How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be a devastating experience for your loved ones or yourself when they are involved in a collision with a truck. These accidents are usually the reason for serious injuries and may alter your life forever.
A truck accident lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you're entitled to for your injuries. An experienced lawyer can assist you in getting better during this difficult time.
1. Speeding
Driving at excessive speeds can be dangerous for everyone, including drivers and pedestrians. This can lead to crashes that have fatal consequences including wrongful death and serious injuries. Speeding can also result in higher insurance costs and points on a driver's record.
A collision involving an 18-wheeler can be devastating. These large trucks have massive weights, which means they could cause a huge amount of damage to smaller vehicles which crash into them. The occupants of a smaller vehicle could suffer severe injuries or even die, depending on the severity of the accident.
Fortunately, there are some ways for drivers to lessen the chance of being involved in an 18 wheeler accident. The first thing that should be considered is to avoid speeding in any way that is possible.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that speeding was responsible for one-third of all traffic deaths in 2020. This is a serious issue that must be addressed.
Another mistake motorists make is driving too quickly for the conditions. For instance, when it rains or the road needs to be repaired. This can cause accidents with other vehicles, such as pedestrians or motorcycle riders.
Speeding is a particular risk for drivers who are younger. This is because they are more likely to lack the experience and knowledge that older drivers have regarding the laws of the road.
Drivers who are drunk and drowsy are also more likely to drive over the speed limit or drive too fast for the conditions. They may not pay enough focus on the road, or they may not even realize that they are driving in the vicinity of other cars and truck.
In addition driving too fast for conditions could cause a driver miss a red light or stop signal. This can increase the likelihood of a car accident. This is particularly dangerous if the driver is in an 18 wheeler because they are significantly larger than regular passenger vehicles.
2. Beware of passing trucks.
If you're driving on a major highway or an interstate, there may be occasions when you have to pass a truck. In these situations, it's important to drive carefully so as to avoid collision.
Trucks weigh more than passenger cars, therefore they will take longer to stop and slow down. This means you must allow them plenty of time to react to your signals, and then move to the left before passing them.
You should always leave at least four seconds between your vehicle and the truck you're passing. This will give you plenty of time to react to their actions and prevent the possibility of a crash.
In addition you should not cut into the truck's path to change lanes or exit the highway. This is dangerous because a truck driver's blind spot could make it difficult for them to see you. 18 wheeler accident settlement hayward could also be distracted by a phone or other gadget, which can cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Keep a safe distance the truck, especially when driving in the left lane of a divided highway. This way, you can stay out of the truck's blind spots and keep yourself away from the line of fire in case they lose control or jackknife.
Be sure to notify them prior to indicating your intentions and allow them plenty of time to respond. This will help you avoid an accident and increase your chances of avoiding a serious accident.
When crossing a two-lane road or interstate, never cross a double solid white line, or a broken line of yellow. This will interfere with the other drivers on the road and may result in a serious crash.
It's not necessary to be afraid of a large commercial truck. 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, call our team at Cesar Ornelas Law today for no-cost consultation to find out if we could assist you in pursuing compensation.
3. In a bid to get out of the Way
18 wheelers, also referred to as tractor-trailers, are massive equipment used to transport goods across the country. It is crucial to be aware of what to look for while driving.
The most effective way to avoid an 18 wheeler accident is to keep out of the way. You should never merge with or drive by a commercial vehicle directly in front of.
Avoiding blind spots is an additional important tip. These include the areas behind the cab and both sides of the truck. A properly placed mirror for the cab can make all the difference.
If you are required to merge, signal your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware of your intentions. The best way to accomplish this is to turn on your hazard lights and turn on your headlights as you get closer to the vehicle ahead of you.
There is a possibility that the trucker may not be able to see your vehicle, and could not be enough to slow down in time to avoid a crash. The vehicle may also have a high center of gravity. This could cause the driver to lose control and could hit you from the front or rear.
Making sure you stay 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 speeding truck could end up being a fatal wreck. There are other risks that the vehicle may hit you on a curve or have a hot brake which 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 with a large truck, and you need to get past it so that you can get to your destination. If you don't do it correctly, it could cause 18-wheeler collisions.
The reality is that passing trucks can be hazardous for both drivers, especially in winter weather conditions, when taking care to drive is crucial to stay safe on the road. 75 percent of accidents involving commercial vehicles are caused by passenger cars. It is therefore crucial to know how to pass an unintentionally parked truck.
First, remember that semis have a much longer blind spot than passenger vehicles. This is because their long trailers block their driver's view of the road, so it's crucial to pay attention when attempting to pass them.
When passing, try to remain in the left lane and leave plenty of space around the vehicle. This will help you avoid getting rear-ended. This is the most frequent occurrence in 18-wheeler accidents.
Also, be aware that the brakes on a truck take a longer time to slow down than a car's. It is also crucial to give the truck plenty of space to stop before it approaches your vehicle.
Beware of tire blowouts that could send debris across the road into your lane. Also, a semi-trailer can be able to drift into your lane. This can be risky especially in windy conditions.
Use your turn signals when passing a truck. This will allow the truck driver to be aware of you, and will allow them to know when it's safe to change lanes.
All of these factors will allow you to drive safely while sharing the roads with trucks. Contact the skilled 18-wheeler accident attorneys at Cesar Ornelas law for an initial consultation for free if you've been involved in an accident involving a truck. We can assist you in recovering damages for your injuries and property damage.