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Truck Accidents Involving Lane Changes

A large number of trucks navigate Wisconsin’s roadways every day. Large trucks often cause terrible accidents that can inflict devastating damage on numerous victims. As advocates for the victims of truck accidents, the team at Studinski Law, LLC has seen many reckless lane changes result in devastating wrecks. Do not hesitate to contact a skilled truck accident lawyer if you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident caused by a careless truck driver changing lanes.

At Studinski Law, LLC, we have helped many individuals after they have suffered through a terrible truck accident. We have years of experience, and we know how to help you seek compensation from the negligent party during this difficult time. Call our office today at 715-343-2850, or reach out via our online form to schedule a free case consultation.

Common Causes of Lane Change Truck Accidents

Trucks must perform many lane changes just like any other vehicle on the road. However, a safe lane change can be much more complex for a large vehicle such as a six-wheel cargo truck or an 18-wheeler. Commercial truck drivers are supposed to be trained on how to safely operate their vehicles before they are allowed to take to the road. Unfortunately, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that were approximately 7,400 large truck accidents in the state in 2016 alone. Many of these wrecks occurred due to careless truck drivers or negligent trucking companies sending unqualified drivers or vehicles onto the roads.

At Studinski Law, LLC, we have worked on many truck accident cases, and we know that each one is different. A wreck caused by a negligent lane change can be devastating. Even though many roads are small and ill-equipped for large trucks, a truck driver is responsible for performing safe lane changes and turns. Some of the leading causes of lane change truck accidents include:

• Distracted drivers – A truck driver who takes their eyes off the road for just a moment can cause a terrible wreck. Safe lane changes are virtually impossible when the truck driver is speaking on their phone, eating, or adjusting some setting on their vehicle’s console.
• Exhausted or intoxicated drivers – Performing a safe lane change is impossible when a trucker is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Similarly, overworked, tired drivers can have a difficult time conducting routine actions such as a lane change.
• Failing to use a turn signal – Truck drivers often violate state law by neglecting to use a turn signal when changing lanes.
• Failing to check mirrors or consider blind spots – Some truck drivers will assume that other cars will get out of their way, and therefore they don’t always check in all directions when making a lane change.

What About Compensation?

All truck accidents can become complicated when you wish to seek compensation. The other side can contest the details of your crash. Trucking companies and their insurance providers are known to aggressively fight any liability for paying damages. Even your own insurance company will seek to limit their requirement to pay you.

Having a skilled truck accident lawyer is very important. Your attorney must be able to investigate your case and determine exactly what happened if you are to recover the compensation that you deserve.

The responsibility for your truck lane changing accident may rest upon one or several of the following parties:

• The truck driver – A truck driver must be sure to take proper precautions when making a lane change or conducting a turn. Drivers are sometimes reckless or negligent, and this can cause a terrible accident when they are attempting a lane change.
• The trucking company – Trucking companies must make sure their drivers and vehicles are safe for use on the road. They can be held responsible if a defective vehicle causes an accident while conducting a routine lane change, or if they failed to properly supervise or train their drivers.
• A third party – An example of another party who may owe you damages after your accident would be a third-party company that loaded the truck that was in your accident. Improperly-loaded cargo can tip over when the driver attempts a simple lane change.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer from Our Firm for Help Today

Do not wait to contact a lawyer after being in a truck accident. Your injuries can be severe, and every party of your life may be affected. In addition to mounting medical bills, it may be impossible for you to quickly return to work or school. A truck accident lawyer from Studinski Law, LLC can help you through every step of your recovery. We understand that financial damages are necessary for you to get your life back on track. Using our years of experience, we know how to investigate the many complex details of your accident. Our firm also has years of successful courtroom experience. If we are unable to receive an acceptable financial settlement offer from the negligent party, we will prepare to take your case to trial in order to recover the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free, initial evaluation of your case, contact us today at 715-343-2850.