How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be devastating to the person you love or you when they are involved in a truck crash. These accidents can cause serious injuries and change your life forever.
A truck accident lawyer will help you receive the compensation you're due for your losses. This can be a stressful moment, but a skilled lawyer will help you focus on healing.
1. Speeding
All pedestrians and drivers are at risk when driving too quickly. This can lead to accidents that can be fatal, such as wrongful death and serious injuries. Speeding can result in increased insurance costs and points added to the driving record of a driver.
When an accident occurs with an 18-wheeler, it can be especially devastating. These large trucks are heavy and can cause substantial damage to smaller vehicles. This can be very painful for the people in the vehicle struck and may result in life-threatening injuries depending on the severity of the crash.
Fortunately, there are some actions that drivers can take to lessen the chance of being involved in an 18-wheeler accident. The first thing to do is to avoid all forms of speeding.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that speeding is responsible for one-third of all traffic fatalities in 2020. This is a significant issue that must be addressed.
Another mistake drivers make is driving quickly for the conditions. For instance, when it rains or when the road needs to be repaired. This can lead to accidents with other vehicles, such as pedestrians and motorcycle riders.
Speeding is a particular risk for drivers who are younger. They are less likely to have the experience and understanding of older drivers when it comes down to the law.
Drivers who are drunk or intoxicated are more likely to drive beyond the speed limit, or too fast for the conditions. 18 wheeler accident lawyer corona may not be paying enough concentration to the road or they might not be aware that they are driving in the vicinity of other vehicles and trucks.
A driver could also miss an intersection's stop sign or a red light by driving too fast. This can increase the chance of a driver being rolled over. This is especially dangerous for drivers of 18-wheelers which are bigger than passenger cars.
2. Beware of passing trucks.
It is possible to have to drive by a truck on an interstate or highway. In these situations you must do it with care to avoid the risk of causing an accident.
They weigh more than passenger cars, therefore they take longer to stop and slow down. This means that you should give them ample time to react to your signals and move towards the right before passing them.
You should always leave at least four second between your vehicle and the truck you are traveling by. This gives you plenty of time to react to their actions and prevent a collision.
Also, you should not cut in front of a truck when changing lanes or leaving the highway. This is dangerous because a truck driver's blind spot could make it difficult for them to see you. They could be distracted by their mobile or other device that could lead them to lose control of their vehicle.
Maintain a safe distance you and the truck, especially when driving in the left or right lane of a divided highway or one-way street. This way, you'll stay away from the truck's blind spots and keep yourself out of the line of fire in the event that they lose control or jackknife.
Make sure you notify the driver prior to your intentions and give them plenty of time respond. This will prevent an accident and increase your chances of avoiding serious accident.
When you are driving on a two-lane highway or interstate do not cross a double white solid line or broken line of yellow. This could lead to serious accidents and interfere with other drivers.
It's not necessary to be afraid of a commercial truck that is large. By following these simple steps you can prevent 18 wheeler accidents and protect your own safety.
Contact us at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today and find out whether you are eligible for compensation if you've been injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler.
3. trying to get out of the Way
18 wheelers, also referred as tractor-trailers are huge machines that are used to transport cargo across the country. They are a crucial element of our economy, and it is vital to know what to watch out for when driving.
The most effective method to avoid an 18 wheeler accident is to keep out of the way. You should never merge or go through a commercial truck directly in front.
Another important point is to avoid blind spots when driving. These include the inside of the cab, behind the cab and on both sides of the vehicle. The cab is often the most difficult part of the truck to view and a mirror that is well-placed could make a major difference.
If you have to merge, indicate your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware of the merge. The best method for doing this is to turn on your hazard lights and switch on your headlights as you make your way towards the vehicle in front of you.
There is a chance that the trucker won't be able to see your vehicle, and might not be enough to slow down enough to avoid an accident. The vehicle could also have an elevated center of gravity, which could cause the driver to lose control and crash into you from the rear or the front.
Moving out of the way of an 18-wheeler is not just the most sexiest thing you can do on the road, but it's also the most secure. The biggest danger is that a rogue truck could easily turn into a fatal wreck. Other risks include a vehicle that can crash into you on an angle or have a hot break which could lead to an accident.
4. In attempting to pass a passenger vehicle
You've probably been through this situation as a driver you're stuck in traffic behind a massive truck, and you have to pass it in order that you can get to your destination. If you don't approach it properly, this could result in 18-wheeler accidents.
It's important to be cautious when passing trucks, especially during winter weather conditions. 75 percent of commercial vehicle accidents are caused in passenger cars. It is therefore essential to be aware of the best ways to pass trucks safely.
Be aware that semis are larger than passenger automobiles. This is due to their long trailers block their driver's view of the road, so it's crucial to pay at all times when passing them.
When passing, keep in the left lane. Make sure you leave plenty of space around the vehicle. This will keep you from being rear-ended, which is the most frequent occurrence in 18-wheeler collisions.
Be aware that the brakes on a truck slow more slowly than those of the brakes of a car. It's also essential to give the truck a good distance to stop when it's approaching your vehicle.
Be on the lookout for tire blowouts that could cause debris to fly across the road and into your lane. Be aware that a semi's trailer can drift into your lane, which is especially risky during windy weather.
Also, make sure you use your turn signals when passing a truck. This will let the truck driver be aware of you, and will let them be aware of when it is safe to change lanes.
Taking all these factors to account will allow you to be safe on the roads with trucks. If you've been involved in an accident involving a truck, don't hesitate to contact our experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyers at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free case review. We can assist you in recovering damages to compensate for your injuries as well as damage to property.