Is It Legal for Trucks to Drive in the Left Lane in California?
When driving on the roads, an accident can occur at any moment. Accidents involving trucks are some of the most catastrophic in nature and can result in life-altering injuries. That is why truck drivers have various rules and regulations they must obey to keep themselves and others safe on the roads.
Younglove Law Group is a California law firm with extensive experience helping clients who have been injured in truck accidents. One way that truck drivers can help avoid causing an accident is to understand whether or not it is legal for trucks to drive in the left lane in the state of California.
What Is the Law Concerning Trucks Driving in the Left Lane in California?
In the state of California, the law states that commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, big rigs, and vehicles towing trailers must not drive in the left lane on an undivided highway with at least two lanes of same-direction traffic. This is because large trucks often drive slower than the rest of the vehicles on the road and can impede traffic as a result. Reducing the speed of traffic flow in the left lane, often referred to as the fast lane, can be dangerous as it can result in backed-up traffic and a higher risk for rear-end collisions and other types of motor vehicle accidents.
In California, large trucks and other vehicles with at least three axles must drive on the right-most lane on a highway with three or less lanes of traffic. If the highway has four or more lanes traveling in the same direction, a truck driver can drive within the right two lanes. The only time a truck driver can enter the left lane is when they are overtaking and passing another vehicle. If a truck driver does not drive in the correct lane on a California highway, they can face fines up to $250.
In California, trucks are prohibited from using the left lane on multi-lane freeways due to their lower speed relative to the average highway traffic. According to California Vehicle Code § 22406, trucks have a maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a truck driver driving in the left lane illegally, you can likely pursue compensation for your injuries.
Can You Collect Damages for a California Truck Accident?
When a truck driver illegally drives in the left lane, they can cause a serious accident as a result that can leave victims with life-altering injuries. If you have suffered an injury due to a truck driver acting negligently and driving in the left lane on a highway, you may be entitled to collect damages for your losses. The damages you could potentially collect are as follows:
- Medical expenses: After a truck accident, victims can suffer serious injuries and costly medical bills. As a result, victims should be compensated for the cost to pay off these expenses.
- Lost wages: Truck accident victims should be compensated for all present lost wages.
- Lost earning potential: For victims who are no longer able to perform their jobs due to chronic injuries, they should be compensated for all future earnings they lose out on.
- Property damages: Truck accident victims should be compensated for the cost to repair or replace any damaged property.
- Pain and suffering: Victims of truck accidents should receive compensation for the physical and mental pain and suffering they endured.
- Wrongful death: If a truck accident results in a wrongful death, the beneficiaries of the deceased individual should be compensated for the loss of their loved one.
If you are unsure what damages you are eligible to collect after a truck accident, a Newport Beach personal injury attorney can help.
Speak With a Top-Rated California Truck Accident Lawyer
The award-winning legal team at Younglove Law Group is passionate about providing the trusted representation you deserve after being harmed in a truck accident. To schedule a free consultation with one of our California truck accident lawyers, contact us online or call (949) 691-3660.
