How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be devastating to your loved ones or yourself when they are involved in a truck crash. These accidents are usually the cause of severe injuries, and can change your life forever.
A lawyer for truck accidents can assist you in obtaining the compensation that you deserve for the damage. A seasoned lawyer can help you focus on getting better during this difficult time.
1. Speeding
The pedestrians and drivers alike are at risk when driving too fast. This kind of behavior can cause accidents that cause fatalities, such as wrongful death and serious injury. Speeding can also result in increased insurance costs and points on a driver's record.
A collision that involves an 18-wheeler could be devastating. These large trucks are heavy and can cause severe damage to smaller vehicles. This can be extremely painful for the occupants of the small vehicle that is hit and can even result in life-threatening injuries, depending on the severity of the collision.
There are a few things that drivers can do to lessen the chance of being involved in an accident involving a 18-wheeler. The first thing to be done is to stay clear of speeding at all costs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that speeding was responsible for one-third of all traffic deaths in 2020. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed.
Another common mistake that drivers make is driving too fast for conditions, such as when it's raining or when the road is being repaired. This behavior can also cause accidents with other vehicles, for example, pedestrians and bike riders.
Younger drivers are at a high risk for speeding. They are less likely to have the experience and understanding of older drivers when it comes down to the laws.
Drivers who are drowsy or drunk are more likely to go over the speed limit or drive at a speed that is too fast for the conditions. They might not pay enough concentration to the road or they may not even realize that they're in close proximity to other cars and truck.
In addition, driving too fast for conditions could cause a driver miss a red light or stop sign. It can also increase the chances of a crash. This is particularly dangerous for drivers who are in an 18-wheeler, since they are significantly bigger than regular passenger cars.
2. Passing trucks with Caution
You may have to drive by a truck on an interstate or highway. In these instances you must always be cautious to avoid the risk of causing collision.
They weigh more than passenger cars, therefore they take longer to stop and slow down. You should give them enough time to react to your signals and move to the right when they pass.
Always leave at least four second between your vehicle and the truck you're traveling by. This will allow plenty of time for you to react to the truck's actions and avoid a collision.
In addition you should not cut between a truck and a vehicle to change lanes or exit the highway. This can be dangerous, since 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 gadget which could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Keep a safe distance from the truck, especially when you're driving in the left lane on the highway that is divided. You can avoid the blind areas of the truck and stay out of its range of fire in the event that they lose control or jackknife.
Make sure to inform the driver in advance of your intentions and allow the driver plenty of time to respond. This will help to avoid an accident and increase the chance of avoiding a serious accident.
If you are crossing a two-lane highway or interstate do not cross a double white solid line or broken line of yellow. This could cause interference with other drivers on the road and could cause an accident of serious severity.
A huge commercial truck can be a scary sight to many motorists But it doesn't need to be frightening. You can ensure your safety and avoid 18-wheeler accidents by following these simple steps.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by an 18 wheeler, contact our team at Cesar Ornelas Law today for an initial consultation for free and find out if we could help you seek compensation.
3. Try to move out of the way
18 wheelers, also referred to as tractor-trailers are huge machines that transport freight across the country. It is crucial to know what to look out for when driving.
The best method to avoid an 18 wheeler accident is to keep out of the way. You should never merge with or move past a commercial vehicle directly in front of.
Avoiding blind spots is a second important point to remember. These include the areas behind the cab as well as both sides of the truck. A properly placed mirror for the cab can make all the difference.
If you need to merge, indicate your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware your intentions. The best way to do this is to turn on your hazard light and turn on your headlights as you make your way towards the vehicle in front of you.
There is a risk that the trucker isn't able to see your vehicle, and could not be able to slow down enough to avoid the possibility of crashing. The vehicle may also have a high center of gravity, which can cause the driver to lose control and crash into you from behind or the front.
It's not only safest to stay out of the way of an 18-wheeler but it is also the most attractive. The most significant risk is that a truck speeding away could quickly turn into an unfathomable accident. Other risks are that the vehicle may hit you on a curve, or have a hot brake which could lead to an accident.
4. Try to pass a driver vehicle
As drivers, you've probably faced this unpleasant situation on the highway that is, you're stranded behind a huge truck and must pass it to get there. If you don't approach it correctly, this can lead to 18-wheeler accidents.
The reality is that passing trucks can be dangerous for both the driver and the passenger, especially in winter weather conditions when driving more carefully is crucial to stay safe on the road. In fact, 75 percent of all accidents involving commercial vehicles result from drivers in passenger vehicles, which is why it's crucial to be aware of what not to do when trying to pass trucks.
Remember that semis are larger than passenger cars. This is due to their long trailers block the driver's view of the road, so it is important to pay at all times when passing them.
When passing, keep in the left lane. Make sure you leave plenty of space around the vehicle. 18 wheeler accident law firm yuma will prevent you from being rear-ended, which can be often the case in 18-wheeler collisions.
Also, be aware that the brakes of a truck take a longer time to stop than a car's. It's also important to give the truck enough distance to stop when it's coming towards your vehicle.
Beware of tire blowouts that can send debris across the road and into your lane. A semi-trailer could also drift into your lane. This could be dangerous especially in windy weather.
Also, make sure you use your turn signals when you pass trucks. This will allow the driver of the truck to see and know when it's safe to change lanes.
All of these factors will allow you drive more safely when you're sharing the road with trucks. If you've been in an accident involving a truck, do not hesitate to contact the experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyers at Cesar Ornelas Law to arrange a free case evaluation. We can help you claim damages for your injuries and property damage.