How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be a devastating experience for the person you love or you when they are involved in a truck accident. These collisions can cause severe injuries and alter your life forever.
An attorney for accidents on the road will help you get the compensation that you deserve for damages. An experienced lawyer can help you focus on recovering from this stressful time.
1. Speeding
The pedestrians and drivers alike are at risk when they drive too fast. This can lead to crashes that have fatal consequences including wrongful death and serious injury. Speeding can increase insurance costs and points added to the driver's driving record.
An accident involving an 18-wheeler can be devastating. These massive trucks carry huge weights, and can cause a significant amount of damage to smaller vehicles that hit them. The passengers of a small vehicle could be severely injured and even die based on the severity of the collision.
There are a few things drivers can do to lessen the chance of being involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler. The first thing that should be done is to avoid speeding in any way that is possible.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that speeding is responsible for one-third of all traffic deaths in 2020. This is a massive issue that must be addressed.
Another common mistake that drivers make is driving too fast for conditions such as in the event of rain or when the road is being repaired. This could result in accidents with other vehicles like motorcycle and pedestrian riders.
Younger drivers are at a high risk for speeding. They are less likely to have the experience and knowledge of older drivers when it comes down to the law.
Drivers who are sleepy or drunk are more likely to go over the speed limit or drive too fast for the conditions. This is due to the fact that they may not be paying attention to the road or may not be aware of how close they are to other vehicles and trucks.
A driver can also miss a stop sign or red light by driving too fast. This can increase the risk of a driver rolling over. This is particularly dangerous when the driver is driving an 18 wheeler, because they are larger than standard passenger cars.
2. Passing Trucks With Caution
You may need to travel by a truck while on an interstate or highway. In these instances it's crucial to be cautious in order to avoid collision.
It is important to remember that trucks weigh more than passenger vehicles which means they take longer to stop and slow down. It is recommended to give them plenty of time to respond to you signals and move to the right when they pass.
When you pass a truck, you should allow at the least four seconds gap between you and their vehicle. This will allow you plenty of time to react to their actions and avoid collisions.
It is also not advisable to cut in front a truck when changing lanes or leaving the highway. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit plantation is a risk, as a truck's blind spot may make it difficult for the driver to see you. They can also be distracted by a mobile phone or other device which could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Maintain a safe distance between you and the truck, particularly when driving in the left or right lane of a divided highway or a one-way street. You can avoid the blind areas of the truck and stay clear of its area of fire should they lose control or jackknife.
Make sure to inform the driver ahead of time about your intentions and allow them plenty of time respond. This will help you avoid a collision and increase your chances of avoiding serious accident.
When you are driving on an interstate or two-lane road don't cross a double solid white line or a broken line of yellow. This could cause a problem for other drivers on the road, and could lead to an accident that is serious.
A large commercial vehicle can be a frightening sight for motorists, but it doesn't have to be frightening. If you follow these simple guidelines to avoid 18 wheeler accidents and protect your own safety.
Contact us at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today to discover what compensation you could receive for injuries sustained during a collision involving an 18-wheeler.
3. In a bid to get out of the Way
18 wheelers are large machines that haul freight across the nation. They are a vital aspect of our economy and it is crucial to know what to look out for on the road.
The best way to avoid an 18 wheeler accident is to keep out of the way. It is not recommended to drive directly in the front of a commercial truck, and you should always leave enough space for merging or passing.
Another important point is to avoid blind spots in trucks. These include the areas behind the cab, and both sides of the truck. A properly-placed cab mirror could make all the difference.
If you do have to merge, be sure to signal clearly so the trucker knows what you are planning to do. This can be done by activating your hazard light and switching on your headlights as you are approaching the vehicle in front of you.
The trucker might not see your vehicle and may not be able to slow down in enough time to avoid an accident. The vehicle could also have a high center of gravity, which could cause the driver to lose control and crash into you from behind or the front.
Getting out of the way of an 18-wheeler is not just the most attractive thing you can do on the road, but it's also the safest. The most significant risk is that a truck speeding away could end up being an incredibly fatal accident. There are other risks that the vehicle could crash into you on a curve or have a hot brake that could cause an accident.
4. You are trying to pass a Passenger Vehicle
You've probably experienced this frustrating scene as a driver: you're stuck in traffic behind a huge truck, and you need to get past it so that you can get to your destination. Unfortunately, doing so can lead to accidents with 18 wheelers if done in a safe manner.
The truth is that passing trucks can be dangerous for both drivers particularly in winter conditions when being more cautious is vital to ensure safety on the road. 75 percent of all accidents involving commercial vehicles are caused by passenger cars. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to pass the truck in a safe manner.
First, be aware that semis have a much larger blind spot than passenger vehicles. This is due to their long trailers block the driver's view of the road, which is why it's important to pay close focus when trying to pass them.
When you pass, make sure to stay in the left direction. Be sure to leave plenty of room around the vehicle. This will help you avoid getting rear-ended. This is the most frequent occurrence in 18-wheeler collisions.
Be aware that the brakes on a truck take longer to slow down when compared to the brakes of a car. It's also crucial to give the truck enough space to stop when it's coming towards your vehicle.
Be aware of tire blowouts which could cause debris over the road into your lane. Also, be aware that a semi's trailer could get caught in your lane, which can be extremely dangerous in a storm.
Lastly, be sure to use your turn signals when you pass trucks. This will enable the driver of the truck to be aware and know when it is safe to change lanes.
Taking all these factors in consideration will help you be safe on the roads with trucks. If you've been in an accident involving a truck don't hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys for 18 wheeler accidents at Cesar Ornelas Law to arrange a free case review. We can assist you in recovering damages to cover your injuries as well as damage to property.