Unsafe lane changes are one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in Texas and nationwide. When truck drivers make dangerous lane changes, they can cause devastating accidents that severely injure the occupants of nearby motor vehicles. As a result, Grapevine truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes can result in substantial liability for truck drivers who negligently cause them.
In some cases, unsafe lane changes stem from distracted, fatigued, impaired, or reckless drivers. Regardless of the cause, hazardous lane changes may not only constitute a traffic violation, but it may also create civil liability if the maneuvers cause an accident resulting in personal injuries or property damage. A seasoned truck accident lawyer in your community personal injury lawyer can evaluate your situation and determine if you have a personal injury claim against a trucker based on unsafe lane changes.
Common Causes of Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes causing Grapevine truck accidents often occur when a driver fails to use a turn signal before changing lanes or cuts off another vehicle by changing lanes without sufficient room to do so. Although many situations may lead to unsafe lane changes, some occur more frequently than others. For instance, driver distraction, whether due to cell phones or other electronic devices, eating, or other activities, can easily lead to unsafe lane changes.
Similarly, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may cause unsafe lane changes. Intoxication can cause delayed reactions or motor functions that might make drivers use poor judgment or be unable to avoid collisions. In other cases, truck drivers may be rushed if their employers have placed them on a tight pick-up or delivery schedule.
Truck drivers may be more prone to making unsafe lane changes than drivers of passenger vehicles due to the size and length of their trucks. Commercial tractor-trailers are so lengthy that they can create a large blind spot for a truck driver who is trying to change lanes. As a result, truck drivers may miss much smaller vehicles traveling in their blind spots and therefore attempt an unsafe lane change.
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Consequences of Violating Traffic Regulations
At a minimum, unsafe lane changes constitute traffic violations under state law that can result in a relatively small fine and the addition of points to the driving records of drivers who commit them. Adding points to a driving record inevitably will lead to increases in vehicle insurance premiums, which can last for several years after the violation has occurred.
However, the more significant problem with unsafe lane changes is the potential for causing catastrophic accidents. When drivers of much larger and heavier semi tractor-trailers commit a dangerous lane change, they can damage smaller passenger vehicles whom they sideswipe, rear-end, or strike in another manner. The high speeds at which vehicles typically travel on interstate highways can add to the devastation of these accidents.
When property damages and personal injuries stem from truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Grapevine, the liability of these drivers and their employers may be substantial. They may be liable for a full range of damages, depending on the situation. Potential costs may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, permanent impairment for injury victims.
Grapevine Unsafe Lane Change Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Unsafe Lane Changes Causing Truck Accidents in Grapevine
When Grapevine truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes or other illegal maneuvers and hurt you or someone you love, you may have legal options to pursue. You may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim, which may allow you to receive compensation related to your losses. If the accident leads to fatalities, wrongful death actions also may provide a mechanism for redress.
Legal counsel can examine the circumstances that led to your accident and determine the root cause of the accident. Together, you can accumulate the evidence necessary to build the most substantial claim possible against all potentially liable parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and more. A personal injury claim may lead to a settlement or damages award that can assist you financially during what is likely to be a challenging time in your life. Call today to learn more about how an attorney could help your case.
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