When a tractor-trailer or other large truck swerves out of its lane and causes a crash, severe injuries can result. If this happens to you, you may be confused about what to do next. Our experienced lane departure truck accident lawyers can guide you through the claims process and help you pursue the compensation you need.
Understanding Lane Departure Truck Accidents
It’s never good when a car drifts out of its lane toward another vehicle. However, because commercial trucks are bigger, heavier, taller, and longer than passenger cars, they’re more likely to hit another vehicle when they swerve out of their lane. Furthermore, the added weight and size of commercial trucks make them more prone to inflicting catastrophic injuries in a collision.
Lane departure truck accidents are more common than many people think. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), about 2.8 percent of all fatal truck crashes nationwide in one recent year involved truck drivers not using the proper traffic lane. That equates to 157 fatal collisions nationwide that year.
Causes and Consequences of Lane Departure Accidents
Several issues can cause lane departure accidents. Distracted driving is a major factor, as truck drivers may leave their lane because they are texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. Fatigue is another common cause, as long hours on the road can make drivers sleepy and less alert. Poor weather conditions, like rain or fog, can also make it hard to stay in the correct lane. Mechanical failures, such as tire blowouts or brake problems, can also lead to sudden lane changes. Some newer commercial vehicles have lane departure warning systems and other advanced safety features, which could malfunction or drivers could become too reliant on lane departure warnings.
Pursuing compensation after a lane departure truck accident requires identifying all potentially liable parties. These are usually the parties directly responsible for causing the crash, but sometimes, others can be held accountable to pay for your losses.
Potentially liable parties in a lane departure truck accident include:
- Truck driver – The truck driver may be to blame if they were distracted, fatigued, under the influence, or otherwise negligent in failing to keep their vehicle in the proper lane.
- Trucking companies – The trucking company can be liable if they failed to maintain the truck or enforced unrealistic schedules, causing driver fatigue, for example. If the driver was an employee (not an independent contractor), the company would be vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence.
- Truck manufacturers – If a mechanical failure, such as a brake defect or a tire blowout, caused the truck accident, the manufacturer might be responsible.
- Maintenance company – The company responsible for maintaining the truck could be liable if poor maintenance led to the accident.
- Cargo loaders – Improperly loaded cargo can shift and cause a truck to veer out of its lane, making the loaders liable for large truck crashes due to shifting cargo.
The consequences of lane departure accidents are often severe. Victims frequently suffer devastating injuries like broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries. These accidents can also lead to emotional distress.
Pursuing Compensation for a Lane Departure Truck Crash
Depending on your injuries and other factors, your compensation after a lane departure truck accident may include money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Talk to Our Tennessee Lane Departure Truck Accident Attorneys
Our lane departure truck accident lawyers know you’re hurting and may be struggling with unexpected financial burdens due to your serious injuries. We want to help you through this challenging moment. The Terry Law Firm can handle all the legal work in your truck accident case while you recuperate and heal.
Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a truck accident attorney from our law firm.
