7 Little Changes That'll Make The Difference With Your 18 Wheeler Attorney
How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
If you or someone you love is involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, it could be a devastating incident. These accidents can cause serious injuries and alter your life for the better.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents can help you receive the amount you are due for damages. It can be a stressful moment, but a skilled attorney will help keep you focused on getting better.
1. Speeding
Driving at excessive speeds is dangerous for everyone including pedestrians and drivers. This kind of behavior can result in fatal accidents, resulting in death or serious injury. Speeding can increase insurance costs and points added to a driver's driving record.
If an accident happens with an 18 wheeler, it can be especially devastating. These large trucks are heavy and can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles. The occupants of a tiny vehicle can suffer severe injuries and even die depending on the severity of the collision.
There are a few things that drivers can do to reduce the chance of being involved in an accident with a 18-wheeler. The first step is to avoid any kind of speeding.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration according to the agency, speeding was responsible for one-third of the traffic deaths that occurred in 2020. This is a major issue that must be addressed.
Another common mistake that drivers make is driving 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 an especially vulnerable risk of speeding. This is because they are more likely to lack the experience and knowledge that older drivers are equipped with when it comes to the laws of the road.
Drivers who are drunk or drowsy are more likely to drive over the speed limit or go too fast for the conditions. They might not pay enough attention to the road or they might not realize that they are driving in the vicinity of other cars and truck.
In addition, driving too fast for conditions could cause a driver to run into a red light or stop sign. This could increase the risk of a driver being rolled over. This can be especially dangerous in the case of an 18 wheeler because they are a lot larger than regular passenger vehicles.
2. Moving trucks with caution
If you're driving on a major highway or an interstate, there may be instances where you need to pass a truck. In these instances, you should always be cautious to avoid creating an accident.
You should also be aware that trucks weigh more than passenger cars, which means that they require longer to slow down and stop. This means that you should give them plenty of time to react to your signals and move to the left before passing them.
If you are passing a truck, you should be sure to leave at minimum four seconds between yourself and their vehicle. This gives you plenty of time to react to their actions and avoid a crash.
Don't cut in front of a truck in the process of changing lanes or leaving the highway. This is dangerous, as the truck's blind spot could make it difficult for the driver to see you. They could be distracted by their mobile or other device which could lead them to lose control of their vehicle.
Keep a safe distance away from the truck, particularly when you're driving in the left lane on an interspersed highway. This will allow you to stay clear of the truck's blind spots and keep yourself away from the path of fire in the event they lose control or get jackknifed.
Signal your intentions well prior to time and give the driver plenty of time to react. 18 wheeler accident settlement rio rancho will aid in avoiding a collision, and increase your chances of avoiding a serious accident.
If you're on a 2-lane highway or an interstate, you shouldn't cross a double solid white line or broken yellow lines when passing. This could cause a problem for other drivers on the road and could cause an accident of serious severity.
A big commercial truck can be an intimidating sight to many motorists But it doesn't need to be frightening. By following these simple steps you can prevent 18 wheeler accidents and protect your own safety.
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 to determine if we can help you seek compensation.
3. Try to move out of the way
18 wheelers are big vehicles that transport cargo across the country. It is essential to know what to look out for when driving.
Staying out of the way is usually the best way to avoid an 18-wheeler accident. Don't drive directly in the front of a commercial truck and allow enough room when merging or passing.
Avoiding blind spots is an additional important tip. These areas include the cabin, behind the cab and along both sides of the vehicle. A properly-placed cab mirror could make all the difference.
If you are required to merge, signal your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware of them. This can be done by activating your hazard lights and turning on your headlights when you approach the vehicle ahead of you.
There is a possibility that the trucker may not be able to be able to see your vehicle and might not be enough to slow down in time to avoid an accident. The vehicle could also have a high center of gravity. This can cause the driver to lose control and hit you either from the front or rear.
Making sure you stay out of the way of an 18-wheeler is not just the most attractive thing you can do on the road, but it's also the most secure. The most significant danger is that a running truck could end up being a fatal wreck. Other risks include a vehicle that could hit you on the bend or have a hot break which could lead to an accident.
4. The attempt to pass by a passenger vehicle
You've probably been through this scene as a motorist: you're stuck in traffic behind a massive truck, and you must to get past it so that you can get to your destination. If you don't do it correctly, it can result in 18-wheeler accidents.
The reality is that passing trucks can be dangerous for both drivers particularly in winter weather conditions, when taking care to drive is essential to remain safe on the road. In fact 75 percent of commercial vehicle accidents are caused by drivers in passenger vehicles, so it is crucial to know what to do and what not to do when attempting to pass a truck.
Be aware that semis are larger than passenger automobiles. This is because their long trailers block the driver's view of the road, so it's crucial to pay at all times when passing them.
If you are passing, keep to the left and leave plenty of space around the vehicle. This will stop you from getting rear-ended. This is often the case in 18-wheeler accidents.
Be aware that the brakes of a truck take longer to stop than a passenger car's. It is also crucial to give the truck enough space to stop before it reaches your vehicle.
Beware of tire blowouts that could send debris across the road into your lane. Additionally, keep in mind that a semi's trailer can drift into your lane, which is especially risky in stormy weather.
Last but not least, you must use your turn signals when passing trucks. This will enable truck drivers to see and know when it's safe to change lanes.
All these factors will help you to drive safely when you're 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 that involved trucks. We can help you recover damages for your injuries and property damage.