Brian O Sutter Accident Lawyers Personal Injury

Changing lanes seems routine—until it leads to a crash. If you're reading this, there's a good chance you've recently experienced a close call or collision on one of Southwest Florida’s busy roads, whether it was US-41, Veterans Boulevard, or the I-75 on-ramp near Kings Highway.

You might be wondering:

• Who is at fault in a lane-changing accident?
• What are my legal options if I was hit by a driver who didn’t check their blind spot?
• Can I recover compensation—even if I’m partially at fault?

At All Injuries Law Firm, we’ve represented thousands of injured victims in Port Charlotte, Sarasota, and Fort Myers over the last 35+ years—including many hurt in lane change collisions. In this guide, we’ll break down real-world accident scenarios, explain Florida law, and show how past clients have recovered after similar events.

Why Lane-Change Accidents Happen So Often in Port Charlotte

From snowbird congestion to fast-moving locals weaving through traffic, drivers in Charlotte County are navigating a wide range of driving styles. Combine that with large vehicles, poor weather visibility, and constant merging on roads like Tamiami Trail and I-75—and you’ve got the ingredients for serious crashes.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Failing to check blind spots before merging
• Not signaling lane changes (or signaling too late)
• Distracted or drowsy driving
• Poor judgment in rainy or low-light conditions

According to Florida law, these behaviors are not just risky—they’re violations of traffic statutes. For instance:

• Florida Statute § 316.085 prohibits changing lanes unless the move can be made safely.
• Florida Statute § 316.155 requires proper signaling before any lane change.

Real-Life Lane Change Accident Scenarios We See Often

Here are seven of the most common lane-change crash types we’ve handled for clients in Port Charlotte and across Southwest Florida:

1. The Blind Spot Sideswipe

A driver merges into your lane without seeing you in their blind spot, especially on multi-lane roads like US-41 or I-75. At highway speeds, this can result in severe side-impact collisions.

2. The No-Signal Cutoff

An impatient driver swerves in front of you without signaling, possibly to catch an exit. You slam on the brakes—or worse, you don't have time.

Legal Tip: Failing to use a turn signal is a traffic violation and can strengthen your case for negligence.

3. Aggressive Multi-Lane Weaving

Drivers darting across two or more lanes in heavy traffic often misjudge space, hitting other vehicles or causing a domino-effect crash. This is especially common during peak hours on I-75 or Kings Highway.

4. Distracted Lane Drift

A distracted driver using their phone or navigation system drifts into your lane. These often result in sideswipes or road-edge collisions.

NHTSA reports distracted driving killed over 3,500 people in the U.S. in 2021 alone.

5. Weather-Related Misjudgment

In rain, fog, or glare, drivers change lanes without proper visibility—causing hydroplaning or underrating the speed of surrounding traffic. Wet roads are especially hazardous along Veterans Boulevard or Burnt Store Road after sudden afternoon downpours.

6. Unlawful Passing

When a driver tries to pass on the right or during a turning lane merge, it often ends with a collision—especially at intersections near retail centers like Murdock Circle.

7. Merging Without Yielding

Cars entering from ramps (like the Kings Hwy to I-75 merge) may incorrectly assume the main-lane traffic will move for them.

According to FLHSMV guidelines, merging drivers must yield to ongoing traffic.

Real Client Recoveries From Serious Vehicle Accidents

At All Injuries Law Firm, we’ve secured significant compensation for clients hurt in preventable auto crashes—including lane change collisions. Here are just a few real recoveries:

• $1,500,000 recovered after a client suffered multiple injuries in a vehicle collision.
• $1,100,000 for back injuries from a rear-end lane change crash.
• $1,000,000 for a neck injury in a motor vehicle vs. tractor-trailer collision.
• $1,000,000 for knee injury caused by a driver failing to use due care.

Note: Each case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Recoveries depend on the specific facts of each claim.

Who’s At Fault in a Lane Change Crash?

In most lane-change crashes, the driver who made the move is at fault—especially if they:

• Didn’t check their blind spot
• Didn’t signal or changed lanes too late
• Failed to yield when merging
• Were distracted or speeding

However, Florida follows a comparative fault system (§ 768.81, Florida Statutes). This means both drivers can share fault—and your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of blame. That’s why proving how the crash happened is critical.

What to Do After a Lane Change Accident in Florida

1. Call 911 and request an official report.
2. Take photos and video: Get damage, injuries, vehicle positions, weather, and road signs.
3. Seek medical care immediately, even if symptoms are delayed.
4. Avoid admitting fault at the scene.
5. Contact a trusted personal injury attorney at All Injuries Law Firm.

Why Choose All Injuries Law Firm?

Located in Port Charlotte, we’ve helped thousands of Southwest Florida residents navigate complex car accident claims over the past 35+ years. When you work with us:

• We handle the insurance companies and paperwork
• We investigate crashes using photos, witness reports, and traffic camera footage
• We help connect you with medical professionals for evaluation and care
• We fight to recover maximum compensation for injuries, lost wages, and pain

Free Consultation Available Now

If you’ve been hurt in a lane change crash in Port Charlotte, North Port, Sarasota, or Fort Myers, you don’t need to go through it alone.

Call All Injuries Law Firm today for a free case evaluation
Visit our office at 2340 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Visit AllInjuriesLawFirm.com

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