How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
When you or a loved one is involved in an accident caused by a commercial truck it could be a devastating event. These collisions are often the reason for serious injuries, and can change your life forever.
A lawyer for truck accidents can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're entitled to for the damages. It can be a difficult time, but an experienced lawyer will keep you focused on healing.
1. Speeding
All pedestrians and drivers are at risk when driving fast. 18 wheeler accident case hialeah can lead to accidents that cause fatalities including death wrongful and serious injury. Speeding can also result in an increase in insurance costs and points on a driver's record.
When an accident occurs with an 18-wheeler it can be devastating. These huge trucks carry massive weights, which means they could cause a huge amount of damage to smaller vehicles that hit them. This can be extremely painful for the people in the small vehicle that is struck and may result in life-threatening injuries depending on the nature of the crash.
There are a few things drivers can do to lessen their chance of being involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler. The first thing to be done is to avoid speeding in any way.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that speeding accounted for one-third of all traffic deaths in 2020. This is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
Another mistake motorists make is driving too quickly in the weather. For example, when it rains or the road needs to be repaired. This could lead to collisions 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 understanding of older drivers when it comes to the law.
Drivers who are drunk or intoxicated are also more likely to drive over the speed limit, or be too fast for conditions. This is because they may not be paying attention to the road or might not realize how close they are to other cars and trucks.
A driver could also miss an intersection's stop sign or a red light if they drive too fast. It could also increase the chance of a car accident. This is especially risky for drivers of 18-wheelers, which are larger than passenger cars.
2. Trucks passing with caution
You may have to travel by a truck while on an highway or interstate. In these instances it is crucial to drive carefully to avoid a collision.
It is also important to be aware that trucks weigh more than passenger vehicles, which means that they take longer to slow down and stop. It is recommended to give them plenty of time to respond to you signals and move to the right when passing.
You should always allow at least four second between your vehicle and the truck you are passing. This gives you plenty of time to react to their actions and avoid a crash.
Additionally it is not advisable to cut ahead of a truck to change lanes or exit the highway. This could be dangerous as a truck's blind spot may make it difficult for the driver to see you. They can also be distracted by a cell phone or other device that could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Maintain a safe distance you and the truck, particularly when driving in a left side of a divided highway or one-way street. This will allow you to remain clear of the truck's blind spots and stay away from the path of fire in the event that they lose control or hit you with a jackknife.
Make sure to communicate your intentions in advance and give them ample time to respond. This will assist you in avoiding collisions and increase your chances of avoiding a serious accident.
If you're driving on a two-lane highway or interstate, you should never cross a double white line or an unbroken yellow line when traveling. This can cause problems for other drivers on the road, and could lead to a serious crash.
A large commercial truck is a frightful for many motorists however, it doesn't have to be frightening. If you follow these simple guidelines, you can avoid 18-wheeler accidents and ensure your safety.
If you have been injured in an accident that involved an 18 wheeler, contact our team at Cesar Ornelas Law today for a free consultation and find out if we can assist you in pursuing compensation.
3. Try to get out of the way
18 wheelers are big machines that transport freight across the country. They are an integral part of our economy, and it is essential to be aware of what to look for when driving.
Often, the best way to avoid an 18-wheeler accident is to stay out of their way. You should never merge or pass a commercial truck directly in front.
Avoiding blind spots is another important point to remember. These include the interior of the cab, behind it, and along both sides of the vehicle. A properly-placed cab mirror could make all the difference.
If you need to merge, indicate your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware the merge. The best way to do this is to turn on your hazard lights, and then turn on your headlights as you get closer to the vehicle ahead of you.
There is a possibility that the trucker won't be able to be able to see your vehicle and might not be at a safe speed enough to avoid an accident. The vehicle may also have an elevated center of gravity, which could cause the driver to lose control and hit you from the rear or the front.
It's not just the safest way to get out of the path of an 18-wheeler; it is also the most attractive. The biggest risk is that a vehicle speeding away can quickly become a deadly accident. Other risks are that the vehicle might hit you in a turn, or have a hot brake which could cause an accident.
4. Try to pass a Passenger Vehicle
You've probably witnessed this scene as a driver: you're stuck in traffic behind a huge truck, and you have to get it out of the way so that you can reach your destination. Unfortunately, trying to do so can lead to accidents with 18 wheelers if done properly.
It's important to be cautious when passing trucks, especially in winter weather conditions. In fact, 75 percent of all commercial vehicle accidents are caused by drivers of passenger vehicles, so it's important to know what to do and what not to do when attempting to pass trucks.
The first thing to remember is that semis have a much wider blind spot than passenger vehicles. This is because their long trailers block the driver's view of the road, which is why it's crucial to pay attention when you attempt to pass them.
When passing, try to keep to the left and leave plenty of space around the vehicle. This will help you avoid getting rear-ended by the truck which is a common occurrence in 18 wheeler accidents.
Be aware that the brakes of a truck slow more slowly when compared to the brakes of a car. It is also crucial to give the truck sufficient time to stop before it reaches your vehicle.
Beware of tire blowouts that can send debris across the road into your lane. Keep in mind that a semi's vehicle could slide into your lane, which can be extremely dangerous in a storm.
Use your turn signals to cross paths with a truck. This will allow the driver of the truck to see and recognize when it's safe to change lanes.
Taking all these factors to consider will help you be safe on the roads with trucks. Contact the experienced 18-wheeler collision lawyers at Cesar Ornelas law to schedule an initial consultation for free if you've been involved in an accident involving a truck. We can help you claim damages for your injuries and property damage.