When a large commercial vehicle moves directly into your lane without warning, the resulting crash can be devastating. Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Longmont warrant experienced legal counsel. A dedicated truck crash attorney can help you take the necessary steps to regain stability after a traumatic accident.
Our lawyers can protect your legal rights and advocate for a payout that reflects your current and future physical and emotional needs. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., we work closely with survivors of major traffic collisions to help them obtain fair compensation.
Traffic Rules Regulating Trucks and the Statute of Limitations
Commercial truck operators are subject to a heightened duty of care on the road. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1007, truck drivers must operate within a single lane and cannot merge until they determine it can be done safely. A Longmont lawyer experienced in truck crash cases involving unsafe lane changes can secure the evidence needed to prove the trucker violated this safety statute.
According to C.R.S. § 13-80-101, the statute of limitations for truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes is three years from the date of the accident. This is slightly longer than the two-year filing timeline for traditional personal injury claims. However, the process is lengthy. Early consultation with legal counsel can help prevent any potential dismissal of your claim on technical grounds.
Responsibility for the Accident May Extend to the Trucking Company
When a commercial vehicle is involved, entities other than the driver may share responsibility. While the driver made the unsafe maneuver, the trucking company may also be liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for their employees’ actions during work hours.
If a mechanical failure, such as a faulty blind-spot sensor, caused the lane-change accident, the maintenance provider or manufacturer may also be at fault. Our Longmont attorneys can use the discovery process to identify the party responsible for the faulty lane shift that caused the truck collision. This will help ensure that you are not left seeking compensation from a single source with inadequate insurance coverage.
What Damages Are Available for Merging Accidents Involving Trucks?
The financial stakes in an unsafe lane-change truck accident are much higher than in a typical passenger vehicle collision. The state allows recovery of economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses and pain and suffering. C.R.S. § 13-21-102.5 places a cap on non-economic damages. Our skilled attorneys understand how to categorize and present damages to maximize your recovery.
Insurance companies pose another obstacle to recovering damages. They may use the concept of comparative negligence, as stated in C.R.S. § 13-21-111, to shift the blame onto you by claiming you were in the truck’s blind spot or speeding. If you are 50 percent at fault for the accident, you are not eligible to recover damages. Our injury lawyers in Longmont can build a strong case to prove the truck driver’s dangerous lane maneuver was the primary cause of the wreck.
Contact Our Longmont Attorneys to Discuss Truck Collisions Caused by Negligent Lane Changes
Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Longmont can cause serious injuries. You may experience physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills, and your injuries may prevent you from returning to work. Managing it all can be challenging.
Our commercial vehicle injury lawyers at Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., can help you pursue justice through a fair settlement, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Call us today for a free consultation.
