Unsafe lane changes by large commercial trucks can cause significant injuries to other motorists. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by an unsafe lane change in Katy, you need to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer to protect your legal rights.
The Law Firm of Kinard, Garcia & Saldana works with people injured due to the negligence of a truck driver. Our seasoned tractor-trailer collision attorneys could thoroughly investigate your case and help you navigate the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Truck Driver’s Rules and Regulations
Commercial truck drivers must follow all rules of having a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). To get a CDL, the driver must be over the age of 18, have a clean driving record, and pass a physical and vision test.
Along with State requirements, a truck driver must follow the rules of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). These regulations are stricter than someone with a driver’s license who operates a car or personal truck and guides truckers in operating their large vehicles to reduce accidents.
Even with additional training, collisions still occur. If a truck driver fails to follow the rules and changes lanes unsafely, it can impact other drivers. Because commercial trucks are larger than other vehicles, the injuries can be devasting in these types of crashes. Parties injured in Katy by a large truck making an unsafe lane change should contact an experienced lawyer to review the facts of their case.
Causes of Unsafe Lane Changes
Several actions on the trucker’s part could result in an unsafe lane change that causes a crash, such as:
- Failing to check blind spots
- Distractions (e.g. talking on the phone or radio, texting, eating, etc.)
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
The list of reasons for an improper lane change is extensive. Regardless of the cause, a party injured by a truck driver’s negligence should speak with a Katy attorney who handles unsafe lane change cases.
Injuries and Compensation From Truck Wrecks
Truck accidents can result in severe injuries to other drivers or pedestrians, including the following:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Whiplash
- Moderate to severe burns
- Spinal cord damage
- Head and brain trauma
- Death
The amount of compensation an injured party can receive will depend on the facts of the case and the extent of their harm. Potential compensation should consider medical expenses, including past, current, and future costs.
A damages request will also include missed work days and reduced earning capacity due to injuries from the collision. Pain and suffering, as well as emotional trauma, can also be part of a damage award. A seasoned Katy lawyer could evaluate why a trucker made an unsafe lane change and determine all potential compensation.
Call a Katy Attorney After a Truck Accident Caused By Unsafe Lane Changes
Injuries sustained by a truck driver making an unsafe lane change can be life-altering. These types of crashes are often severe and require significant medical assistance for an extended period of time. When you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident caused by an unsafe lane change in Katy, it is imperative to contact a skilled lawyer to review your case.
The Law Firm of Kinard, Garcia & Saldana has handled numerous 18-wheeler collision cases. In each, we worked to get our clients the compensation they deserved. Our legal team will be by your side throughout the process to protect your rights.