A Semi-Truck Moved Into My Lane Without Signaling: What Are My Options?

You’re traveling down the highway when suddenly a semi-truck moves into your lane without any warning whatsoever. The trucker failed to signal, and you had no time to avoid a collision. Now you’re recovering from life-altering injuries. What are your legal options in this scenario? Can an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer in Atlanta help you?

Failing to Signal Before Switching Lanes Is a Form of Negligence

If you are considering whether a lawsuit is possible in this scenario, you should know that failing to signal before switching lanes is a clear form of negligence. A trucker who fails to indicate before moving into your lane is violating traffic regulations. In other words, the subsequent collision is almost certainly their fault.

According to the Department of Driver Services (DDS), drivers must use their turn signals whenever they maneuver their vehicle to the right or to the left. Not only that, but Georgia law states that you must use your turn signal continuously, starting a reasonable amount of time before you actually make the turn. In other words, you cannot use your turn signal at the last possible moment before making a turn. This defeats the whole purpose of signaling, which is to alert other drivers to your intentions and give them enough time to prepare.

Even if a trucker later claims that they did not see anyone else on the road, the requirement to signal before maneuvering still exists. The fact that you were “in their blind spot” is not a valid excuse. Drivers must always signal before switching lanes, even when under the impression that they are alone on the road. One might argue that signaling in this situation is even more critical, as it gives people in your blind spot a chance to avoid a potential collision.

Switching Lanes Without Warning Can Lead to Underriding Collisions

If a trucker switches lanes without warning, they may inadvertently move their trailers across the path of smaller vehicles. This is particularly common when a smaller vehicle is alongside a semi-truck and within the trucker’s blind spot. This maneuver can wedge the smaller vehicle underneath the trailer, crushing it and potentially causing fatal injuries. A truck might also drag a smaller vehicle a considerable distance after it has become wedged underneath in this manner.

How Do I Prove That the Trucker Failed to Signal?

Various forms of evidence can help establish that a trucker failed to signal before switching lanes. Driver-facing cameras could help, as could dashcams. Other witnesses on the road might be able to testify on your behalf. Contact an experienced attorney to determine the most appropriate strategies for gathering evidence.

Can a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Atlanta Help Me?

If a trucker moved into your lane without signaling, you can probably file a truck accident lawsuit in Atlanta. This type of legal action can help you pay for medical treatment while covering your lost paychecks. You may also claim non-economic damages, such as PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, and depression. Contact Morain & Buckelew, LLC at (404) 448-3146 to learn more.

Source: 

dds.georgia.gov/section-5-turning-signals-parallel-parking