Call Us atCommercial trucks are significantly bigger than passenger cars because manufacturers design them to haul cargo over long distances. As a result, collisions with semi-trailers often cause severe injuries to cars and their passengers. Truck drivers must be constantly aware of their surroundings and do everything they can to operate their vehicles safely. This includes following traffic laws, complying with federal regulations, and changing lanes safely. A slight mistake when changing lanes at high speeds could result in a crash and cause devastating injuries. If a truck making an unsafe lane change injured you, a lawyer experienced with truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Bothell could help you file a claim against the driver to compensate you for your injuries. A committed truck accident attorney from Libbey Law Offices could provide you with rigorous representation throughout the process.
Lane Change Crash Caused by Negligent Truck Drivers
While there are several causes of motor vehicle accidents, driver negligence is perhaps the most common. This is a broad term, but generally, negligence means a failure in a duty of care. Anyone driving their vehicle has a duty of care to the other drivers sharing the road, which usually comes down to driving safely.
This duty is important for truck drivers because their vehicles are so much bigger and longer than passenger cars, and they must have a higher level of skill and awareness to operate safely. Commercial truck drivers must adhere to rules to mitigate the risk of distracted driving or fatigue. For instance, there are restrictions on cell phone usage and the number of working hours per day so the driver can get adequate rest.
Some safe truck driving methods are the same for regular cars, such as:
- Obeying traffic laws
- Checking blind spots
- Using their turn signals
- Avoiding alcohol consumption
However, because of its size, truck drivers must be more aware of their surroundings and possess a greater understanding of their vehicle than other drivers so they can make a lane change safely. Trucker negligence often causes dangerous lane change collisions in Bothell. If a truck driver causes an accident, an experienced attorney could assist the injured party in filing a claim against the driver.
Ways a Lane Change Could be Unsafe
Trucks are massive and usually have long trailers, which create more blind spots than a car. This makes it critical for truckers to thoroughly check their blind spots to avoid making unsafe lane changes. A quick peek may be okay for a sedan, but a trucker must be sure that the blind spots along its cargo hold and in front are clear before changing lanes.
Authorities enforce speed limits to ensure the safety of all vehicles, as going over the speed limit puts others at risk. This is particularly true for big rigs because they need more time and space to slow down to avoid a collision. However, if a semi-trailer traveling at a high speed suddenly comes to a slow-down area, the truck driver may instinctively swerve into other lanes and cause a crash.
Long-haul truckers spend several hours a day behind the wheel, which could make staying awake difficult. A fatigued driver could start nodding off and drift into the next lane, potentially causing a collision with another vehicle.
Large trucks pose a significant risk to other drivers because of the massive discrepancy in sizes, and drivers must operate their vehicles safely even when making a routine lane change. If a truck in Bothell makes a dangerous lane change and ends up hurting other people, a devoted truck crash lawyer could help the injured person pursue a case against the driver.
Talk to an Attorney After Truck Accidents Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes
Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Bothell could result in devastating injuries to drivers of smaller vehicles. If you have been hurt in a truck crash, discuss your case with an experienced lawyer at Libbey Law Offices.
Bringing a case can be daunting, but you do not have to take on this challenge if you have a dedicated lawyer by your side. Contact our firm today to learn about your legal options.
