How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be devastating for you or someone you love when they are involved in a car accident. These accidents can result in severe injuries and change your life forever.
An attorney for accidents on the road will help you get the compensation that you deserve for the damage. A seasoned lawyer can assist you in getting better during this difficult time.
1. Speeding
Speeding up is dangerous for everyone including pedestrians and drivers. This can lead to fatal crashes, which can result in death or serious injury. Speeding up can result in higher insurance costs and points added to the driver's driving record.
An accident involving an 18-wheeler can be devastating. These huge trucks carry massive weights. This means they can cause a lot of damage to smaller vehicles that crash into them. This can be extremely painful for the people in the small vehicle struck and may cause life-threatening injuries depending on the nature of the collision.
There are a few things drivers can do to lessen their risk of getting into an accident with a vehicle that is 18-wheeled. The first thing to do is to avoid all forms of speeding.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the speeding factor was responsible for one-third of traffic deaths in 2020. This is a major problem that needs to be addressed.
Another error drivers make is driving too quickly in the weather. For instance, when it rains, or when the road requires repaired. This can also cause accidents with other vehicles such as pedestrians and motorcycle riders.
Younger drivers are at an especially vulnerable risk of speeding. They are less likely to have the experience and expertise of older drivers when it comes to the law.
Drivers who are sleepy or drunk are more likely to go over the speed limit or drive at a speed that is too fast for the conditions. They may not pay enough concentration to the road or they may not even realize that they're in close proximity to other cars and truck.
A driver can also miss the stop sign or red light if they drive too fast. It could also increase the chances of a crash. This is especially dangerous for drivers of 18-wheelers, which are bigger than passenger vehicles.
2. Passing trucks with Caution
If you're on a highway or interstate, there might be occasions when you have to get a truck to pass. In these situations it's crucial to drive with caution in order to avoid collision.
They weigh more than passenger vehicles, and as such they take longer to stop and slow down. This means that you should allow them plenty of time to respond to your signals and move to the left before passing them.
Always leave at least four second between your vehicle and the truck you are passing. This will give you plenty of time for you to react to the actions of the truck and avoid a collision.
In addition it is not advisable to cut in front of a truck to change lanes or exit the highway. This can be dangerous, since the blind spot of a truck can make it difficult for the driver to see you. They may be distracted by their mobile or other device that could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Keep a safe distance between you and the truck, particularly when driving in the left lane of a divided highway or one-way street. This way, you can remain out of the truck's blind spots and keep yourself out of the line of fire should they lose control or strike jackknife.
Be sure to signal well ahead of time about your intentions and give the driver plenty of time to respond. This will prevent an accident and increase your chances of avoiding serious accident.
When you are driving on the two-lane interstate or a road don't cross a double white solid line or broken line of yellow. This could result in serious accidents and may cause interference with other drivers.
A huge commercial truck can be a scary sight to many motorists however, it doesn't have to be frightening. By following these easy tips to avoid 18 wheeler accidents and protect your own safety.
Contact our team at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today to find out what compensation you could receive when you've been injured during a collision involving an 18-wheeler.
3. Try to move away from the way
18 wheelers, also referred as tractor-trailers, are huge machines that transport freight across the country. They are an essential element of our economy, and it is vital to know what to watch out for while driving.
Often the best method to avoid an 18 wheeler accident is to be aware of them and stay out of their way. You should never drive directly in front of a commercial truck and you should leave enough space for merging or passing.
Another important point is to stay clear of blind spots in trucks. These include the interior of the cab, behind it, and along both sides of the vehicle. A properly-placed mirror in the cab can make all the difference.
If you have to merge, be sure to signal clearly so the trucker can anticipate your intentions. This can be done by activating your hazard lights and switching on your headlights as you approach the vehicle ahead of you.
There is a chance that the trucker isn't able to see your vehicle, and could not be able to slow down enough to avoid the possibility of crashing. The vehicle could also have a high center of gravity. This can cause the driver lose control, and then hit you from the front or rear.
It's not only safer to stay out of the path of an 18-wheeler; it's also the attractive. 18 wheeler accident settlement richardson is that a vehicle speeding away could end up being an incredibly fatal accident. Other risks are that the vehicle could crash into you on a curve, or have a hot brake which could lead to an accident.
4. The attempt to pass by a passenger vehicle
You've probably encountered this situation as a driver you're stuck in traffic behind a massive truck, and you have to get it out of the way so that you can get to your destination. Unfortunately, doing so can lead to accidents with 18 wheelers if done in a safe manner.
The reality is that passing trucks can be hazardous for both the driver and the passenger particularly in winter conditions, when taking care to drive is crucial to stay safe on the road. In fact 75 percent of accidents involving commercial vehicles are caused by drivers of passenger vehicles, so it is crucial to be aware of what not to do when attempting to pass trucks.
Keep in mind that semis are larger than passenger automobiles. This is due to their lengthy trailers block their driver's view. It's crucial to be careful when passing them.
When passing, keep in the left in the left. Make sure you leave plenty of space around the vehicle. This will ensure that you don't risk being hit by a truck which is a common occurrence in 18 wheeler accidents.
Be aware that the brakes on a truck take longer to slow down in comparison to the brakes of the brakes of a car. It is also important to give the truck sufficient space to stop before it approaches your vehicle.
Also, keep an eye out for tire blowouts, which can send debris flying across the road, and then into your lane. Additionally, keep in mind that a semi's vehicle could slide into your lane, which is especially risky in windy weather.
Finally, ensure that you use your turn signals when you pass trucks. This will allow truck drivers to see and be aware of when it is safe to change lanes.
Incorporating all of these factors into account will help you drive safely while sharing the road with trucks. If you've been involved in an accident with a truck don't hesitate to contact our experienced attorneys for 18 wheeler accidents at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free case review. We can help you recover damages for your injuries as well as property damage.