How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be devastating for the person you love or you when they are involved in a truck crash. These collisions are often the reason for serious injuries, and they can change your life forever.
A truck accident lawyer can assist you in getting the compensation you're entitled to for the damages. An experienced lawyer can help you focus on getting better during this difficult time.
1. Speeding
Driving at a high speed is dangerous for everyone including pedestrians and drivers. This can lead to fatal crashes, including wrongful death or serious injury. Speeding can also result in an increase in insurance costs and points on a driver's report.
When an accident occurs when it's an 18 wheeler it can be devastating. These large trucks have massive weights. This means they can cause a lot of damage to smaller vehicles that collide with them. The passengers of a small vehicle can suffer severe injuries and even die depending on the severity of the crash.
Fortunately, there are some actions that drivers can take to lower the risk of being involved in an 18-wheeler accident. The first thing to do is to avoid any form of speeding.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration according to the agency, speeding was responsible for one-third of all traffic deaths in 2020. This is a major problem that must be addressed.
Another mistake drivers make is driving too quickly in the weather. For instance, when it rains or when the road needs to be repaired. This can lead to accidents with other vehicles, like pedestrians and motorcycle riders.
Younger drivers are at vulnerable risk of speeding. They are less likely to have the experience and expertise of older drivers when it comes to the laws.
Drivers who are drunk or drowsy are more likely to speed over the speed limit, or drive too fast for the conditions. This is because they may not be paying attention to the road or might not be aware of how close they are to other cars and trucks.
A driver may also miss a stop sign or red light if they drive too fast. This can also increase the risk of a driver rolling over. This is especially true if the driver is in an 18-wheeler, since they are a lot bigger than regular passenger cars.
2. Moving trucks with caution
You might need to pass a truck on an interstate or highway. In these instances it's crucial to drive carefully so as to avoid collision.
18 wheeler accident claim santa barbara of trucks is higher than passenger cars, so they take longer to stop and slow down. This means that you should give them ample time to respond to your signals and then move over to the right before passing them.
You should always allow at least four seconds between your vehicle and the truck you are traveling by. This will give you plenty of time to react to their actions and prevent a collision.
Also, you should not cut in front a truck in the process of changing lanes or exiting the highway. This is risky because a truck driver's blind spot could make it difficult for them to see you. They could also be distracted by a cell phone or other gadget that could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Maintain a safe distance you and the truck, especially when driving in the left lane of a divided highway or a one-way street. You can avoid the blind areas of the truck and stay out of the range of fire in the event that they lose control or strike jackknife.
Be sure to signal well in advance of your intentions and give them plenty of time to respond. This will assist you in avoiding a collision, and increase your chances of avoiding serious accident.
When crossing a two-lane road or interstate don't cross a double white solid line or a broken line of yellow. This could cause a problem for other drivers on the road, and could lead to an accident that is serious.
It's not necessary to be afraid of a commercial truck that is large. By following these simple steps to avoid 18-wheeler accidents and ensure your own safety.
Call our team at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today to find out whether you are eligible for compensation for injuries sustained in a crash with an 18-wheeler.
3. Try to get out of the Way
18 wheelers are big machines that haul freight across the country. They are an essential element of our economy, and it is essential to know what to look out for when driving.
Often, the best way to avoid an 18 wheeler accident is to keep out of the way. It is not recommended to merge or pass a commercial truck directly in front of.
Another important tip is to stay clear of blind spots in trucks. These include the cab, behind the cab and on both sides of the vehicle. The cab is usually the most difficult part of the truck to see and a properly-placed mirror can make a huge difference.
If you must merge, make sure you signal clearly so the trucker knows what you are planning to do. The best way to do this is to activate your hazard light and turn on your headlights when you get closer to the vehicle ahead of you.
The trucker may not be able to see your vehicle and therefore not be able to slow down in enough time to avoid an accident. The vehicle may also have a very high center of gravity. This can cause the driver lose control, and then hit you from the front or back.
It's not only safest to get out of the way of an 18-wheeler, but it's also the beautiful. The biggest danger is that a truck speeding away could end up being a deadly accident. Other risks include a vehicle that is able to hit you on a bend or have a hot break which could result in an accident.
4. Trying to Pass a Passenger Vehicle
You've probably been through this scenario as a driver: you're stuck in traffic behind a massive truck, and you have to get past it so that you can get to your destination. Unfortunately, trying to do this could result in 18 wheeler accidents if not done correctly.
It is important to be aware when passing trucks, particularly in winter weather conditions. 75 percent of commercial vehicle accidents are caused by passenger cars. It's therefore important to be aware of how to pass by the truck in a safe manner.
It is important to note that semis have a much longer blind spot than passenger vehicles. This is due to their long trailers block the driver's view of the road, so it's important to pay close at all times when passing them.
When you pass, try to keep to the left and leave plenty of room around the vehicle. This will prevent getting rear-ended by the truck, which is common in 18 wheeler accidents.
Be aware that a truck's brakes take longer to slow down than a car's. It is also essential to give the truck sufficient time to stop before it comes close to your vehicle.
Watch out for tire blowouts that can send debris across the road into your lane. Also, a semi-trailer can drift into your lane. This can be risky particularly in windy conditions.
Also, make sure you use your turn signals when passing trucks. This will allow the truck driver to see you and will let them know when it's safe to change lanes.
These factors will enable you to drive safely while sharing the roads with trucks. Contact the skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Cesar Ornelas law to schedule a free consultation if you've been involved in an accident involving a truck. We can assist you in obtaining damages to compensate for the injuries you sustained and damage to property.