Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, truck drivers have less room for making driving errors than drivers of passenger vehicles. The result of a poor decision can be a catastrophic accident that leaves the victims in other vehicles suffering long-term injuries or death. One driving mistake that truckers make that can endanger you and your family is making an unsafe lane change. If a trucker caused your accident because of this dangerous driving practice, he could be responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
How to Tell If the Truck Driver Was Negligent in Causing Your Accident
Truck drivers—like passenger vehicle drivers—are expected to follow basic traffic laws and be able to execute simple driving skills, such as braking, turning, and changing lanes. Even though they know better, truck drivers may cut corners in their driving in the rush to deliver their loads so that they can start a new trip. As a result, they can make poor decisions or engage in other negligent practices that can lead to an unsafe lane change accident. Here are some ways that a truck driver could be negligent in causing this type of wreck:
- Failing to signal before changing lanes
- Speeding when merging into another lane of traffic
- Weaving between lanes
- Failing to check his blind spot
- Changing lanes while in an intersection
- Engaging in distracted driving practices, such as texting, talking on a cellphone, or eating and drinking
- Driving when fatigued or in violation of federal hours of service regulations regarding how long he can drive without a break
- Driving when intoxicated due to alcohol or drug consumption
- Failing to yield the right of way to other drivers
- Cutting off other drivers
Did the Trucker Engage in Aggressive Driving?
In some cases, a truck driver who causes an unsafe lane change accident may have been engaging in dangerous aggressive driving. A trucker could be driving aggressively if he intentionally or with disregard for the safety of others engaged in unsafe driving practices. Signs that the trucker who caused your wreck may have been driving aggressively include:
- Speeding
- Weaving between lanes
- Cutting in front of drivers
- Changing lanes without first signaling
- Tailgating drivers
- Running a red light
- Cutting off a driver and then slowing down
If the truck driver who caused your collision was engaged in aggressive driving, this could make his negligent actions even more egregious and strengthen your claim for compensation.
Have You Been Injured In A Truck Accident?
Were you injured in an unsafe lane change accident? Let an experienced truck accident attorney from Chris Hudson Law Group prove the truck driver and trucking company are responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
Contact us online or call our Augusta office directly at 706.863.6600 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.