Improper Lane Changes
Lane change accidents often result from truck driver negligence, distracted driving, or failure to properly check mirrors, leaving crash survivors with serious injuries and mounting medical expenses.
Sharing the highway with tractor-trailers can be nerve-wracking, whether you're passing a truck or one is overtaking you. Even when both drivers exercise caution, these encounters feel intimidating due to the size difference between vehicles. When truck drivers fail to safely maneuver their massive rigs around smaller cars, however, a routine highway interaction can quickly escalate into a devastating truck crash with life-changing consequences
Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes are among the most common reasons for truck accident lawsuits nationwide, but that does not mean filing suit over this type of wreck will be easy to do alone. If you want the best chance of getting a positive outcome from your claim, consider reaching out to a truck accident attorney from our firm, who will fight fiercely and compassionately for you.
What Duty of Care Do Truckers Have on Public Roads?
Like every licensed driver, long-haul truckers have a duty of care requiring them to obey traffic laws, watch out for people or vehicles near them, and act responsibly while driving on public highways. Proving that a truck driver or trucking company directly caused a crash through a breach of their duty of care is one of the primary goals of nearly every truck accident lawsuit, since causing injury through a breach of duty qualifies as legal negligence and makes the negligent person liable to pay for damages stemming from their misconduct.
A trucker who changes lanes without signaling, merges without using their mirrors and onboard collision detection systems, or swerves suddenly from one lane into another has violated their duty of care by acting irresponsibly and unlawfully. The Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) manual specifies that truck drivers should check their mirrors at four distinct times during a lane change:
- Before they change lanes, to make sure there is enough room.
- After they have signaled, to check that no one has moved into a blind spot.
- Right after they start the lane change, to double-check that the path is clear.
- After they complete the lane change.
Failing to follow these steps is grounds for a negligence-based lawsuit when it directly leads to a wreck. This is just one example of how truck driver negligence can lead to serious accidents and legal liability. When truck drivers fail to follow proper lane-changing procedures and cause a crash, our team will work to gather evidence to uncover negligence and determine the root cause of the unsafe lane change that caused the truck wreck that left you injured.
Getting Around Legal and Procedural Obstacles
In truck accident lawsuits, it's common for truck drivers and their employers to fight back against claims of wrongdoing and unsafe practices. They often argue that other factors or parties—sometimes even you—were either partially or wholly at fault. However, truck drivers have a duty to remain fully aware of their surroundings at all times while operating their vehicles.
At The Law Firm for Truck Safety, our experienced truck accident lawyers will fiercely advocate for you and combat any unfounded allegations that attempt to shift responsibility away from a truck driver or trucking company's unsafe practices. Our lawyers work to build and file a robust civil claim for your injuries within the applicable filing deadline in your state.
The statutes of limitations vary around the country and even differ depending on the type of accident in some places. Guidance from seasoned legal counsel can be key to avoiding procedural pitfalls while collecting evidence and recovering from your injuries.
Call a Truck Accident Attorney For Help Suing Over a Wreck Caused by an Unsafe Lane Change
Being sideswiped by a semi-truck is a frightening and potentially life-threatening experience. However, like any wreck, truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes can serve as grounds for civil litigation, provided you know your rights and enforce them effectively in pursuit of the compensation you deserve.
The Law Firm for Truck Safety has offices across the United States dedicated exclusively to helping individuals and families affected by truck crashes. Call us today to set up your free no-risk case consultation so we can help you recover physically, psychologically, and financially from your wreck.
