Who Is at Fault in Arizona?
Lane-change accidents are one of the most frequent causes of car crashes in Arizona. Whether it’s on busy roads in Scottsdale or highways near Lake Havasu City, these incidents often trigger complicated questions about who is legally responsible.
Understanding how fault is determined under Arizona law can help protect your rights if you’ve been involved in a lane-change collision.
Arizona Lane Change Laws: What the Law Requires
Under A.R.S. §28-729, all Arizona drivers must follow key safety protocols when changing lanes:
- Use a turn signal
- Check mirrors and blind spots
- Yield to vehicles already in the lane
If a driver fails to take these steps and causes a collision, they are typically considered at fault under Arizona traffic law.
When the Lane-Changing Driver Is Likely at Fault
The driver making the lane change is often found liable if they:
- Do not signal
- Merge into a lane that’s already occupied
- Cut off another driver
- Fail to check blind spots
- Change lanes in restricted areas like intersections or no-passing zones
Example: A driver on Loop 101 in Scottsdale veers into another lane without signaling and sideswipes another vehicle—this would usually result in liability for the lane-changing driver.
Shared Fault Under Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Rules
Arizona applies a pure comparative negligence standard. This means fault can be shared—and even if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover compensation.
Situations where fault may be shared:
- The other driver was speeding or distracted
- A driver tried to block another’s merge
- Both drivers tried to enter the same lane simultaneously
In these cases, each driver’s level of fault is assigned a percentage, and any compensation is reduced accordingly.
Emergency Lane Changes and Legal Exceptions
Drivers may sometimes swerve to avoid hazards such as debris or stalled vehicles. While Arizona law does recognize emergency scenarios, the driver must still act reasonably. Unsafe evasive maneuvers that cause a crash can still result in partial or full liability.
Dashcam video, eyewitness accounts, and police reports are often crucial in establishing what really happened.
How Fault Is Proven in Lane-Change Accidents
To determine liability, investigators and insurers typically review:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Skid marks and vehicle damage
- Accident reconstruction findings
Independent third-party witnesses can play a major role, especially when both drivers dispute the facts.
Injuries Common in Lane-Change Crashes
Even a “minor” sideswipe or merge collision can result in serious injuries such as:
- Whiplash and neck trauma
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Concussions and brain injuries
- Broken bones and soft tissue damage
Always seek prompt medical care—even if you feel okay—since some injuries may appear hours or days later.
What to Do After a Lane-Change Accident in Arizona
- Call 911 and file a police report
- Seek immediate medical care
- Exchange insurance and contact info
- Take photos and videos at the scene
- Don’t admit fault
- Contact an Arizona car accident attorney before speaking to insurers
Why You Need an Arizona Auto Accident Lawyer
Lane-change accidents often involve fast-moving vehicles and split-second decisions. Insurance companies may try to assign blame unfairly or minimize your injuries.
At Rideout Law Group, we:
- Investigate your crash thoroughly
- Collect and preserve key evidence
- Handle all negotiations with insurers
- Seek full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain
From Scottsdale to Lake Havasu City, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you fight for what you deserve.
Get Help Today
Injured in a lane-change accident in Arizona? Don’t go it alone. Call Rideout Law Group at (480) 584-3328 (Scottsdale) or (928) 854-8181 (Lake Havasu) for a free case review. Let us protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
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This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.