How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
When you or someone you love is involved in an accident caused by a commercial truck it can be a devastating incident. These accidents are typically the reason for serious injuries, and they can change your life for good.
A lawyer for truck accidents will help you receive the compensation you're due for your losses. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you focus on recovering from this stressful time.
1. Speeding
Driving at high speeds is dangerous for everyone including pedestrians and drivers. 18 wheeler accident lawyer joliet can lead to fatal crashes, which can result in death or serious injury. Speeding can also lead to an increase in insurance costs and points on a driver's record.
When an accident occurs on an 18-wheeler, it can be especially devastating. These large trucks are heavy and can cause substantial damage to smaller vehicles. This can be very painful for the passengers of the small vehicle that is hit and can even result in life-threatening injuries, depending on the nature of the collision.
Fortunately, there are some actions that drivers can take to reduce their risk of being involved in an 18 wheeler accident. The first thing to be taken care of is to avoid speeding at all costs.
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 common mistake that drivers make is to drive too fast for 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 and motorcyclists.
Younger drivers are at vulnerable risk of speeding. They are less likely to have the experience and understanding of older drivers when it comes to the law.
Drivers who are drunk or drowsy are more likely to drive beyond the speed limit, or drive too fast for the conditions. This is due to the fact that they might not be paying attention to the road or may 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 run into a red light or stop signal. This can increase the chance of a driver falling over. This is especially dangerous for drivers of 18-wheelers, which are larger than passenger vehicles.
2. Moving trucks through with caution
It is possible to have to pass a truck on an highway or interstate. In these instances, it's important to drive carefully to avoid a collision.
The weight of trucks is higher than passenger vehicles, and as such they will take longer to stop and slow down. It is recommended to give them plenty of time to react to your signals and move to the right when passing.
When you pass a truck, it is recommended to allow at least four seconds between you and their vehicle. This will give you plenty of time to react to the actions of the truck and avoid a collision.
In addition you should not cut into the truck's path to change lanes or leave the highway. This can be dangerous as the truck driver's blind spot could make it difficult for them to see you. They could also be distracted by their phone or other device, which could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Keep a safe distance away from the truck, particularly when you are driving in the left lane on an unidirectional highway. You can avoid the blind spots of the truck and stay out of its area of fire should they lose control or hit jackknife.
Be sure to signal well ahead of time about your intentions and give them ample time to respond. This will help you avoid an accident and increase your chances of avoiding serious accident.
If you're driving on a two-lane highway or an interstate, you should not cross a double solid white line or broken yellow lines when you are passing. This will interfere with the other drivers on the road and could cause an accident of serious severity.
A large commercial vehicle can be an intimidating image to motorists, but it doesn't have to be frightening. You can safeguard yourself and avoid 18-wheeler accidents by following these easy tips.
If you have been injured in an accident with an 18 wheeler, contact our team at Cesar Ornelas Law today for an initial consultation for free and determine if we can help you pursue compensation.
3. Trying to Get Out of the Way
18 wheelers are large vehicles that transport cargo across the nation. It is important to be aware of the things to look out for when driving.
Staying out of the way is often the best way to avoid an 18-wheeler collision. It is not recommended to merge or go through a commercial truck directly in front.
Another important tip is to stay clear of blind spots in trucks. These include the cabin, behind the cab and on both sides of the vehicle. 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 have to merge, communicate your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware of the merge. This can be accomplished by activating your hazard lamp and turning on your headlights as you get close to the vehicle ahead of you.
There is a chance the trucker won't be able to be able to see your vehicle and could not be capable of slowing down enough to avoid the possibility of crashing. The vehicle may also have a high center of gravity. This could make the driver lose control, and could hit you from the front or rear.
It's not only safest to stay out of the way of an 18-wheeler; it's also the sexually attractive. The biggest risk is that a car speeding away could quickly turn into an accident that could be fatal. Other risks are that the vehicle could crash into you on a curve, or have a hot brake that could lead to an accident.
4. Trying to pass a passenger vehicle
As an driver, you've probably witnessed this depressing scene on the highway: you're stuck behind a large truck and must pass it in order to get to your destination. If you don't perform the task correctly, it could cause 18-wheeler accidents.
The reality is that passing trucks can be dangerous for both drivers, especially in winter weather conditions when being more cautious is essential to remain safe on the road. 75 percent of commercial vehicle accidents result from passenger vehicles. It's therefore important to know how to pass an unintentionally parked truck.
Be aware that semis are larger than passenger automobiles. This is due to their long trailers block their driver's view of the road, which is why it is crucial to pay at all times when passing them.
If you are passing, remain in the left in the left. You should leave plenty of space around the vehicle. This will help avoid being hit by a truck, which is common in 18 wheeler accidents.
Be aware that the brakes of trucks require more time to slow down compared to those of a car. It's also important to give the truck plenty of space to stop when it's coming towards your vehicle.
Be aware of tire blowouts, which can cause debris across the road and into your lane. Be aware that a semi's trailer could be able to drift into your lane which can be especially dangerous in stormy weather.
Use your turn signals to cross paths with the truck. This will allow the driver of the truck to be aware and recognize when it's safe to change lanes.
All of these aspects will help you to drive with safety when sharing the roads with trucks. If you've been involved in an accident with a truck don't hesitate to contact the experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyers at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free case review. We can assist you in obtaining damages to cover your injuries and damages to property.