The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enacted numerous trucking laws to keep roads safe for all users. In South Carolina, truck drivers are strongly encouraged to follow all FMCSA safety regulations. Unfortunately, accidents do still occur involving large commercial vehicles. Injuries from truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Marion happen too often. If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence. Schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated truck accident attorneys.
Causes of Unsafe Lane Changes in Truck Accidents
Truck drivers must complete driver training courses before being issued a CDL license. The minimum for obtaining a CDL is 160 hours or a few weeks, depending on the course the driver is enrolled in. This means that many truck drivers complete it in less time. After this initial training, some programs may require the driver to participate in a probationary period where they must team up with an experienced driver, which can last a few weeks to a year.
Despite all this, it can still take drivers years to become proficient at truck driving. Therefore, it is no surprise that driver inexperience is the leading cause of truck accidents. Other reasons for unsafe lane changes causing truck accidents in Marion include:
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to signal
- Impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving aggressively
- Failing to merge properly
- Neglecting to remember blind spots
Regardless of what causes the truck driver to make an unsafe lane change, the effects can be catastrophic, with serious injuries, significant property damage, and liability risk.
What to Do After a Truck Accident Caused by an Unsafe Lane Change
Injuries caused by a truck driver are usually severe. They leave a lasting impact on the injured parties. Considering South Carolina is a state of fault, and the party at fault must pay for damages and injuries, everything about the accident and what you do after it will matter. Therefore, immediately after an accident in Marion caused by a truck, you should move to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and assess your injuries if possible.
After doing these things, you should also:
- Call 911 to report the incident and tell them about injuries
- Be examined for injuries
- Document the scene if you can safely, this includes photographing vehicle damage and photos of your injuries
- If possible, collect contact information from other parties involved and witnesses
Gathering detailed information and evidence strengthens an accident claim. When serious injuries occur, collecting this evidence may be challenging, requiring reliance on police reports and witness accounts. A legal team with experience in trucking accidents could assist in pursuing compensation for injuries or the loss of a loved one.
Compensation for Injuries After Trucking Accidents
The state uses modified comparative negligence. This means that when speaking with police on the scene or medical staff, you should never admit guilt in the accident. To maximize potential compensation after an unsafe commercial truck lane change in Marion, the truck driver must be held 50% or more responsible for the incident. If you admit to any fault, you could be helping them escape full liability.
If you file a claim, you may be able to receive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage cost
- Lost wages and future loss of income
- Medical expenses, both past and future
There may also be compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life, especially if you now have a permanent disability because of your injuries, significant scarring, or disfigurement.
In some situations, the truck driver and the company they work for may be liable. This can maximize your compensation. Furthermore, if it can be proven that someone acted with willful or reckless disregard for safety, they may also be charged for punitive damages.
Speak With a Marion Attorney if You Were Involved in a Truck Accident Caused by an Unsafe Lane Change
The emotional and physical trauma associated with trucking accidents is horrible. We want you to know that you are not alone. Our legal team understands what you are going through and knows how to establish that the truck driver is liable in cases involving truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Marion. Contact us today for a case evaluation.
