A sudden lane change by a commercial truck can be dangerous, moving into your space with little warning. Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Duluth often result in serious injuries because of the size and weight differences between trucks and passenger vehicles. Many families face medical treatment, lost income, and uncertainty about how to move forward after these accidents.
At Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law, we handle these cases with care and attention. Your initial conversation is with a trained intake specialist who takes the time to understand what happened. A skilled truck wreck attorney from our team then reviews your claim and outlines your options. We are bilingual, family-focused, and committed to defending what matters through clear guidance and free consultations.
The Legal Duty of Truck Drivers
The law requires commercial drivers to operate their vehicles with extra caution. Because of the risks trucks present, drivers must follow strict safety standards when changing lanes. Ignoring these standards can result in serious harm.
Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-6-48, drivers must remain within a single lane and may not move from that lane until they have determined that they can do so safely. When truck collisions are caused by unsafe lane merging in Duluth traffic, a violation of the state’s rule can become central evidence in a personal injury claim. Proving that the driver failed to confirm a safe opening before merging is often the starting point in establishing negligence.
Securing Evidence in a Truck Crash Case
Truck accident cases often involve corporate records and electronic data, unlike standard car collisions. Taking prompt action can help preserve information that might otherwise be lost.
Commercial trucks often have event data recorders that track speed, braking, and steering. Driver qualification files and maintenance logs may reveal whether safety standards were followed. Preserving this evidence can strengthen your Duluth truck accident claim caused by a dangerous lane change.
State courts recognize the importance of maintaining relevant evidence. Under Ga. Code Ann. § 24-14-22, a jury may consider whether missing evidence would have been unfavorable to the party responsible for failing to preserve it. Prompt legal action helps ensure that critical facts remain available.
How Is Liability Determined Beyond the Driver?
In many cases, responsibility extends beyond the driver. Trucking companies may also bear legal responsibility depending on the circumstances of the crash.
State law holds employers liable for negligent acts committed by employees within the scope of employment under Ga. Code Ann. § 51-2-2. If the truck driver was performing job duties at the time of the unsafe merge, the company may share liability.
When a commercial truck driver fails to cautiously change lanes and causes a crash in Duluth, company policies, training, and supervision often come under review. The state also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If the other party or insurer unfairly shifts blame onto you, the state may reduce your compensation. Careful legal analysis helps protect your rights and ensures an accurate assignment of responsibility.
Contact a Lawyer in Duluth If You Were Injured in a Truck Crash Caused by an Unsafe Lane Change
Victims injured in truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Duluth deserve reliable legal guidance delivered with respect and understanding. These cases may involve complex evidence and large insurance companies, but you do not have to face them alone.
At Barrios Virguez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law, we serve families with compassion, clarity, and determination. Our bilingual team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through each step of the process. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how our lawyers can help protect what matters most to you.
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