Truck drivers must adjust for their vehicle’s size and limited maneuverability before changing lanes. Failing to check traffic, changing lanes without signaling, or maneuvering between lanes without enough space can cause serious collisions. Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Houston may raise questions about how the crash happened and who is responsible.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, our truck wreck attorneys could determine liability, preserve evidence to support your claim, assess the available compensation, and help you understand your options.
The Risks of Unsafe Lane Changes by Large Trucks
Commercial trucks have large blind spots around the cab and trailer, so drivers must ensure a lane is clear before moving over. In Houston, unsafe lane-change truck crashes may occur when a driver:
- Fails to check mirrors or blind spots
- Changes lanes without signaling
- Moves over without enough clearance
- Makes abrupt lane changes in traffic
- Drifts because of distraction or fatigue
- Misjudges a smaller vehicle’s position
State law directly governs these movements. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.103, a driver may not move right or left unless they can do so safely. Failing to signal before changing lanes may also support an argument that the driver did not perform the maneuver with reasonable care.
Liability Beyond the Truck Driver
Although the truck driver may appear to be the obvious responsible party, liability in a commercial vehicle case can extend further. A trucking company may be responsible for its own negligence if poor hiring, inadequate supervision, or unsafe company practices contributed to the collision. Depending on the evidence, other entities responsible for maintaining or loading the truck may also become relevant.
For this reason, an investigation into a Houston truck wreck involving an improper lane change must consider more than the initial police report. Our attorneys could seek:
- Electronic logging information
- Driver qualification records
- Vehicle inspection records
- Onboard electronic data
- Available camera footage
- Witness statements
Evidence can also disappear or become more difficult to obtain over time. Prompt investigation gives us a better opportunity to determine how the truck entered your lane and whether the driver or company violated applicable safety obligations.
Could the Trucking Company Blame You for the Collision?
In some cases, other parties may try to blame you for the accident. An insurer or trucking company may argue that you were traveling in the truck’s blind spot, speeding, or otherwise contributing to the crash. That allegation does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation.
Under state law, when a court finds a claimant more than 50 percent responsible, recovery is generally unavailable. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001 establishes this modified comparative responsibility standard. If the court finds you 50 percent or less responsible, it may reduce your recovery based on your percentage of fault.
When parties disagree about fault in a crash, evidence may help prove whether a truck driver made an unsafe or improper lane change on a Houston roadway. Vehicle damage, roadway markings, and photographic and video evidence may help establish each vehicle’s positioning immediately before impact, while witness accounts and electronic truck data may also provide useful information. We could evaluate that evidence rather than relying solely on the trucking company’s account of the collision.
Contact Our Houston Attorneys To Discuss Injuries From a Truck Wreck Due to an Unsafe Lane Change
A sudden lane change by a commercial truck can lead to serious injuries and financial strain. Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Houston often require careful investigation because responsibility may extend beyond the driver.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we could review the crash circumstances, preserve relevant evidence, and assess the compensation available for your losses. Contact us to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.
