[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-in-a-changing-lanes-accident\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-in-a-changing-lanes-accident\/","headline":"Who’s At Fault in a Changing Lanes Accident?","name":"Who’s At Fault in a Changing Lanes Accident?","description":"In South Carolina, the driver who changes lanes is usually at fault in a changing lanes accident for failing to yield and merge safely. However, fault can be shared if both drivers moved at the same time or one was speeding, distracted, or driving carelessly. Changing lanes might...","datePublished":"2026-03-24","dateModified":"2026-03-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/author\/jimtucker-user\/#Person","name":"Jim Tucker","url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/author\/jimtucker-user\/","identifier":11,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/44083b310c18e164c282b70c2998ed23ca87dafd05103949a9ed48ec14940f87?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/44083b310c18e164c282b70c2998ed23ca87dafd05103949a9ed48ec14940f87?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"McKinney, Tucker & Lemel","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MTLLaw-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MTLLaw-logo.png","width":387,"height":95}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/car-change-lane.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/car-change-lane.jpg","height":662,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-in-a-changing-lanes-accident\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0","name":"How an Attorney Can Help You After an Accident in South Carolina - McKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC","description":"For more information, please visit our website: https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/how-attorney-can-help-after-an-accident-in-south-carolina\/\n\nMcKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC - Rock Hill Personal Injury Attorneys\n215 Hampton Street\nRock Hill, SC 29730\nPhone: 803-328-1848","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OBjWgSUC-p0\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OBjWgSUC-p0\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OBjWgSUC-p0\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OBjWgSUC-p0\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OBjWgSUC-p0\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2025-07-08T01:52:46+00:00","duration":"PT3M5S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OBjWgSUC-p0","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSJQ_AJ7kCfv43tFOzt2OCA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCSJQ_AJ7kCfv43tFOzt2OCA","name":"MTL Law","description":"Here at McKinney, Tucker, & Lemel, LLC we are all about people. You are entrusting your lawyer with important and personal details about yourself and your life. You should feel comfortable as you work with your lawyer throughout a case. We respect this relationship and we are ready to be on your side because no one should have to handle a serious legal issue alone. We are here to help with a wide variety of cases including, personal injury, criminal defense, and family law.\n\nWe understand the stress of trying to keep your life on track while handling a serious case. Let us take up the legal burden so you can concentrate on recovering and moving forward. We have been helping the people of York & Lancaster counties since 1977 so you can count on us to have the experience and skill that you need.\n\nWe\u2019re ready to work for you.\n\nMcKinney, Tucker & Lemel LLC\nhttps:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/\n215 Hampton Street\nRock Hill, SC 29730\nPhone: 803-328-1848\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/fZ07nD6E0DI9r7Qgz3pwXXUaTWT3568T7H_3_d4P_QDAFhGpvP-h1jXuKIdZu29412BDVm5mu6c=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":18}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OBjWgSUC-p0#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":1}]},"about":["Car Accident"],"wordCount":1102,"articleBody":"In South Carolina, the driver who changes lanes is usually at fault in a changing lanes accident for failing to yield and merge safely. However, fault can be shared if both drivers moved at the same time or one was speeding, distracted, or driving carelessly.Changing lanes might seem simple, but it can cause serious car accidents. When one driver tries to merge and hits another car, the question turns to who caused the accident. Every accident is different, and determining fault requires a close look at the facts. If you’ve been injured by another driver making an unsafe lane change, you need to know what to do next.How Do Lane Change Accidents Occur?Most lane change accidents happen because a driver switches lanes without making sure it\u2019s safe. These crashes often occur on highways, multi-lane roads, and in heavy traffic. The driver changing lanes might:Fail to signal before mergingMisjudge the speed of other vehiclesMove into a car\u2019s blind spotTry to squeeze into tight spacesMerge too quickly or too slowlySometimes, the driver already in the lane may contribute to the crash when they:Suddenly speed upSlam on the brakesDrift into another laneThese collisions often lead to serious damage. The sides of the vehicles may be crushed, tires may