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Free ConsultationMany of the traffic violations and other breaches of duty that wind up causing traffic accidents in Pennsylvania are obviously irresponsible acts like speeding, distracted driving, or driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Sometimes, though, life-altering wrecks involving massive tractor-trailers can happen because of something as small as a trucker failing to use their turn signal properly or not checking their blind spots before merging.
Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Philadelphia can serve as valid grounds for civil litigation if they lead to someone involved suffering a serious physical injury—just like truck wrecks caused by any other kind of negligence. That said, there are a few unique elements to this particular type of case that can be difficult to navigate without a skilled truck accident lawyer’s assistance. Seeking professional legal help is always a good idea after getting hurt under circumstances like this.
Proving a Truck Driver Made an Unsafe Lane Change
Under Pennsylvania state law, all drivers are expected to stay within a single traffic lane under normal circumstances. If they intend to change lanes, they must only do so when they can see there is enough space to do so safely. Drivers who are merging onto roads from entrance ramps or lanes, merging off of roads onto exit ramps or lanes, and changing lanes on multi-lane roads must also:
- Activate their vehicle’s appropriate signal to indicate whether they are merging into the lefthand or righthand lane
- Keep that turn signal on until they have moved completely into that adjacent lane
- Only move across one adjacent lane at a time
Any commercial truck driver who fails to do any of these things and causes a traffic accident can likely be held responsible for ensuing damages based on their negligence. This is because they violated their duty of care, requiring them to follow all standard traffic lanes and watch out for other vehicles around them. Among other things, legal counsel can help collect evidence to prove that an unsafe lane change was the main and direct cause of a truck crash in Philadelphia. Crucial evidence in these cases might include:
- Crash scene photos
- Police accident reports
- Traffic/dashboard camera footage
- Eyewitness testimony
Recovering for Short- and Long-Term Losses
A lawyer can also help identify and demand a fair amount of compensation for all damages stemming from a wreck of this nature, including:
- Economic damages like emergency medical bills and personal property damage
- Non-economic damages like physical pain and emotional anguish.
It is also often important after truck crashes caused by unsafe lane changes in Philadelphia to seek restitution in advance for future damages that may manifest after the legal process concludes. Once again, this can include:
- Economic damages like future medical bills and lost earning capacity at work
- Non-economic damages like psychological trauma and a decline in overall quality of life caused by permanent disability or disfigurement
Contact a Philadelphia Attorney for Help Following a Truck Accident Caused by an Unsafe Lane Change
Even if it seems obvious that a truck driver changing lanes at the wrong time was the primary cause of your recent traffic wreck, actually proving that the truck driver was at fault can be complicated. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of legal and procedural roadblocks that can get in the way of injured people pursuing civil compensation, especially for those who try to file suit without support from capable legal counsel.
Once you have gotten the necessary medical treatment for your injuries, your next priority after a truck accident caused by an unsafe lane change in Philadelphia should be contacting a qualified truck accident lawyer. Contact us today to set up a free initial case review.
