Commercial vehicles are specially designed to pull long trailers. While this allows them to carry a large amount of cargo, it also creates bigger blind spots and makes the vehicle more difficult to control. That is why truckers must be extra careful when they are behind the wheel, even when doing something as seemingly simple as changing lanes on the highway.
Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Houston could result in serious damage due to the massive size and weight of the vehicles involved. If a truck crash causes injury to you or a loved one, an attorney at Mostyn Law could help you recover financial compensation. We understand that this is a challenging time, and our team is here to provide support throughout the process.
What Makes a Lane Change Unsafe?
Switching lanes may seem simple; however, with fast-moving traffic on Houston’s highways, there is an increased risk of crashing—even if the semi-truck driver is observing the speed limit. The speed and weight of a big rig generate tremendous force in a collision with a passenger car.
These issues combined with the larger blind spots of trucks mean that operators must be more aware of their surroundings than drivers of other vehicles. Examples of unsafe behaviors include:
- Not checking blind spots
- Failing to use the turn signal
- Failing to yield the right of way to another car in the lane
- Being distracted or fatigued and missing an exit
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol
If you were injured in a crash due to a trucker’s reckless or negligent actions, consult our team at Mostyn Law for help seeking compensation.
Establishing the Fault of the Driver or Company
Truck drivers must have a commercial license and undergo training before they can operate one of these vehicles. They must also comply with the safety regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which governs areas such as the maximum hours they are allowed to work in a day. Failing to adhere to these rules greatly increases the risk of an accident and could indicate that the driver was at fault.
The responsibility for a crash may not lie solely with the truck driver, and the trucking company also has a duty to follow the FMCSA’s guidelines. For example, employers must ensure that their employees do not work after consuming alcohol, and they must provide their drivers with opportunities for adequate rest to prevent fatigue. If the company fails to do so and its employee makes an improper lane change that results in a wreck on a Houston roadway, the business may be at fault.
Additionally, trucking companies must hire qualified drivers with the skills necessary to operate the vehicles safely. Substandard hiring practices or inadequate training could also make the company liable to injured victims, even if the company did not directly cause the crash.
Contact Our Houston Legal Team if a Truck Driver’s Unsafe Lane Change Caused Your Crash
Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Houston are preventable if commercial drivers are attentive, have the proper training, and follow safety regulations. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and negligent acts still regularly cause wrecks. If you have been hurt in an accident with a truck, talk to an experienced attorney at Mostyn Law about your legal options.
Our firm can deal with trucking companies and their insurance carriers on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
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