Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
A driver who makes an unsafe lane change by swerving into your lane without signaling or failing to check their blind spot is almost always the one liable if a crash follows. These cases can be challenging because drivers may disagree about how the accident happened.
A lane change crash is not as simple as deciding who hit whom. Figuring out who moved first, who had the right of way, and how much each driver contributed takes careful investigation. An experienced attorney can cut through the confusion.
Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers has served more than 26,000 clients. Our car accident lawyers in New York can help if you have been involved in an unsafe lane crash. Every Borough, Every Block, New York, We Got You. Call today for your free consultation and tell us what happened.
How New York’s No-Fault Rules Affect Your Claim
New York’s No-Fault insurance system allows your own insurer to cover your immediate losses after a crash, even if another driver caused the accident. This coverage can help you begin receiving medical care and address some financial concerns while your claim moves forward.
No-Fault benefits are limited, however. They do not compensate you for pain and suffering, and they may not fully address the impact of serious injuries. If you have a serious injury under New York law, you may have the ability to pursue a separate claim against the other driver,
Knowing when No-Fault benefits are no longer enough is an important part of protecting your recovery. Shulman & Hill can help you understand how these two parts of a claim work together and guide you through the process.
Evidence That Can Help Prove an Unsafe Lane Change Claim
Evidence often helps show how an unsafe lane change caused a crash. The details collected after a collision can explain what happened just before the impact and clarify who may be at fault.
- A police accident report can provide important details about the crash, including the officers’ observations and any statements made at the scene.
- Taking photos at the scene of the accident and surrounding area can help show how the collision happened and the damage caused by the impact.
- Video footage from traffic cameras or vehicle systems can capture the events leading up to the unsafe lane change.
- Statements from witnesses can provide additional information about the drivers’ actions before the collision occurred.
- Vehicle damage records can help demonstrate the direction of impact and support an explanation of how the crash happened.
Shulman & Hill can help review the evidence connected to your accident and determine how it may affect your claim. Taking action sooner rather than later can help preserve information that may become more difficult to locate as time passes.
How Insurance Companies Evaluate Unsafe Lane Change Claims
When investigating accidents caused by unsafe lane changes, the insurer will decide whether to take responsibility or dispute the claim. In some cases, they may look for ways to blame you, even if their client was clearly at fault.
An adjuster may question what happened or look for reasons to reduce the amount they are willing to pay. Without a clear understanding of your rights, it can be difficult to determine whether an insurance offer truly accounts for the impact of your injuries and losses.
Shulman & Hill can help you deal with insurance companies and protect your interests throughout the claims process. Having an attorney on your side can give you a clearer understanding of your options before you make decisions that may affect your recovery.
Comparative Negligence and Car Accidents
New York’s comparative negligence rules can affect how much compensation you recover after an unsafe lane change accident. Under CPLR § 1411, a person who is partly responsible for a crash may have their compensation reduced based on their share of fault.
A 2026 update created an important change for certain motor vehicle injury claims covered by New York’s No-Fault insurance laws. In those cases, an injured person may be prevented from recovering damages if their share of fault is greater than the fault of the driver they are pursuing a claim against.
Shulman & Hill can help examine the circumstances of your lane change accident and address arguments that may shift blame onto you. Understanding how fault rules apply to your claim can make a significant difference when seeking compensation for your injuries.
Get Legal Help After Your Car Crash
When a vehicle makes an unsafe lane change, the driver of that vehicle is almost always responsible for the accident that followed. Failing to check blind spots or driving recklessly are usually violations of a driver’s duty to operate their vehicle safely.
If another driver caused your injuries by making an unsafe lane change, our legal team is ready to discuss your situation. We can review the circumstances of your accident and explain the legal options that may be available. You don’t need to deal with this on your own.
Shulman & Hill has recovered over $1 billion for New York accident victims who were hurt due to no fault of their own. Call today to schedule your free consultation to discuss your unsafe lane change accident.