Truck Accidents Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes in Westlake Village

Semi-truck traffic is common on California’s congested highways. Unfortunately, if a truck driver fails to safely navigate these busy roads, the implications can be tragic. For those injured in truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Westlake Village, an attorney may be able to help.

Our skilled truck accident lawyers at Block LLP provide crucial legal support to injured parties. Our dedicated team of attorneys could investigate your claim, determine liability, assess damages, and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. Contact us now for legal support.

Types of Unsafe Lane Changes

Several negligent driving behaviors can result in unsafe lane changes. Whenever a driver moves their vehicle into a different lane of traffic without taking appropriate care, they could cause a crash. These negligent behaviors can lead to sideswipe accidents, rear-end collisions, swerving, or vehicle runoffs.

Some examples of unsafe lane change practices include:

• Failing to signal the intent to change lanes
• Moving across more than one lane at a time
• Failing to check blind spots before moving lanes
• Driving between two lanes or “straddling” the lanes
• Recklessly navigating through lanes, including aggressive driving or speeding

Safe lane-changing practices are vital for large truck drivers. Commercial motor vehicles have significant blind spots, are much larger than other vehicles, and require greater distances to safely navigate. Inexperienced or poorly trained truck drivers can underestimate these factors, leading to collisions.

Dangerous Highways in Westlake Village

Los Angeles County is home to various highways with heavy traffic. The US 101, a ten-lane freeway, is one of these heavily trafficked highways stretching through Westlake Village. In congested traffic, drivers may negligently maneuver between lanes in an attempt to move through traffic, leading to accidents.

Trucking Regulations

Commercial motor vehicles are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations include safety standards for large trucks, drivers, and companies. Failure to adhere to these rules can not only lead to fines and other civil repercussions, but liability in the event of a crash.

Common regulation violations that could lead to truck crashes include:

• Hours of service rule violations
• Lacking driver qualifications
• Poor truck maintenance

Any of these could cause the driver to lose control of the semi and unsafely move between lanes, resulting in a tractor-trailer collision in Westlake Village.

Moreover, the FMCSA has strict requirements for holders of commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). Truck drivers must meet certain health criteria and submit to regular drug and alcohol testing. This is in addition to passing a knowledge and skills test administered by the State issuing the CDL.

Actions to Take After a Truck Crash

For those who have been involved in an accident with a heavy commercial vehicle due to an unsafe lane change in Westlake Village, taking steps to secure their right to compensation is essential.

Following an accident, the injured party should report the incident to emergency services and seek medical attention. If they are able, they should also document the scene and any vehicle damage. Retaining all records, receipts, and other documents related to the accident can help build a solid foundation for an insurance claim.

Moreover, injured parties usually only have two years to file a lawsuit in California. An attorney could help injured people determine the filing deadline for their case and make a claim on their behalf.

Contact a Westlake Village Attorney After a Truck Accident Caused by an Unsafe Lane Change

Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Westlake Village can leave devastation in their wake. Recovering fair compensation is critical. If you or a loved one have been hurt in this type of wreck, seeking legal assistance could be beneficial.

Our team of seasoned injury attorneys at Block LLP could assist with your claim. We manage truck crash claims with empathy and experience. Contact us today for legal assistance and to schedule a free initial consultation.