How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be devastating to anyone you love when they are involved in a truck crash. These collisions can cause severe injuries and change your life for the better.
A lawyer for truck accidents can assist you in getting the compensation you're due for your losses. It can be a difficult moment, but a skilled lawyer will keep you focused on healing.
1. Speeding
Both pedestrians and drivers are at risk when driving too quickly. This type of behavior can result in crashes that have fatal consequences including death wrongful and serious injuries. Speeding up can result in higher 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 have massive weights, which means that they can cause a significant amount of damage to smaller vehicles which crash into them. The occupants of a small vehicle could be severely injured and even die depending on the severity of the crash.
There are fortunately, a few things drivers can do to decrease their chances of being involved in an 18-wheeler accident. The first step is to stay clear of speeding.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that speeding caused one-third of all traffic fatalities in 2020. This is a serious issue that must be addressed.
Another mistake drivers make is driving too fast in the weather. For instance, when it rains or when the road requires repaired. This behavior can also lead to accidents with other vehicles like motorcycle and pedestrian riders.
Speeding is particularly dangerous for young drivers. They are less likely to have the experience and understanding of older drivers when it comes to the law.
Drivers who are drunk or drunk may be more likely to exceed the speed limit or drive at a speed that is too fast for conditions. This is because they might not be paying at all to the road ahead or might not be aware of how close they are to other cars and trucks.
In addition, driving too fast for conditions could cause a driver run into a red light or stop signal. This could increase the chance of a driver being rolled over. This is especially hazardous for drivers of 18-wheelers, which are larger than passenger cars.
2. Passing trucks with Caution
If you're driving along a highway or interstate, there are instances where you need to get a truck to pass. In these situations you must always take care to avoid getting into collision.
It is also important to be aware that trucks weigh more than passenger vehicles and, therefore, they take longer to slow down and stop. You should allow them enough time to react to your signals and turn to the left when passing.
If you are passing a truck, it is recommended to allow at the least four seconds gap between you and their vehicle. This will give you plenty of time to react to their actions and avoid the possibility of a crash.
You should also never cut in front a truck when changing lanes or exiting the highway. This is dangerous, as a truck's blind spot may make it difficult for the driver to see you. They could be distracted by their phone or another device that could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Maintain a safe distance between you and the truck, particularly when driving in a left section of a divided road or one-way street. You can avoid the blind spots of the truck and stay clear of its area of fire should they lose control or get jackknifed.
18 wheeler accident lawsuit tallahassee of time and allow the driver plenty of time to react. This will ensure that you don't get into collisions, and improve your chances of avoiding a serious accident.
If you're on a 2-lane highway or interstate, it is not advisable to cross a double white line or an unbroken yellow line when crossing. This could cause serious accidents and cause problems for other drivers.
It's not necessary to be scared of a large commercial truck. You can ensure your safety and avoid 18-wheeler accidents by following these simple guidelines.
Contact us at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today to find out whether you're eligible for compensation if you've been injured during a collision involving an 18-wheeler.
3. Try to move away from the way
18 wheelers are huge machines that haul freight across the nation. It is important 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 go through a commercial truck directly in front.
Avoiding blind spots is a second important point to remember. These areas include the inside of the cab, behind the cab and along both sides of the vehicle. The cab is usually the most difficult part of the truck to view and a properly-placed mirror can make a huge difference.
If you must merge, make sure you signal clearly so the trucker is aware of your intentions. This can be accomplished by activating your hazard light and switching on your headlights when you are approaching the vehicle in front of you.
The trucker may not see your vehicle and therefore not be able to slow it down in enough time to avoid an accident. The vehicle may also have a very high center of gravity. This can cause the driver lose control, and could hit you from the front or rear.
Getting out of the way of an 18-wheeler is not only the sexiest thing you can do on the road, but it's also the most secure. The biggest risk is that a speeding truck could end up being a deadly wreck. The other risk is that the vehicle could hit you on a curve or have a hot brake, which could cause an accident.
4. In attempting to pass a passenger Vehicle
You've probably been through this scene as a driver: you're stuck in traffic with a large truck, and you need to get past it so that you can get to your destination. If you don't approach it correctly, this can cause 18-wheeler accidents.
The reality is that passing trucks can be dangerous for both the driver and the passenger particularly in winter conditions when driving more carefully is essential to remain safe on the road. In fact, 75 percent of all commercial vehicle accidents are caused by drivers in passenger vehicles, so it's essential to be aware of what not to do when attempting to pass a truck.
Remember that semis are larger than passenger cars. This is due to their long trailers block their driver's view of the road, which is why it is crucial to pay at all times 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 by a truck which is a common occurrence in 18 wheeler accidents.
Be aware that the brakes on a truck take longer to slow down in comparison to the brakes of cars. It's also important to allow the truck a good distance to stop when it's coming towards your vehicle.
Beware of tire blowouts, which can cause debris across the road into your lane. Also, a semi-trailer might slide into your lane. This could be dangerous particularly in windy conditions.
Also, make sure you use your turn signals when passing trucks. This will enable the truck driver to see you and will allow them to be aware of when it is safe to change lanes.
All of these aspects will help you to drive with safety while sharing the roads with trucks. If you've been involved in an accident with a truck, don't hesitate in contacting the experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyers at Cesar Ornelas Law to arrange a free case evaluation. We can assist you in obtaining damages to cover the injuries you sustained and damage to property.