Lane change accidents are a major cause of injury in West Virginia, and semi-trucks are prone to collisions on the highway. The reason is that semi-trucks, like other large vehicles, have huge blind spots on all four sides. When a smaller vehicle is in a blind spot, it is invisible to the trucker, who can easily run over the car when changing lanes. For this reason, many states have singled out tractor-trailers and prohibited them from driving in the left lane.
Are semi trucks allowed in the left lane in West Virginia? The answer is generally “yes.” Truckers, like all motorists, can use the left lane for limited reasons, such as to pass a slower vehicle. But trucks cannot hang out in the left-hand lane for no reason.
Contact Kaufman & McPherson if you are hurt in a collision with a tractor-trailer or other large truck. Our West Virginia truck accident lawyers can analyze whether you can seek compensation by filing an injury claim.
Can 18 Wheelers Drive in the Left Lane on West Virginia Highways?
Semi-trucks are allowed in the left lane in limited situations. This is true of all drivers. Under West Virginia law, drivers should always stay in the right-hand lane. They may move into the left-hand lane only to:
- Pass another vehicle on the right.
- Prepare to make a left-hand turn.
- Avoid emergency vehicles in the right-hand lane or parked on the right shoulder.
A motorist may also use the left-hand lane when the right-hand lane is shut down, such as for road work.
Tractor-trailers must follow these rules. That means they should not hang out in the left-hand lane on the road or simply use the lane because they want to speed.
Does West Virginia Prohibit Tractor-Trailers from the Left-Hand Lane?
Some states have specific rules prohibiting trucks from driving in the left-hand lane. For example, Virginia prohibits trucks from operating in the left-hand lane on a highway with three or more lanes.
West Virginia has not yet passed a law like the one in Virginia. No West Virginia law singles out truckers by prohibiting them from using certain lanes. Consequently, a trucker is not breaking the law if they are in the left-hand lane.
Why Trucks Should Avoid the Left-Hand Lane
Virginia is one of about 18 states with rules specifically singling out trucks. These laws make sense. After all, tractor-trailers have large blind spots, so any lane change is dangerous. Furthermore, the blind spot on the right-hand side is the largest, extending across two lanes of highway. It is virtually impossible for a trucker to crane their neck to see that the lanes to their right are clear.
Consequently, it is dangerous for a truck to be in the farthest left lane on a three-lane highway. A trucker in that situation literally cannot see any other vehicle in the other two lanes. The risk is too high that the trucker will run over someone when they move to the right.
Lane change accidents are devastating. An override can crush the passengers in a smaller vehicle as a tractor-trailer rides up over the car. Even when injuries are not fatal, occupants might suffer catastrophic paralysis or amputation. We understand why many states have prohibited trucks from driving on the left-hand side of a multi-lane highway.
Assigning Fault for a West Virginia Truck Accident
Injured motorists and their families might seek compensation from a trucker for a lane change accident. The key question is whether the trucker used reasonable care while driving.
Like other motorists, truckers should follow traffic safety rules. That means obeying the restrictions on driving in the left lane. A trucker is probably negligent if they were in the left-hand lane for some reason other than passing a slower car or preparing to make a left-hand turn.
Furthermore, truckers must execute lane changes with reasonable care. Even if validly passing a slower vehicle, a trucker must drive carefully. They can be liable when they crash, even if the lane change was not illegal.
Truckers should pay attention to where other vehicles are on the road. Some motorists will use the horn to warn a trucker that they are in the lane. A trucker should be paying attention and not brazenly cross lanes on a highway. Too many distracted truckers might pass and then pull into a lane without checking that the way is clear. That would make the trucker liable for a crash.
FAQs about Left-Lane Accidents
Q. Can trucks drive in the left lane if they are pulling a tractor?
They can drive in the lane only to pass or if preparing to make a left-hand turn. They can also drive if the right-hand lane is shut down or has emergency vehicles.
Q. What evidence do I need for a truck accident?
A key consideration is determining fault for the accident. There’s always a risk the trucker will blame you for the crash. After all, some motorists cut off tractor-trailers or engage in brake checking. A negligent driver might not receive any compensation, even if they are badly hurt. Contact an experienced lawyer to review the evidence.
Q. How much time do I get to sue for a left-lane accident?
West Virginia provides that personal injury victims have two years to file a lawsuit. If you end up past the deadline, then a judge will dismiss the case, and you will not hold the defendant accountable. (W. Va. Code § 55-2-12.)
Speak with One of Our West Virginia Truck Accident Lawyers
Highway accidents happen at high speeds and lead to considerable property damage and injuries. Few people can walk away from a collision with a tractor-trailer. Instead, they wait helplessly for an ambulance to whisk them to the emergency room.
Once your condition has stabilized, contact our experienced attorneys at Kaufman & McPherson. Our firm has represented injured motorists in West Virginia truck accidents for years. We have especially helped those in the 26330 zip code and nearby communities. Let’s schedule a time to meet to discuss whether you can file a legal claim.
