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With more 18-wheelers on the highways comes an increase in accidents
Lately, you may have noticed more large trucks on the roads than in the past. Not only do they keep our economy strong, but they allow goods to make their way to every little nook and cranny in the nation.
Unfortunately, with more big rigs on the highways and city streets comes an increase in accidents. Because of their sheer weight and size, accidents involving large trucks are particularly devastating. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, victims are often left with serious, disabling injuries – or worse.
Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents
It should come as no surprise that driving an 18-wheeler is a difficult task that requires extensive training, awareness, and high attention to detail. When a truck driver becomes distracted or fatigued, it could result in a catastrophic accident.
Before we look at how you can stay safe and avoid a traffic accident with an 18-wheeler, let’s go over some of the most common causes of large truck accidents:
- Driver error
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while fatigued
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Failure to adhere to road signs
- Equipment failure
- Inclement weather
- Improper cargo loading
- Changing lanes abruptly
- Driver’s misjudging an approaching truck’s speed or actions
- Failure to slow down
- Unsafe passing
- Driving between large trucks
This is a short list of some of the actions and factors that can contribute to an 18-wheeler accident. If you have been involved in a collision with a big rig, please contact the truck accident attorneys at Green Law today.
How to Avoid an 18-Wheeler Accident
Understanding what can lead to a large truck accident is the first step to protecting yourself and others. We have no choice other than learning how to share the road with 18-wheelers, so driving safely should be your top priority.
While it is of course not possible to completely eliminate the chance of an accident to happen, there are certain things you can do to reduce this risk, including:
- Avoid large truck “blind spots”, also called “no-zones”
- Stay a safe distance back from large trucks, as they require a longer distance than passenger vehicles for stopping
- Pass with care and caution when going around a large truck
- Anticipate actions such as wide turns
- Never pass a large truck that is turning
- Always look ahead and remain alert
- Avoid distracted driving! Turn your phone on “do not disturb” and never text while driving
- Adhere to speed limits
- Move over for trucks stopped on the shoulder
- Follow the rules of the road
- Yield to a large truck trying to change lanes
- Be patient and kind
Contact a lawyer today
If you have been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler or other large truck, please contact Green Law Firm today. We have the experience and knowledge to sit down with you and help you understand your case. Depending on who is at-fault for the accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation!
