McAllen’s busy roads demand constant vigilance from drivers. While multi-lane highways speed up commutes, they are often home to risky merges and lane changes that can cause catastrophic accidents. This threat is multiplied exponentially when a large commercial truck is involved. Semi-trucks have sizeable blind spots and are more challenging to maneuver than average-sized vehicles.
Inattention while changing lanes in one of these large vehicles can cause serious collisions that result in severe injuries. Those injured in truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in McAllen have the right to seek compensation for their harm and damage to property. When you were injured in a crash caused by an unsafe merge, the seasoned tractor-trailer wreck attorneys at KGS Law Group could help you hold the liable driver responsible for their actions and get the compensation you are entitled to.
What Is an Unsafe Lane Change?
Merging into another lane of traffic requires a driver to ensure a clear path is available and their actions align with the rules of the road. Any situation in which a driver tries to merge, pass, or change lanes without ensuring the safety of other motorists is an unsafe lane change. The following examples highlight how truck drivers can make unsafe lane changes:
- Passing a vehicle in an area where passing is not allowed (i.e. crossing a double yellow line)
- Failure to check blind spots
- Not yielding the right of way
- Failure to use a turn signal when changing lanes
- Passing in an intersection
These actions make it difficult for other drivers to navigate around trucks safely and can lead to serious accidents.
Establishing Liability in Lane Change Crashes
Texas is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is responsible for paying for damages. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to establish fault in lane change accidents.
Often, multiple drivers can share the blame. For example, if a truck driver changes lanes without using a signal, but the driver in the other lane is also speeding, both drivers are partially at fault.
Establishing fault in an unsafe lane change truck accident in McAllen typically requires a full investigation. A lawyer could help injured parties establish fault with the following professional measures:
Gathering Evidence
Various types of evidence can be used to establish fault in truck lane change accidents. A skilled personal injury attorney will use police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, photographs, and testimony from accident reconstruction specialists to prove driver negligence.
Proving the Link Between Negligent Actions and Injuries
Proving negligence requires proof that a driver breached their duty of care to minimize foreseeable harm to other motorists and passengers. Experienced lawyers are familiar with the laws establishing driver negligence and can establish how such actions cause an otherwise preventable accident.
Establishing the Full Extent of Damages
Experienced lawyers work with medical specialists to determine the full extent of injuries to ensure that all medical costs related to the accident will be considered in a fair settlement. Damages awarded to victims may include financial compensation for immediate medical expenses, future medical care requirements, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Contact a McAllen Attorney to Learn More About Unsafe Lane Changes in Truck Accidents
The aftermath of truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in McAllen can be overwhelming and confusing for those attempting to recover from serious injuries. Contacting an experienced lawyer as soon as possible can help you eliminate the stress of dealing with insurance companies on your own and ensure you get fair compensation to support the best recovery possible.
The skilled attorneys at KGS Law Group have substantial experience proving liability in truck lane change accidents. We could help you hold responsible drivers accountable for their actions and get a fair settlement to cover your medical costs and property damage. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to explore your legal options for compensation.