blow, and people may be hurt. Whiplash, head trauma, and broken bones are all common injuries.Who Is Assumed to Have the Right of Way in a Lane Change Accident?In most cases, the driver already in the lane has the right of way. South Carolina law requires a driver changing lanes to do so safely. So, they must check mirrors, look over their shoulders, use turn signals, and make sure the lane is clear before moving over.When a crash happens during a lane change, the driver of the car changing lanes may be at fault, especially if they didn\u2019t yield the right of way and failed to change lanes safely. However, the full story matters. Sometimes, both drivers are at fault in a car accident.Can Both Drivers Share the Blame For a South Carolina Lane Change Accident?South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means both drivers can share blame for an accident. If one driver was mostly at fault but the other also made a mistake, each party can be assigned a percentage of fault. An example of how this works is:If you are 50 percent or less at fault, you can file a car accident claim, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of blame.If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.For example, if a driver was changing traffic lanes without signaling, but you were texting while driving, a court might find that you are both partly at fault. The driver who moved might be 70 percent at fault, and you might be 30 percent at fault. In this case, you could still recover money for your injuries, but the amount would be reduced by 30 percent.Because of this rule, it\u2019s important to gather solid evidence after a crash. Even if you think you were partly to blame, you may still be entitled to compensation.What Evidence is Used in Determining Lane Change Accident Fault in South Carolina?To determine who caused the crash, investigators and insurance companies examine a range of evidence, which may include:Photos of the crash scene and damageTraffic camera or dashcam footageWitness statementsPolice reportsSkid marks or debris locationsVehicle damage patternsCell phone records or GPS dataAll this information helps paint a picture of what happened in the moments leading up to the accident. For example, if the damage is to the rear side panel of one car and the front corner of another, that can help determine who hit whom and from what angle.Having the right personal injury attorney also helps you gather and present this evidence clearly. A car accident lawyer knows what to look for and how to build a strong case to support your side of the story.\ufeffWhat Should You Do If You Have Been Involved in a Lane Change Accident in South Carolina?If you\u2019re in a lane change crash, your health comes first. Get medical care right away. Some injuries take hours or days to show up. After that, take these steps:Call the police \u2013 A police report can help later if you decide to file a car accident lawsuit.Take photos \u2013 Capture damage to all vehicles, road signs, tire marks, and injuries.Exchange information \u2013 Get names, insurance details, and license plate numbers.Get witness contact information \u2013 Their statements can support your case.Don\u2019t admit fault \u2013 Even saying \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u201d can be used against you.Speak with a lawyer \u2013 A car accident attorney can explain your rights and help you make the right moves.Could I Receive Compensation After a Changing Lanes Accident?If someone else caused the lane-changing crash through negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses, including:Medical billsCar repairs or replacementLost wagesPain and sufferingFuture care costsEven if you think you were partly at fault, don\u2019t count yourself out. In many cases, the driver who moved into your lane remains primarily responsible. South Carolina\u2019s modified comparative fault rule gives injured drivers a chance to recover, even when they share fault in a lane change accident.The amount you receive depends on your injuries, the other driver\u2019s insurance, and the strength of your case. That\u2019s why it helps to speak with someone who understands these accidents and knows how to fight for what you deserve.Contact a South Carolina Car Accident LawyerIf you\u2019ve been hurt in a changing lanes accident, don\u2019t try to handle it alone. The other driver\u2019s insurance company may already be working to shift blame or reduce your payout. You deserve someone who can stand up for your rights and guide you through the process.At McKinney, Tucker & Lemel, LLC, we\u2019ve been helping people in York and Lancaster Counties since 1977. Our firm offers support in personal injury, criminal defense, and family law, with a reputation for open communication, compassion, attention to detail, cost-effective advocacy, and deep local roots.We know how to investigate crashes, prove fault, and pursue fair compensation for our clients. You can read what past clients have to say on our testimonials page. Contact us for a consultation to get started.Visit Our South Carolina Car Accident Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Who’s At Fault in a Changing Lanes Accident?","item":"https:\/\/www.mtllawfirm.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-in-a-changing-lanes-accident\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]