18 Wheeler Attorney: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be devastating to your loved ones or yourself when they are involved in a collision with a truck. These accidents can cause serious injuries and alter your life for the better.
A lawyer for truck accidents can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your losses. This can be a very stressful moment, but a skilled lawyer will help you focus on getting better.
1. Speeding
Driving at high speeds is dangerous for everyone including pedestrians and drivers. This kind of behavior can cause crashes with fatal consequences including wrongful death and serious injuries. Speeding can lead to increased insurance costs and points added to a driver's driving record.
A collision caused by an 18-wheeler is devastating. These massive trucks carry huge weights, which means they can cause a lot of damage to smaller vehicles that collide with them. The occupants of a small vehicle could be severely injured and even die depending on the severity of the accident.
Fortunately, there are ways for drivers to lower the risk of being involved in an 18-wheeler accident. The first thing to be done is to avoid speeding at all costs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that speeding caused one-third of all traffic deaths in 2020. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
Another mistake that drivers make is to drive too fast for the conditions such as when it's raining or when the road is being repaired. This can result in accidents with other vehicles, such as pedestrians or motorcycle riders.
Younger drivers are at a at risk of speeding. They are less likely to have the experience and knowledge of older drivers when it comes to the laws.
Drivers who are drunk or drowsy are also more likely to drive beyond the speed limit, or drive too fast for the conditions. They might not be paying enough attention to the road, or they might not realize that they are driving in the vicinity of other cars and truck.
Drivers can also fail to see a stop sign or red light if they drive too fast. This can increase the chance of a driver falling over. This is particularly dangerous for drivers of 18-wheelers that are larger than passenger vehicles.
2. Trucks passing with caution
If you're driving along a highway or an interstate, there may be occasions when you have to get a truck to pass. In these instances it is crucial to drive cautiously in order to avoid collision.
It is also important to be aware that trucks weigh more than passenger cars and, therefore, they require longer to slow down and stop. You should give them enough time to respond to your signals and then move to the right when passing.
Always leave at least four second between your vehicle and the truck you're traveling by. This gives 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 exiting the highway. This is dangerous because a truck driver's blind spot could make it difficult for them to see you. They may be distracted by their cell 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 you're driving in the left side of a divided highway or a one-way road. This way, you'll remain clear of the truck's blind spots and keep yourself clear of fire should they lose control or strike jackknife.
Signal your intentions well before time and give the driver plenty of time to react. This will assist you in avoiding an accident, and increase your chances of avoiding a serious accident.
If you're on a two-lane highway or an interstate you shouldn't cross a double solid white line or a broken yellow line when you are passing. This can cause problems for other drivers on the road, and could lead to an accident that is serious.
It's not necessary to be scared of a huge commercial truck. If you follow these simple guidelines to avoid 18-wheeler accidents and safeguard your own safety.
Call our team at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today and find out whether you're eligible for compensation after being injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler.
3. Try to get out of the Way
18 wheelers are massive machines that haul freight across the nation. It is essential to be aware of the things to look out for when driving.
Becoming out of the way is the most effective way to avoid an 18-wheeler collision. Never merge or go through 18 wheeler accident attorney irving in front.
Avoiding blind spots is another important tip. These include areas behind the cab and on both sides of the truck. The cab is usually the most difficult part of the truck to see and a properly-placed mirror can make a significant difference.
If you have to merge, make sure you signal clearly so the trucker is aware of your intentions. This can be accomplished by activating your hazard lamp and turning on your headlights as you approach the vehicle ahead of you.
The trucker might not see your vehicle and not be able slow down in enough time to avoid an accident. The vehicle could also have an elevated center of gravity, which could cause the driver to lose control and strike you from the rear or front.
It's not only safer to stay out of the path of an 18-wheeler, it's also the beautiful. The biggest danger is that a running truck could easily turn into a deadly wreck. Other risks include a vehicle that could hit you on an angle or have a hot break that could result in an accident.
4. In attempting to pass a passenger Vehicle
As a driver, you've likely experienced this frustrating scenario on the road that is, you're stranded behind a huge truck and you have to pass it in order to get to your destination. Unfortunately, trying to do this can result in 18 wheeler accidents if not done correctly.
It's crucial to be careful when passing trucks, particularly during winter weather conditions. In fact 75 percent of accidents involving commercial vehicles are caused by drivers in passenger vehicles, so it's important to know what to do and what not to do when trying to pass trucks.
First, remember that semis have a much wider blind spot than passenger vehicles. This is due to their long trailers block the driver's view of the road, so it is crucial to pay focus when trying to pass them.
When passing, try to keep to the left and allow plenty of space around the vehicle. This will help you avoid being rear-ended, which is an everyday occurrence in 18-wheeler accidents.
Also, be aware that the brakes on a truck require a longer time to slow down than a car's. It is also essential to give the truck enough space to stop before it comes close to your vehicle.
Next, watch out for tire blowouts that could cause debris to fly across the road and into your lane. Be aware that a semi's truck could drift into your lane, which is especially risky in windy weather.
Use your turn signals when passing a truck. This will enable the truck driver to be aware of you, and will let them be aware of when it is safe to change lanes.
These factors will enable you to drive safely when you're sharing the road with trucks. Contact the experienced 18-wheeler collision attorneys at Cesar Ornelas law to schedule no-cost consultation if you've been involved in an accident that involved a truck. We can help you obtain damages to compensate for your injuries and damages to property.