Large commercial trucks are an extremely common sight on the roadways in and around Pasadena, TX. Unfortunately, it is also not uncommon to see the drivers of these trucks exhibit unsafe driving behaviors that can result in an accident in which someone else is injured. Because of the massive size of commercial trucks, there are extreme blind spots on all four sides of the vehicle that the driver cannot see by looking in their sideview mirrors.
While those in the trucking industry and their insurers often attempt to make truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Pasadena seem like the fault of other drivers traveling in the truck’s “no zone,” it is important to understand that a truck driver failing to ensure that a lane is clear before entering it is negligence.
Because it is negligence, those who are injured from unsafe lane changes may be eligible to seek compensation for the costs of their injury through the personal injury claims process. An experienced truck accident lawyer may provide services to help you navigate this process.
Unsafe Lane Changes Are a Form of Driver Negligence
All drivers on public roadways, whether they are operating a commercial truck, a passenger car, or any other type of vehicle, are required to exercise a duty of care. This means they are required to take reasonable actions to avoid causing harm to other users of the road.
Because commercial trucks are so large and heavy, the companies that own them and the drivers who operate them are required to take additional actions to make the transportation of goods as safe as possible for other motorists. These actions include avoiding unsafe lane changes through actions such as increased driver training and the use of cameras and other equipment to help the driver to better see what is around the vehicle.
When reasonable actions aren’t taken, an unsafe lane change occurs and results in a Pasadena truck accident, those most likely to be injured are the occupants of other, smaller vehicles. Those injuries are often severe and result in both economic losses such as medical expenses, missed work, and property damage, as well as psychological impacts including pain, suffering, and the loss of quality of life. Injured persons can seek compensation for the costs associated with their injury through a claim against the at-fault party’s auto liability insurance coverage.
If the insurer fails to fairly resolve this claim, it can be filed within two years as a personal injury lawsuit so that a judge or jury can determine liability and the amount of compensation that should be paid to the claimant.
How a Lawyer May Help You Seek Compensation
Our Pasadena lawyers have an important role in helping those who have been injured by a truck in an unsafe lane change incident to seek the compensation they need. This often involves helping to gather evidence and documentation to prove the claim and its value, negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurer in order to resolve the claim, filing legal documents in court, and even presenting the case at trial if necessary.
Call Us if You Were Injured in Truck Accidents Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes in Pasadena
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by an unsafe lane change in Pasadena, let our legal team help you understand your rights and your options for seeking compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We are always available to help those who are suffering physically and financially due to someone else’s negligence.
