The Most Pervasive Problems In 18 Wheeler Attorney
How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be devastating for you or someone you love when they are involved in a truck crash. These accidents are typically the cause of severe injuries, and can change your life forever.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents can assist you in obtaining the compensation that you deserve for the damages. It can be a stressful time, but a seasoned attorney will keep you focused on getting better.
1. Speeding
Driving at a high speed is dangerous for everyone, including drivers and pedestrians. This kind of behavior can result in fatal crashes, leading to death or serious injury. Speeding can result in increased insurance costs and points added to a driver's driving record.
When an accident occurs when it's an 18 wheeler, it can be especially devastating. These large trucks are heavy, and can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles. This can be very uncomfortable for the occupants of the vehicle injured and can result in life-threatening injuries depending on the severity of the crash.
There are a few things drivers can do to reduce their chances of getting in an accident with a vehicle that is 18-wheeled. The first thing that must be done is to stay clear of speeding in any way.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that speeding was the cause of one-third of the traffic deaths that occurred in 2020. This is a serious issue that must be addressed.
Another mistake drivers make is driving quickly in the weather. For instance, if it rains or the road has to be repaired. This could cause collisions with other vehicles, like motorcycle and pedestrian riders.
Speeding is a major risk for drivers who are young. They are less likely to have the experience and expertise of older drivers when it comes to the laws.
Drivers who are tired or intoxicated may also be more likely to overtake the speed limit or drive too fast for the conditions. This is because they might not be paying attention to the road, or might not be aware of how close they are to other vehicles and trucks.
In addition driving too fast for the conditions could cause a driver be unable to spot a red light, or stop signal. This could increase the chance of a driver rolling over. This is especially risky when the driver is driving an 18 wheeler because they are larger than standard passenger cars.
2. Avoiding Trucks When Passing
You may have to travel by a truck while on an highway or interstate. In these situations, you should always take care to avoid creating a collision.
You should also be aware that trucks weigh more than passenger vehicles which means they take longer to slow down and stop. You should give them enough time to respond to you signals and then move to the right when passing.
When passing a truck, it is recommended to allow at minimum four seconds between yourself and their vehicle. This will give you plenty of time to react to the actions of the truck and avoid a collision.
Additionally it is not advisable to cut in front of a truck to change lanes or exit the highway. This could be dangerous since the blind spot of a truck driver could make it difficult for them to see you. They could be distracted by their phone or other device which could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Keep a safe distance between you and the truck, particularly when you're driving in the left side of a divided highway or a street that is one-way. This way, you'll remain clear of the truck's blind spots and stay clear of fire in case they lose control or hit you with a jackknife.
Be sure to notify them prior to indicating your intentions and allow them plenty of time respond. This will ensure that you don't get into a collision, and increase your chances to avoid a serious accident.
If you are crossing a two-lane highway or interstate, never cross a double white solid line or a broken line of yellow. This could cause serious accidents, and also cause issues for other drivers.
It's not necessary to be afraid of a huge commercial truck. You can protect yourself and avoid accidents with 18-wheelers 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 no-cost consultation and find out if we can help you seek compensation.
3. Try to get out of the way
18 wheelers are massive machines that haul freight across the nation. It is crucial to be aware of what to look out for when driving.
Avoiding the path is usually the best method to prevent an 18-wheeler accident. It is not recommended to drive directly in the direction of a commercial truck and you should allow enough room when merging or passing.
Avoiding blind spots is a second important tip. These include behind the cab as well as both sides of the truck. The cab is typically the most difficult part of the truck to see and a properly-placed mirror can make a big difference.
If you do need to merge, try to signal clearly so that the trucker is aware of your intentions. This can be accomplished by activating your hazard light and turning on your headlights as you are approaching the vehicle in front of you.
There is a chance the trucker isn't able to see your vehicle, and may not be able to slow down in time to avoid the possibility of crashing. The vehicle may also have an elevated center of gravity, which can cause the driver to lose control, and possibly hit you from the rear or front.
Being 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 most serious danger is that a rogue truck could easily turn into an unintentional wreck. Other dangers include a vehicle which could crash into you at an angle or have a hot break which could cause an accident.
4. In attempting to pass a passenger vehicle
As an driver, you've probably experienced this frustrating scene on the highway and are stuck behind a big truck and have to get by it to get there. If you don't perform the task properly, this could lead to 18-wheeler accidents.
The truth is that passing trucks can be hazardous for both drivers especially in winter conditions, when being more cautious is essential to remain safe on the road. 75 percent of accidents involving commercial vehicles are caused by passenger cars. It is therefore essential to know how to pass a truck safely.
Remember that semis are much larger than passenger cars. This is because their long trailers block their driver's vision. It's important to be cautious when trying to pass them.
When passing, make 18 wheeler accident law firm santa barbara to remain in the left lane and leave plenty of room around the vehicle. This will stop you from being hit by a vehicle, which is a common occurrence in 18-wheeler collisions.
Be aware that the brakes of a truck take a longer time to slow down than a car's. It's also important to allow the truck a good distance to stop before it comes close to your vehicle.
Next, watch out for tire blowouts, which could cause debris to fly across the road and into your lane. Also, a semi-trailer can drift into your lane. This could be dangerous especially in windy conditions.
Use your turn signals to cross paths with trucks. This will let the truck driver see you and will let them be aware of when it is safe to change lanes.
Taking all these factors into account will help you drive safely when sharing the roads with trucks. Contact the skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Cesar Ornelas law to schedule free consultation if been involved in an accident that involved trucks. We can help you recover damages to cover your injuries as well as damage to property.