7 Little Changes That Will Make The Difference With Your 18 Wheeler Attorney
How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be devastating for your loved ones or yourself when they are involved in a car accident. These accidents are usually the cause of serious injuries and may change your life forever.
A truck accident attorney will help you get the amount you are due for damages. This can be a stressful time, but an experienced lawyer will help you focus on healing.
1. Speeding
Drivers and pedestrians are all at risk when driving too quickly. This kind of behavior can result in fatal crashes, including wrongful death or serious injury. Speeding up can result in higher insurance costs and points added to a driver's driving record.
An accident with an 18-wheeler can be devastating. These large trucks have massive weights. This means they can cause a tremendous amount of damage to smaller vehicles that hit them. This can be extremely uncomfortable for the occupants of the small vehicle that is damaged and could result in life-threatening injuries depending on the nature of the collision.
Fortunately, there are some things that drivers can do to reduce their risk of being involved in an 18-wheeler accident. The first thing to do is to stay clear of speeding.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that speeding was the cause of one-third of all traffic deaths in 2020. This is a major problem that needs to be addressed.
Another common mistake drivers make is to drive too fast for the conditions like when it's raining, or when the road is being repaired. This can also cause accidents with other vehicles such as pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Younger drivers are at at risk of speeding. This is because they are more likely to lack the experience and knowledge older drivers have in regards to the laws of the road.
Drivers who are drunk and drowsy are more likely to drive above the speed limit or drive too fast for the conditions. They may not pay enough attention to the road or they may not be aware that they are in close proximity to other vehicles and trucks.
Drivers can also fail to see an intersection's stop sign or a red light by driving too fast. This can also increase the risk of a driver being rolled over. This is especially true when the driver is driving an 18-wheeler, since they are much larger than regular passenger cars.
2. Moving trucks with caution
You might need to pass a truck on an highway or interstate. In these situations it is crucial to drive carefully so as to avoid collision.
They weigh more than passenger vehicles, and as such they will take longer to stop and slow down. This means that you need to give them plenty of time to react to your signals, and then move to the left before passing them.
If you are passing a truck, you should be sure to leave at least four seconds between you and their vehicle. This will give you plenty of time to react to the truck's actions and avoid collision.
Additionally you should not cut between a truck and a vehicle to change lanes or leave the highway. This is a risk, as a truck's blind spot may make it difficult for the driver to see you. They may also be distracted by a mobile phone or other gadget which could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Keep a safe distance between you and the truck, especially when you're driving in the left lane of a divided highway or a one-way road. This way, you'll stay away from the truck's blind spots and stay clear of fire in the event that they lose control or hit you with a jackknife.
Be sure to let them know your intentions prior to time and give them plenty of time to respond. This will aid in avoiding an accident, and increase your chances of avoiding serious accident.
If you're driving on a two-lane highway or an interstate, you shouldn't cross a double solid white line or broken yellow lines when you are passing. This could cause interference with other drivers on the road and may result in an accident that is serious.
A big commercial truck can be an intimidating for many motorists However, it doesn't have to be frightening. You can help yourself and avoid 18-wheeler accidents by following these simple tips.
Contact our team at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today to find out whether you are eligible for compensation if you've been injured by a collision with an 18-wheeler.
3. Try to move away from the way
18 wheelers are massive machines that transport goods across the nation. It is crucial to know what to look out for when driving.
Often the best method to avoid an 18 wheeler accident is to avoid their path. Avoid driving directly in front of a commercial truck and allow enough room when merging or passing.
Another important tip is to avoid blind spots in trucks. These areas include behind the cab, and both sides of the truck. The cab is generally the most difficult part of the truck to see, and a well-placed mirror can make a huge difference.
If you need to merge, indicate your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware of them. 18 wheeler accident law firm philadelphia to do this is to turn on your hazard lights and switch on your headlights as you move towards the vehicle in front of you.
There is a possibility that the trucker will not see your vehicle, and may not be at a safe speed in time to avoid the possibility of crashing. The vehicle could also have an elevated center of gravity, which could cause the driver to lose control and strike you from behind or the front.
It's not only the most secure way to stay out of the way of an 18-wheeler but it's also the sexiest. The biggest danger is that a truck speeding away could quickly turn into an incredibly fatal accident. There are other risks that the vehicle may hit you on a curve, or have a hot brake which could result in an accident.
4. Try to pass a driver vehicle
You've probably been through this scenario as a driver: you're stuck in traffic behind a massive truck, and you have to pass it so you can get to your destination. Unfortunately, doing this can result in 18 wheeler accidents if not done properly.
The truth is that passing trucks can be hazardous for both parties involved particularly in winter weather conditions when driving more carefully is essential to remain safe on the road. In fact, 75 percent of all accidents involving commercial vehicles result from drivers in passenger vehicles, so it's crucial to be aware of what not to do when attempting to pass trucks.
It is important to note that semis have a longer blind spot than passenger vehicles. This is due to their long trailers block their driver's view of the road, which is why it's important to pay close focus when trying to pass them.
When passing, try to remain in the left lane and allow plenty of space around the vehicle. This will prevent you from being hit by a vehicle, which is a common occurrence in 18-wheeler collisions.
Also, be aware that a truck's brakes take longer to slow down than a car's. It's also essential to give the truck enough space to stop before it comes close to your vehicle.
Also, keep an eye out for tire blowouts, which can cause debris to fly across the road and into your lane. Be aware that a semi's vehicle could get caught in your lane, which can be especially dangerous during windy weather.
Use your turn signals to avoid the truck. This will allow the truck driver to see you and will allow them to know when it's safe to change lanes.
Take all these aspects to consider will help you drive safely when sharing the road with trucks. Contact the experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Cesar Ornelas law for free consultation if been involved in an accident that involved a truck. We can help you recover damages for your injuries and property damage.