Causes of Improper Lane Change Truck Accidents in Missouri & Kansas
Commercial trucks have huge blind spots surrounding the tractor and trailer. A common reason for truck accidents in Missouri and Kansas is an improper lane change due to the failure to check blind spots. Drivers of passenger vehicles in the Kansas City area should take extra care to avoid driving in a truck's blind spot. There are areas around the truck where the truck driver cannot see a passenger vehicle, even if the truck driver checks the blind spots before changing lanes.
Determining who's liable for damages caused by an improper lane change truck accident in Kansas or Missouri can be complicated. Our truck accident lawyer in Kansas City, Missouri can help. Call us at 816-203-0143 for a free consultation. We'll review the circumstances of truck crash and can help determine if one or more parties is at fault for the cause of the truck accident.
Who Is Liable for a Truck’s Improper Lane Change in Missouri & Kansas?
The laws of Missouri and Kansas require drivers to ensure they have clearance before changing lanes. As a result, if a truck driver changes lanes without sufficient clearance, the truck driver could be at fault for the cause of the truck accident.
However, another motorist may be also responsible for the cause of your accident. For example, if another driver changes lanes in front of a semi-truck without sufficient clearance, the truck driver may swerve to avoid hitting the car, but instead causes a crash with your vehicle.
In some cases, an accident victim could be partially at fault for the cause of a lane change accident involving a commercial truck. For instance, the accident victim may have cut off the truck. If so, the accident victim's compensation could be reduced due to the comparative negligence laws in Kansas and Missouri.
How to Determine Fault for a Lane Change Truck Accident in Missouri & Kansas
Our legal team gathers evidence by investigating the accident. Examples of evidence we might gather include:
- Eyewitness statements and statements from each driver
- Pictures of the accident scene and the damage to the vehicles
- Videos of the collision from traffic cameras and nearby surveillance cameras
- Cell phone records showing a driver was texting or using a cell phone while driving
- Information from the truck's black box related to speed and braking
- Tests used to determine a driver's blood alcohol level after the crash
- Opinions from accident experts, including accident reconstructionists, engineers, and mechanics
We carefully review the evidence to identify the factors that led to the truck crash. By doing so, we can determine how the crash occurred and who is responsible for the cause of the crash.
In addition to the truck driver, the trucking company may also be liable for damages. Employers may be held vicariously liable for negligent acts of their employees that occur while the employee is acting within the ordinary course of business.
Coupled with failing to check for blind spots, other factors could contribute to an improper lane change truck accident. Some of those factors include:
- Distracted driving
- Tired or drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Poor weather or road conditions
- Improperly marked roads
- Congested traffic conditions
- Failing to signal before changing lanes
- Not having enough distance from other vehicles
- Changing lanes in a curve or intersection
Recoverable Damages for a Truck Accident Claim in Missouri & Kansas
Each truck crash and personal injury case is different. However, some damages are commonly awarded in most accident cases. Examples of damages you could receive for your injury claim include:
- Medical expenses and bills
- Cost of nursing care or personal care
- Loss of income, including reduced earning potential and future lost wages
- Permanent impairments, disabilities, and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering caused by mental anguish, physical injuries, and emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
The value of your damages depends on the facts of your case. An accident with a large truck can cause catastrophic injuries. Therefore, your damages may be significant. Our legal team works with you, your physicians, medical experts, and financial experts to calculate the maximum value for your personal injury claim.
What to Do After an Improper Lane Change Truck Accident in Missouri & Kansas
Because an improper lane change truck accident may cause severe injuries, you may not be able to document the accident scene. Instead, call 911 and wait for medical assistance and the police to arrive if you are hit by a truck. Do not refuse medical treatment or accept liability for the truck crash.
Instead, go to the emergency room to be treated for your injuries. Describe your injuries and symptoms to the doctor in detail. Do not leave out any symptoms, even minor pains and aches. Your medical records will be a vital piece of evidence in your case.
Do not talk to the trucking company or its insurance provider before you speak with an attorney. What you say to the company could negatively impact the outcome of your injury claim. Instead, call our law office as soon as possible to speak with our Kansas City truck accident lawyer.
Call for a Free Consultation with a Kansas City Truck Accident Attorney
Kevin J. McManus is an experienced personal injury lawyer with substantial experience handling truck accident cases. Our legal team has the skills, experience, and resources to handle a complicated accident case.
Call us today at 816-203-0143 or through our online contact form for a free consultation. You can also instantly download our free e-book Crash Course: 9 Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Injury Claim. We’re here to help, and on your side.
