If you’ve ever driven on the freeway, you have likely witnessed a commercial truck driver carelessly change lanes.
This can have catastrophic consequences as the average large truck weighs as much as 80,000 pounds.
Causes of Unsafe Lane Changes
Federal regulations mandate that all commercial truck drivers complete extensive training before they can take to the roadways with a commercial driver’s license. But despite the training requirements, some truck drivers still improperly change lanes. Causes may include:
- Failing to signal before changing lanes
- Failing to yield the right of way to other vehicles
- Failing to properly check a blind spot
- Misjudging the distance of other vehicles
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving more hours than allowed by law
Injuries Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes
Truck drivers who make unsafe lane changes kill or injure American motorists everyday. Injuries vary and may include:
- Amputated arms and legs
- Third-degree burns
- Head trauma
- Multiple lacerations
- Broken bones
Expenses
These accidents often cause substantial expenses such as vehicle repair, car rental fees, medications, ambulance fees, medical bills, and physical therapy sessions.
Damages
Victims of unsafe lane changing accidents shouldn’t be responsible for any expenses they’ve incurred. This is why they are able to seek damages from the driver’s insurance company in order to pay for things such as medical and/or hospital bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
If you sustained injuries in a truck accident due to another driver’s negligence, please contact us. We can help you attain the settlement you deserve should you have a valid claim.