Roderick C. Lopez | July 19, 2023 | Truck Accidents
The Texas Department of Transportation, cities, and counties can enact lane restrictions. The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for approving any new lane restrictions or revisions.
The left lane in Texas is for passing another vehicle. Trucks can be restricted from using a particular traffic lane of a freeway with three or more lanes.
Rules Against Trucks Using the Left Lane in Texas
Truck lane restrictions prevent trucks from using the left lane unless they are passing another vehicle or attempting to avoid an obstruction. If there is a left lane restriction in a particular area, there is often a posted sign.
Any driver can be fined up to $200 for impeding the flow of traffic in the left lane. The Texas Transportation Commission can restrict classes of vehicles to designated lanes. Trucks can also be restricted to a particular lane in construction zones.
Truck Lane Restrictions in Texas
Texas permits trucks to be restricted to 2 lanes if there are three freeway lanes. There are statewide restrictions for I-10, I-20, I-30, I-35, and US 90. Truck lane restrictions can improve the safety of motorists traveling on the freeways.
Truck Accidents in Texas
There were 19,390 large truck crashes in Texas during 2022. Those crashes resulted in 10,516 injuries and 773 fatalities. In 2020, Texas had the highest number of large trucks involved in fatal accidents in the United States.
The following are reasons why truck accidents frequently occur:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor weather conditions
- Road conditions
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to obey speed limits
- Improper passing
- Lack of vehicle maintenance
There are plenty of situations that could lead to a truck accident and it is important to know what to do if a crash occurs.
Safety Tips for Dealing with Trucks
Due to the size of large trucks, it is often smaller vehicles that suffer the greatest damage in a truck collision. Motorists potentially face serious injuries or death when involved in truck accidents in Texas. It is important to obey traffic laws, exercise caution and be mindful of your surroundings when driving in Texas.
The following safety tips can help you deal with trucks while on the road:
- Avoid blindspots
- Give trucks space to maneuver
- Pass with caution
- Avoid distractions
- Exercise patience
- Be mindful of work zones
- Maintain an appropriate speed
- Remain visible to the truck driver
Remember to be mindful of large trucks that you pass and exercise caution when sharing the road.
What to do if a Truck Accident Occurs in Texas
When a truck accident occurs in Texas, you should get to a safe place and check for any injuries. Exchange information with the truck driver and get contact information for any witnesses. Take photos and videos of the accident damage and any resulting injuries. You should also document the name of the trucking company and the truck’s license plate number.
You must contact the police if there are any injuries, fatalities or significant vehicle damage.
If you are injured in a truck accident, you should seek medical attention immediately and retain any medical records. You should also contact your insurance company but do not agree to provide a recorded statement without contacting an experienced attorney first.
In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a legal claim. If the statute of limitations expires then you will not be able to pursue legal action and recover damages. It is important to contact an attorney before your claim expires and you can no longer receive compensation.
Contact the Laredo Truck Accident Lawyers at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in Laredo, TX, and need legal help, contact our Laredo truck accident attorneys at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336
