Auto Accident Attorney: Who's at Fault in a Big Rig Lane Change Crash?

Did you know that a major ratio of car accidents occur while changing lanes? Tailing too close to a big rig is fraught with risks. You must stay alert and drive with caution if a truck or a tractor-trailer is near you on the road.

If you have an accident while a big rig was changing lanes, you must consult an auto accident attorney who can help you in establishing who is at fault.  This is also called proving liability and is the most critical factor to be addressed in such accidents.

Common Situations Contributing to a Lane Change Accident

Out of the various things that could go wrong on the road, failing to use proper signals or indicators is the most common mistake performed by the heavy vehicle drivers. Very often, commercial truck drivers are found to be speeding and changing lanes in crossroads causing accidents.

Some big rig drivers drive repeatedly without taking a break which may cause exhaustion and consequently result in an accident. If you are the victim of such irresponsible big rig or truck operator, you must immediately consult a personal injury lawyer.

While there may be several causes of lane change accidents, a distracted and irresponsible driver can only increase the chances of one. If the driver was talking on his cell phone or texting, it may cause fatal accidents because of being distracted.

Other factors that could also contribute to an accident involves the driver getting distracted while adjusting the radio or talking to the person sitting next to him or eating and drinking while driving. Driver intoxication and exhaustion are also very common causes of accidents involving heavy vehicles.

Types of Lane Change Accidents

Collisions and sideswipes are the most common types of such accidents. These collisions result in the crash during the process of a lane change. Though both types of accidents are serious, an accident due to sideswipe collision is more fatal.

How to Prove Liability in a Lane Change Accident Case

Though it could be difficult, proving liability is the most critical element that your auto accident attorney will go after who fights your case in court.  Needless to mention, a commercial truck or big rig operator is legally responsible to operate the vehicle safely on the road.

If you are a victim of lane change accident, you must try to collect contact information of the eyewitnesses present at the scene. These testimonies can help your personal injury lawyer in making your case stronger. While you know, the investigating officer will collect these details, you must also be cautious on your part.

Changing lanes irresponsibly during speeding can also be represented as the violation of the duty of care. Such violations are the major causes of accidents. As a passenger vehicle driver, you could also be at fault for a lane change accident. Owing to their big size truck drives have multiple blind zones, and they are supposed to be cautious and keep these in mind while changing lanes. But if you change lanes right in front of a speeding truck without giving them enough room, you might be found guilty. Even if the truck driver applies brakes, it doesn't stop instantly.

Damages That You Can Claim

Usually, the most common damages that you can claim are medical bills, disability, loss of income, injury, and disfigurement. Once the liability of the guilty has been determined and proved, other issues can be addressed with ease. Other issues may include establishing the extent of damages, injuries, and other losses in the accident.

If you have been involved in a lane change accident call a car accident lawyer today at 844-777-2529 for a free consultation.