Unsafe Lane Change on 84 East Caused Accident and Serious Injuries
Injured in an unsafe lane change accident in Connecticut? Learn how these happen, how fault is determined, and what your legal options are.
- September 24, 2022
- By McCoy & McCoy
This article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated in July 2026 to include current Connecticut law, additional legal guidance, and answers to common questions about unsafe lane change accidents.
Unsafe lane changes remain one of the leading causes of preventable car accidents on Connecticut highways. Whether a driver is rushing to make an exit, distracted by GPS directions, or simply fails to check their blind spot, a sudden lane change can result in devastating collisions.
Interstates such as I-84, I-91, I-95, Route 8, and Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) frequently experience crashes caused by improper lane changes, particularly near busy exits, construction zones, and merge areas. These crashes often happen in a matter of seconds, leaving innocent drivers with serious injuries and significant financial losses.
A Real Connecticut Unsafe Lane Change Accident
One of our clients was traveling in the middle lane of I-84 East from Hartford toward Vernon during normal afternoon traffic. Weather conditions were clear, and traffic was moving steadily.
As the vehicles approached the interchange where drivers must choose between continuing on I-84 East or merging onto I-384 East in Manchester, the driver of a commercial flower delivery van suddenly realized he was in the wrong lane. Instead of safely continuing to the next exit, he made an abrupt lane change across traffic.
The delivery van struck the rear of our client’s vehicle with such force that the van’s hood flew open from the impact. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and had to be towed from the scene. Emergency responders transported both drivers to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment.
After investigating the crash, the responding officer determined that the commercial driver caused the collision by making an unsafe lane change. The driver received a citation for violating Connecticut General Statutes § 14-236, which requires motorists to remain within a single lane until it is safe to move into another lane.
What is Connecticut's Unsafe Lane Change Law?
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-236, drivers must remain within a single lane and may not move from that lane until they have determined that the movement can be made safely.
Violating this law can result in a traffic citation, but it may also serve as important evidence when determining fault in a personal injury claim. Although receiving a citation does not automatically establish civil liability, it can support an injured person’s claim that the other driver acted negligently.
Why Unsafe Lane Change Accidents Happen
Many unsafe lane change crashes are entirely preventable. Some of the most common causes include:
- Last-second attempts to make an exit
- Distracted driving
- Failure to check blind spots
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Following GPS directions too late
- Commercial drivers rushing to complete deliveries
- Heavy highway traffic and sudden merging
Many of these crashes occur near highway interchanges, where drivers unexpectedly realize they are in the wrong lane and attempt to merge without enough space.
Common Injuries After an Unsafe Lane Change Accident
Even at highway speeds where vehicles are traveling in the same direction, unsafe lane change accidents can cause significant injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Neck and back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
Some injuries may not become apparent until hours or even days after the crash, making prompt medical evaluation essential.
Injured in an Unsafe Lane Change Accident?
If another driver’s unsafe lane change caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical treatment, and other damages.
At McCoy & McCoy, our Connecticut car accident lawyers have extensive experience representing victims injured in highway crashes throughout Connecticut. Whether you are looking for a Hartford car accident lawyer, New Haven car accident lawyer, or a Torrington car accident lawyer, we can help you. Our attorneys investigate the facts, preserve critical evidence, and fight to recover the maximum compensation available.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There are no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
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