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How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be a devastating experience for you or someone you love when they are involved in a collision with a truck. These accidents are typically the reason for serious injuries, and they can alter your life forever.
A lawyer who handles truck accidents can assist you in obtaining the amount you are due for your losses. This can be a stressful time, but a seasoned lawyer will keep you focused on healing.
1. Speeding
Speeding up is dangerous for everyone, including drivers and pedestrians. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit sacramento of behavior can result in fatal crashes, leading to death or serious injury. Speeding can result in increased insurance costs and points added to a driver's driving record.
A collision that involves an 18-wheeler could be devastating. These huge trucks are hefty and can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles. The occupants of a small vehicle could suffer severe injuries and even death depending on the severity of the collision.
There are a few things that drivers can do to lessen their chance of being involved in an accident involving a 18-wheeler. 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 the traffic deaths that occurred in 2020. This is a major problem that must be addressed.
Another common mistake drivers make is driving too fast for conditions like when it's raining or the road is being repaired. This could lead to collisions with other vehicles, like motorcycle and pedestrian riders.
Younger drivers are at a vulnerable risk of speeding. They are less likely to have the experience and understanding of older drivers when it comes down to the law.
Drowsy and intoxicated drivers are more likely to speed over the speed limit, or too fast for the conditions. They may not be paying enough attention to the road or they may not be aware that they are close to other vehicles and trucks.
A driver can also miss a stop sign or red light if they drive too fast. This could increase the chance of a driver falling over. This can be especially dangerous if the driver is in an 18-wheeler, as they are a lot larger than standard passenger cars.
2. Avoiding Trucks When Passing
If you're driving on a highway or interstate, there are instances where you need to move around a truck. In these instances it is important to take care to avoid getting into collision.
The weight of trucks is higher than passenger cars, therefore they take longer to stop and slow down. This means that you should give them ample time to respond to your signals and move towards the right before passing them.
When passing a truck, you should be sure to leave at least four seconds between you and their vehicle. This will allow plenty of time to react to the truck's actions and avoid a collision.
Also, you should not cut in front of a truck when changing lanes, or leaving the highway. This can be dangerous, since the truck's blind spot could make it difficult for the driver to see you. They could also be distracted by their phone or other electronic device that could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.
Keep a safe distance away from the truck, particularly if you are driving in the left lane of the highway that is divided. You can avoid the blind spots of the truck and stay clear of its danger zone if they lose control or jackknife.
Be sure to signal well ahead of time about your intentions and allow the driver plenty of time to respond. This will help to avoid an accident and increase the chance of avoiding a serious accident.
When you are driving on the two-lane interstate or a road don't cross a double solid white line, or a broken line of yellow. This could cause a problem for other drivers on the road and could result in an accident that is serious.
A large commercial truck is a frightful image to motorists, but it doesn't have to be terrifying. By following these simple steps you can stay clear of 18-wheeler accidents and safeguard your safety.
Call our team at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today to find out if you can receive compensation when you've been injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler.
3. Try to move out of the way
18 wheelers, also known as tractor-trailers are huge machines that transport freight across the country. It is essential to know what to look for while driving.
The best way to avoid an 18-wheeler accident is to stay out of their way. Don't drive directly in the path of a commercial vehicle and give yourself extra space when merging or passing.
Another important point is to stay clear of blind spots on a truck. These include the areas behind the cab as well as both sides of the truck. The cab is typically the most difficult part of the truck to see and a well-placed mirror can make a significant difference.
If you must merge, be sure to signal clearly so the trucker will be able to anticipate your intentions. This can be done by activating your hazard lights and switching on your headlights when you approach the vehicle ahead of you.
There is a chance the trucker will not see your vehicle, and could not be enough to slow down enough to avoid a crash. The vehicle may also have a high center of gravity. This could make the driver lose control, and hit you either from the front or rear.
Getting out of the way of an 18-wheeler is not just the most attractive thing you can do on the road, it's also the most secure. The most significant risk is that a runaway truck can easily become a deadly wreck. There are other risks that the vehicle could hit you on a curve, or have a hot brake that could lead to an accident.
4. Try to pass a Passenger Vehicle
As an driver, you've probably experienced this frustrating situation on the highway: you're stuck behind a large truck and have to get by it to get to your destination. If you don't perform the task correctly, this can cause 18-wheeler collisions.
The reality is that passing trucks can be dangerous for both drivers particularly in winter conditions when driving more carefully is crucial to stay safe on the road. In fact, 75 percent of all commercial vehicle accidents are caused by drivers of passenger vehicles, which is why it is crucial to know what to do and what not to do when attempting to pass trucks.
It is important to note that semis have a much larger blind spot than passenger vehicles. This is because their long trailers block their driver's view of the road, which is why it's important to pay close at all times when passing them.
When passing, make sure to keep to the left and allow plenty of space around the vehicle. This will ensure that you don't risk being hit by a truck, which is common in 18 wheeler accidents.
Be aware that the brakes of a truck are more difficult to stop compared to those of cars. It is also important to allow the truck space to stop prior to it coming towards your vehicle.
Also, keep an eye out for tire blowouts. These can send debris flying across the road and into your lane. Also, a semi-trailer may be able to drift into your lane. This can be dangerous especially in windy conditions.
Finally, ensure that you use your turn signals when you pass a truck. This will enable the driver of the truck to see and know when it is safe to change lanes.
All of these aspects will help you to drive safely when sharing the roads with trucks. Contact the experienced 18-wheeler collision attorneys at Cesar Ornelas law for no-cost consultation if you've been involved in an accident involving a truck. We can assist you in obtaining damages for your injuries as well as property damage.