What Is Improper Lane Usage, and How Can It Cause Crashes?

 Posted on February 19, 2025 in Car Accidents

On February 11th, 2025, the Illinois State Police responded to a collision on Highway 106 between Pittsfield and Barry. In this collision, a Chevy Silverado began to pass a tractor in the eastbound lane when it struck a Jeep traveling west. The tractor overturned, and its driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Chevy and Jeep drivers, along with one Jeep passenger, required transport by Life Flight due to serious injuries. One Jeep and one Chevy passenger died at the scene. The Chevy’s driver was given a citation for Improper Lane Usage.

Any kind of traffic violation can cause accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Personal injury or wrongful death claims could provide the compensation you need and deserve, but the liable insurer is highly unlikely to pay your claim fairly unless you have a competent Springfield, IL car accident lawyer fighting to protect your best interests.

What Is Improper Lane Usage?

Whether a road only has one lane traveling in each direction or is a multi-lane highway with barriers between vehicles going in opposite directions, lane markings designate where vehicles should be driving. According to Illinois law, vehicles should remain as close as possible within a single lane, with the driver being required to prioritize safety when leaving that lane.

Improper lane usage can take several forms, including:

• Failing to use turn signals when changing lanes

• Failing to yield the right of way when merging into another lane

• Drifting between traffic lanes for no reason

• Passing without checking for oncoming traffic or when the lane markings are solid rather than broken

• Crossing several lanes at one time

Drivers who violate these restrictions may receive traffic tickets and other forms of punishment. More importantly, they can be responsible for causing collisions that injure or kill others.

If the At-Fault Driver Is Not Cited, Can I Still File a Claim?

Your eligibility to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim is based on negligence, not whether the driver was ticketed. As long as you meet other eligibility requirements, you can still pursue compensation.

Damages in these cases often include property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and various forms of pain and suffering. Wrongful death claims can provide additional damages, including funeral and burial costs. Your attorney will calculate your damages using data specific to your losses. However, no insurer wants to pay claims fairly. Without an attorney to place accurate values on your damages and fight the insurance company, the amount you are offered will probably be much less than it should be.

Discuss Your Case With a Skilled Champaign, IL Car Accident Attorney

When a negligent driver causes injury or death, you need an experienced Peoria, IL personal injury lawyer from Kanoski Bresney to champion your rights and best interests. We offer no-cost case reviews, so schedule yours today by calling 888-826-8682 or reaching out online.