Dallas Truck Accident Attorney
Navigating Dallas highways requires precision, awareness, and patience—especially for commercial truck drivers. With constant traffic flow on I-35E, I-30, I-20, and I-635, lane changes happen frequently. However, when a large commercial truck changes lanes improperly, the consequences can be devastating.
Because of a truck’s size, blind spots, and limited maneuverability, unsafe lane changes often lead to severe collisions. When negligence contributes to a crash, working with an experienced Dallas Truck Accident Attorney can be essential to securing accountability and full compensation.
Why Lane Changes Are More Dangerous for Trucks
Commercial trucks differ significantly from passenger vehicles in several key ways:
- Large blind spots on all four sides
- Longer stopping distances
- Wider turning radius
- Slower acceleration
- Limited ability to make sudden corrections
These factors make safe lane changes more complicated. If a truck driver fails to properly check blind spots or signals too late, nearby vehicles may have little time to react.
The Danger of Truck Blind Spots
Truck blind spots—often called “no-zones”—are extensive. They typically include:
- Directly in front of the cab
- Directly behind the trailer
- Along both sides of the truck, especially the right side
When a driver attempts to merge without properly checking these areas, smaller vehicles can be sideswiped or forced off the road.
Common Causes of Improper Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes often stem from preventable behavior, including:
Failure to Check Mirrors
Truck drivers must actively monitor multiple mirrors before moving into another lane.
Inadequate Signaling
Failing to signal properly gives surrounding drivers insufficient warning.
Distracted Driving
Looking at dispatch systems or mobile devices during a lane change can reduce awareness.
Aggressive Driving
Rushing to merge in congested traffic increases risk.
Driver Fatigue
Exhaustion can impair judgment and reaction time.
Each of these factors may constitute negligence in a personal injury claim.
Accidents Frequently Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes
Improper lane changes by commercial trucks often result in:
- Sideswipe collisions
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Vehicles forced into barriers
- Rollover accidents
- Rear-end collisions triggered by sudden swerves
On busy Dallas highways, these crashes can escalate quickly.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault
Determining fault in lane-change accidents often requires detailed investigation. Important evidence may include:
- Dashcam footage
- Traffic camera recordings
- Witness statements
- Black box (ECM) data
- GPS tracking records
- Accident reconstruction analysis
Electronic data may reveal whether the truck signaled or changed speed before impact.
A knowledgeable Dallas Truck Accident Attorney can ensure that this evidence is preserved and analyzed properly.
Trucking Company Liability
Responsibility may extend beyond the individual driver. A trucking company may share liability if it:
- Failed to train drivers properly
- Ignored prior safety violations
- Encouraged aggressive delivery schedules
- Failed to enforce safe driving policies
Corporate responsibility can significantly affect compensation outcomes.
Injuries in Lane-Change Truck Accidents
Because commercial trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles, lane-change collisions often cause serious injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Internal organ injuries
- Severe soft tissue trauma
When vehicles are pushed into other lanes or barriers, injuries may become even more severe.
Texas Comparative Negligence Rules
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. If an injured party is partially at fault, compensation may be reduced proportionally. If found more than 50% responsible, recovery may be barred.
Insurance companies may attempt to argue that the smaller vehicle was in the truck’s blind spot or should have yielded. Strong evidence is crucial to prevent unfair fault assignment.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Critical evidence in truck lane-change accidents can disappear quickly. Electronic data may be overwritten, and surveillance footage may be deleted.
Early involvement of a Dallas Truck Accident Attorney allows for:
- Issuing preservation letters
- Securing electronic control module data
- Coordinating accident reconstruction
- Managing communication with insurers
Prompt legal action strengthens the claim.
What to Do After a Truck Lane-Change Accident
If you are involved in a collision caused by a truck changing lanes:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact law enforcement.
- Document vehicle positions and damage if possible.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene.
- Preserve all medical and financial records.
These steps can help protect your rights.
Final Thoughts
Improper lane changes by commercial trucks are a serious hazard on Dallas roadways. Because of blind spots and vehicle size, even a brief lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
When negligence contributes to a crash, thorough investigation and strong legal advocacy are essential. With experienced representation, injured victims can pursue full compensation and hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable for preventable harm.
