be made safely and must signal their intention. San Marcos follows Texas's modified comparative negligence system, meaning accident victims can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the accident date. Insurance considerations include Texas's minimum liability coverage requirements of $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 per accident. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and future medical care. Important evidence includes police reports documenting lane change violations, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical records establishing the connection between the unsafe lane change and resulting injuries. An experienced San Marcos personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

 

Click the links below to learn how a good injury lawyer can help with your type of accident caused by an unsafe driver:

 

Related Resources

Local Courts:

  • Hays County District Court
  • Hays County Justice of the Peace Courts
  • San Marcos Municipal Court

Victim Support Services:

  • Hays County Victim Services Division
  • Central Texas Medical Center Trauma Services
  • San Marcos Police Department Victim Services Unit

Legal References:

  • Texas Transportation Code (Title 7, Subtitle C)
  • Texas Department of Transportation Safety Guidelines
  • Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code (Chapter 16)

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