How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be devastating for the person you love or you when they are involved in a collision with a truck. These collisions are usually the reason for serious injuries, and they could alter your life forever.
A truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you're due for your losses. A seasoned lawyer can help you focus on recovering from this stressful time.
1. Speeding
Driving at excessive speeds is risky for everyone including pedestrians and drivers. This behavior can cause fatal crashes, which can result in death or serious injuries. Speeding can also lead to more insurance costs and points on a driver's report.
When an accident occurs when it's an 18 wheeler, it can be especially devastating. These massive trucks are very heavy and can cause substantial damage to smaller vehicles. This can be extremely painful for the passengers of the small vehicle that is 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 decrease their chances of being involved in an 18 wheeler accident. The first step is to avoid all forms of speeding.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that speeding was the cause of one-third all traffic deaths in 2020. This is a major issue that must be addressed.
Another common mistake that motorists make is driving too fast for the conditions like in the event of rain or when the road is being repaired. This can lead to accidents with other vehicles such as pedestrians or motorcycle riders.
Younger drivers are at an especially at risk of speeding. This is because they are more likely to lack the experience and knowledge older drivers have in regards to the rules of the road.
Drivers who are drunk or drunk are more likely to drive over the speed limit or drive at a speed that is too fast for conditions. This is due to the fact that they might not be paying at all to the road ahead or might not realize how close they are to other cars and trucks.
A driver can also miss the stop sign or red light if they drive too fast. This can increase the likelihood of a rollover. This can be especially dangerous in the case of an 18-wheeler, as they are much larger than regular passenger cars.
2. Avoiding Trucks When Passing
If you're driving on a major highway or interstate, there are instances where you need to get a truck to pass. In these situations, you should always do so with caution to avoid getting into collision.
It is important to remember that trucks weigh more than passenger cars, which means that they require longer to stop and slow down. This means you must give them ample time to respond to your signals and turn to the right before passing them.
When passing a truck, you should allow at 4 seconds at a minimum between you and their vehicle. This will allow you plenty of time to react to their actions and avoid a collision.
It is also not advisable to cut in front of a truck when changing lanes or leaving the highway. This can be dangerous, since the blind spot of a truck could make it difficult for the driver to see you. They may be distracted by their phone or another device that could result in them losing control of the vehicle.
Maintain a safe distance 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 range of fire in the event that they lose control or get jackknifed.
Make sure you notify the driver prior to your intentions and give them plenty of time respond. This will assist you in avoiding a collision, and increase your chances of avoiding a serious accident.
If you're on a two-lane highway or an interstate you should not cross a double solid white line or a broken yellow line while traveling. This could lead to serious accidents and interfere with other drivers.
A large commercial vehicle can be a frightening sight for motorists however, it doesn't have to be frightening. If you follow these simple guidelines you can prevent 18-wheeler accidents and ensure your safety.
If you've been injured in an accident that involved an 18 wheeler, contact our team at Cesar Ornelas Law today for no-cost consultation and find out if we could help you pursue compensation.
3. Trying to Get Out of the Way
18 wheelers are large machines that haul freight across the nation. They are a vital element of our economy, and it is important to know what to watch out for when driving.
Often 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 path of a commercial vehicle, and you should always leave enough space for merging or passing.
Avoiding blind spots is a second important tip. These include the inside of the cab, behind the cab and along both sides of the vehicle. A properly placed mirror for the cab can make all the difference.
If you have to merge, you should signal clearly so that the trucker is aware of your intentions. The best way to do this is to activate your hazard light and turn on your headlights when you make your way towards the vehicle in front of you.
There is a possibility that the trucker won't be able to be able to see your vehicle and could not be capable of slowing down in time to avoid an accident. The vehicle may also have a high center of gravity. This could cause the driver lose control, and could hit you from the front or back.
Being out of the way of an 18 wheeler isn't just the most attractive thing you can do on the road, but it's also the safest. The biggest risk is that a runaway truck can easily become an unintentional wreck. Other risks include a vehicle that can crash into you on the bend or have a hot break that could cause an accident.
4. In attempting to pass a passenger Vehicle
As an aspiring driver, you've likely witnessed this depressing situation on the highway and are stuck behind a huge truck and need to pass it to get to your destination. Unfortunately, doing this can result in 18 wheeler accidents if not done in a safe manner.
It's essential to be mindful when passing trucks, particularly in winter weather conditions. 75 percent of commercial vehicle accidents are caused by passenger vehicles. It is therefore essential to be aware of how to pass by an unintentionally parked truck.
The first thing to remember is that semis have a much larger blind spot than passenger vehicles. It's because their long trailers are blocking the driver's view. So, it's very important to be aware when passing them.
When passing, make sure to keep to the left and allow plenty of space around the vehicle. This will help you avoid being rear-ended, which is often the case in 18-wheeler collisions.
Be aware that the brakes of trucks require more time to slow down when compared to cars. It's also important to give the truck plenty of space to stop when it's coming towards your vehicle.
Also, keep an eye out for tire blowouts. These can cause debris to fly across the road, and then into your lane. Also, a semi-trailer might get caught in your lane. This could be dangerous, especially in windy conditions.
Use your turn signals to cross paths with the truck. This will enable the truck driver to see you and will allow them to be aware of when it is safe to change lanes.
These factors will enable you to drive safely when you're sharing the roads with trucks. Contact 18 wheeler accident attorney lakewood experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Cesar Ornelas law for a free consultation if you've been involved in an accident involving a truck. We can assist you in obtaining damages for your injuries and property damage.