Truck accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, truck accidents killed more than 3,700 people in 2016. That's an average of 10 deaths per day. One of the reasons trucks are involved in so many accidents is that they're much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. This gives them a more significant potential to cause severe injury or death when they collide with other cars. Having greater masses, their momentum is also much harder to stop. There are safety regulations in place that trucking companies and truck drivers must follow to help prevent accidents. Unfortunately, not all truckers or trucking companies follow these rules. Suppose you've been involved in a truck accident. In that case, you must contact an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you determine if the truck driver or trucking company violated any safety regulations.
But prevention is still the best solution. Here are some tips from every car accident attorney in Okatie on how you can avoid being involved in a truck accident:
Be Aware Of Trucks' Blind Spots
All vehicles have blind spots, but because of their size, trucks have larger ones. Truck drivers may not be able to see you in their mirrors if you're in one of their blind spots. To avoid being hit by a truck changing lanes, ensure you can see the truck driver in their side mirror before passing them.
Take Note Of The Truck's Size And Weight
Remember that trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. This means they need more time to stop, so you should give them a wide berth when passing or changing lanes. You should also be aware that they may swing wider than you expect when making turns.
Give Trucks Plenty Of Space
Trucks need more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. You could rear-end them if you're tailgating a truck and they have to brake suddenly. It's also important to give trucks plenty of space when passing them. Passing a truck on the highway can be dangerous because of its size and weight. If you must pass a truck, make sure you can see the truck driver in their side mirror, signal, and then die quickly.
Don't Cut Truck Drivers Off
Cutting in front of a truck and then braking suddenly is a sure way to get into an accident. Truck drivers need a long distance to stop, so if you cut them off, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting you.
Be Careful When Merging
When you're merging onto the highway, make sure you accelerate quickly to get up to speed and get in front of the truck. If you join slowly, the truck may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting you. Use your horn and turn signals to let the truck driver know you're merging. Don't forget to be extra careful when you are counterflowing, as you are more likely to get hit by a truck.
Keep An Eye On Truck Tires
If a truck has bald or damaged tires, it could lose control and cause an accident. If you see a truck with bald or damaged tires, give them plenty of space and try to avoid being near them. You can also report truck tires in poor condition to the authorities. There should be a stenciled phone number on the truck's door that you can call to report truck safety violations.
Watch For Turning Trucks
When a truck makes a turn, its back end may swing out into another lane. Be aware of this and give truck drivers plenty of space when making turns. Because they are bigger, they need bigger turn radiuses so that they may swing out into your lane.
Use Caution Around Stopped Trucks
If you see a truck stopped on the side of the road, use caution when passing. Truck drivers may be loading or unloading their cargo and may not see you coming. What you can do is slow down and give the truck cautiously. Honk if you must to get the truck driver's attention.
Follow The Speed Limit
Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents, so it's essential to follow the speed limit, especially when driving around trucks. Truck drivers may have difficulty seeing smaller vehicles moving quickly, so it's necessary to go at a safe speed.
Keep Your Distance From Trucks
When driving behind a truck, leaving plenty of space between your car and the truck is essential. Truck drivers may not be able to see you in their mirrors, so if you're too close, they may not know you're there. If the truck driver has to brake suddenly, you could rear-end them.
Be Patient Around Trucks
Trucks tend to be slower than passenger vehicles, especially around the city, so patience is essential when driving around them. If you're impatient and try to pass a truck when it's not safe, you could cause an accident.
What You Can Do After Being Involved In A Truck Accident
If you've been involved in a truck accident, you should first seek medical attention, even if you don't think you've been injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
After seeking medical attention, you should call the police so they can file a report. This will be important if you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. When the police arrive, get the truck driver's name, contact information, and insurance information.
You will also need a lawyer to help you with your case. The truck driver's insurance company will have a team of lawyers working to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out, so you need someone on your side who knows the law and will fight for you.
The Brown Firm of Okatie, SC, is a car accident and personal injury law firm specializing in truck accidents. We have a team of experienced truck accident lawyers who will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
