7 Small Changes You Can Make That'll Make The Biggest Difference In Your 18 Wheeler Attorney
How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
If you or a loved one is involved in an accident with a commercial truck it can be a devastating experience. These accidents are usually the reason for serious injuries and may change your life for good.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for the damages. A seasoned lawyer can assist you in recovering from this stressful time.
1. Speeding
Driving at a high speed is dangerous for everyone, including drivers and pedestrians. This kind of behavior can result in fatal crashes, which can result in death or serious injuries. Speeding can also lead to an increase in insurance costs and points on a driver's record.
When an accident occurs on an 18-wheeler, it can be especially devastating. These massive trucks carry huge weights, which means they could cause a huge amount of damage to smaller vehicles that crash into them. This can be extremely uncomfortable for the occupants of the small vehicle hit and can even cause life-threatening injuries depending on the nature of the collision.
Fortunately, there are some things drivers can do to reduce their risk of being involved in an 18 wheeler accident. The first thing to do is to avoid any kind of speeding.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that speeding was responsible for one-third of all traffic deaths in 2020. 18 wheeler accident law firm lubbock is a serious issue that must be addressed.
Another mistake motorists make is driving too quickly for the conditions. For instance, when it rains or when the road has to be repaired. This could result in accidents with other vehicles like pedestrians and motorcycle riders.
Younger drivers are at a high risk of speeding. They are less likely to have the experience and expertise of older drivers when it comes down to the laws.
Drivers who are sleepy or drunk are more likely to drive over the speed limit or drive at a speed that is too fast for the conditions. They may not pay enough attention to the road, or they might not be aware that they are driving in the vicinity of other cars and truck.
In addition, driving too fast for conditions can cause drivers to run into a red light or stop signal. It can also increase the risk of a car accident. This is particularly dangerous for drivers of 18-wheelers, which are larger than passenger cars.
2. Moving trucks with caution
If you're on a highway or an interstate, there might be instances where you need to pass a truck. In these situations, it's important to drive carefully in order to avoid collision.
Trucks are heavier than passenger cars, which means they will take longer to stop and slow down. This means that you should allow them plenty of time to react to your signals, and then move towards the right before passing them.
If you are passing a truck, you should leave at 4 seconds at a minimum between you and their vehicle. This gives you plenty of time to react to their actions and avoid a collision.
Don't cut in front of a truck when changing lanes, or exiting the highway. This can be dangerous, since a truck's blind spot may make it difficult for the driver to see you. They could also be distracted by their phone or other electronic device that can cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Keep a safe distance from the truck, especially when you're driving in the left lane on the highway that is divided. This will allow you to stay clear of the truck's blind spots and stay out of the line of fire in case they lose control or jackknife.
Let them know ahead of time and allow them plenty of time to respond. This will help you avoid an accident, and increase your chances of avoiding a serious accident.
If you're on a two-lane highway or an interstate, you shouldn't cross a double white line or a broken yellow line when crossing. This could lead to serious accidents, and also cause issues for other drivers.
It's not necessary to be afraid of a large commercial truck. By following these simple steps you can prevent 18-wheeler accidents and ensure your own safety.
Contact our team at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today and find out what compensation you could receive for injuries sustained in a collision with an 18-wheeler.
3. Try to get out of the Way
18 wheelers, also referred to as tractor-trailers, are huge machines that transport freight across the country. They are an essential component of our economy and it is important to know what to look out for while driving.
Staying out of the way is usually the best way to prevent an 18-wheeler accident. Avoid driving directly in the front of a commercial truck and you should give yourself extra space when merging or passing.
Another tip is to avoid blind spots in trucks. These include the cab, behind the cab and along both sides of the vehicle. The cab is generally the most difficult part of the truck to see and a well-placed mirror could make a major difference.
If you are required to merge, signal your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware of their intentions. The best method for doing this is to activate your hazard light and turn on your headlights when you move towards the vehicle in front of you.
The trucker may not be able to see your vehicle and may not be able to slow it down in enough time to avoid an accident. The vehicle could also have an elevated center of gravity, which could cause the driver to lose control and hit you from the rear or front.
Being out of the way of an 18 wheeler is not just the most attractive thing you can do on the road, it's also the safest. The most serious danger is that a running truck could end up being a fatal accident. Other dangers include a car that can crash into you on the bend or have a hot break that could cause an accident.
4. You are trying to pass a Passenger Vehicle
You've probably experienced this frustrating scene as a motorist: you're stuck in traffic behind a large truck, and you must to pass it in order that you can reach your destination. If you don't do it correctly, this can cause 18-wheeler collisions.
It's crucial to be careful when passing trucks, particularly during winter weather conditions. In fact, 75 percent of all accidents involving commercial vehicles result from drivers in passenger vehicles, which is why it's crucial to know what to do and what not to do when attempting to pass trucks.
First, remember that semis have a much longer blind spot than passenger vehicles. It's because their long trailers are blocking their driver's view. Therefore, it's crucial to be careful when trying to pass them.
If you are passing, remain in the left lane and allow plenty of space around the vehicle. This will ensure that you don't risk being hit by a truck, which is common in 18 wheeler accidents.
Be aware that the brakes of trucks are more difficult to stop than those of the brakes of a car. It's also important to give the truck enough distance to stop when it's near your vehicle.
Beware of tire blowouts that could send debris across the road and into your lane. Also, be aware that a semi's trailer can be able to drift into your lane which can be particularly dangerous in windy weather.
Finally, ensure that you use your turn signals when you pass trucks. This will let the truck driver be aware of you, and will allow them to be aware of when it is safe to change lanes.
These factors will enable you drive more safely when you're sharing the roads with trucks. Contact the skilled 18-wheeler accident attorneys at Cesar Ornelas law to schedule no-cost consultation if you've been involved in an accident that involved a truck. We can help you recover damages for your injuries and property damage.