4 Dirty Little Secrets About The 18 Wheeler Attorney Industry
How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents
It can be a devastating experience for your loved ones or yourself when they are involved in a car accident. These collisions are usually the cause of severe injuries, and can change your life forever.
A lawyer for truck accidents will help you get the compensation you're entitled to for the damage. This can be a stressful time, but a seasoned attorney will keep you focused on getting better.
1. Speeding
Driving at a high speed is dangerous for everyone, including drivers and pedestrians. This behavior can cause fatal crashes, leading to death or serious injury. Speeding can result in increased insurance costs and points added to the driver's driving record.
When an accident occurs when it's an 18 wheeler, it can be especially devastating. These huge trucks have huge weights, which means that they could cause a huge amount of damage to smaller vehicles that collide with them. The occupants of a small vehicle can suffer severe injuries and even die based on the severity of the collision.
Fortunately, there are actions that drivers can take to reduce their risk of being involved in an 18 wheeler accident. The first thing to be done 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 all traffic deaths in 2020. This is a significant issue that must be addressed.
Another error drivers make is driving too fast for the conditions. For example, when it rains or when the road needs to be repaired. This can cause accidents with other vehicles, such as pedestrians and motorcycle riders.
Younger drivers are at an especially at risk of speeding. They are less likely to have the experience and expertise of older drivers when it comes down to the laws.
Drivers who are drunk and drowsy are also more likely to drive beyond the speed limit, or go too fast for the conditions. This is because they might not be paying attention to the road or might not be aware of how close they are to other vehicles and trucks.
In addition, driving too fast for conditions could cause a driver to fail to see a red light or stop sign. This can also increase the risk of a driver being rolled over. This can be especially dangerous if the driver is in an 18 wheeler, because they are significantly larger than regular passenger vehicles.
2. Passing Trucks With Caution
If you're driving along a highway or an interstate, there are instances where you need to drive by a truck. In these instances it is important to do it with care to avoid creating an accident.
You should also be aware that trucks weigh more than passenger cars, which means that they require longer to stop and slow down. It is recommended to give them plenty of time to respond to you signals and then move to the right when they pass.
When you pass a truck, you should allow at 4 seconds at a minimum between you and their vehicle. This ensures that you'll have plenty of time to react to their actions and avoid a crash.
Also, you should not cut in front a truck when changing lanes or exiting the highway. This can be dangerous, since a truck's blind spot may make it difficult for the driver to see you. They may be distracted by their cell phone or other device, which could lead them to lose control of their vehicle.
Keep a safe distance away from the truck, particularly when you are driving in the left lane of the highway that is divided. This way, you can remain away from the truck's blind spots and stay clear of fire in case they lose control or get jackknifed.
Let them know prior to time and give them ample time to respond. This will aid in avoiding a collision, and increase your chances to avoid a serious accident.
If you're driving on a two-lane highway or an interstate you shouldn't cross a double solid white line or a broken yellow line while passing. This could cause serious accidents, and also cause issues for other drivers.
It's not necessary to be afraid of a large commercial truck. You can help yourself and avoid accidents with 18-wheelers by following these easy tips.
If you've been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, call our team at Cesar Ornelas Law today for no-cost consultation and discover if we are able to help you obtain compensation.
3. Try to get out of the way
18 wheelers, also referred to as tractor-trailers, are enormous machines that transport freight across the country. They are an integral part of our economy, and it is essential to know what to look out for when you travel.
The most effective method to avoid an 18 wheeler accident is to stay out of their way. Don't drive directly in the direction of a commercial truck and you should give yourself extra space when merging or passing.
Another tip is to avoid blind spots when driving. These include the inside of the cab, behind the cab and along both sides of the vehicle. The cab is generally the most difficult part of the truck to see and a mirror that is well-placed can make a big difference.
If you have to merge, you should signal clearly so that the trucker is aware of your intentions. This can be accomplished by activating the hazard light and switching on your headlights as you are approaching the vehicle in front of you.
There is a chance that the trucker will not see your vehicle, and may not be able to slow down enough to avoid a crash. 18 wheeler accident attorney melbourne may also have an elevated center of gravity, which can cause the driver to lose control and strike you from behind or the front.
Making sure you stay out of the way of an 18-wheeler is not just the most sexiest thing you can do on the road, but it's also the safest. The biggest risk is that a car speeding away could end up being an unfathomable accident. Other dangers include a vehicle that is able to hit you on an angle or have a hot break that could cause an accident.
4. You are trying to pass a Passenger Vehicle
As drivers, you've probably encountered this gruelling situation on the highway and are stuck behind a big truck and need to pass it to reach your destination. However, doing this can result in accidents with 18 wheelers if done correctly.
The reality is that passing trucks can be dangerous for both the driver and the passenger especially in winter conditions when being more cautious is imperative to stay safe on the road. In fact 75 percent of commercial vehicle accidents are caused by drivers in passenger vehicles, so it is crucial to know what to do and what not to do when trying to pass trucks.
Remember that semis are larger than passenger cars. This is because their long trailers block their driver's view of the road, so it is crucial to pay attention when attempting to pass them.
When you pass, try to remain in the left lane and allow plenty of space around the vehicle. This will help you avoid being rear-ended by the truck which is common in 18 wheeler accidents.
Also, be aware that a truck's brakes take a longer time to slow down than a car's. It's also crucial to give the truck enough distance to stop when it's approaching your vehicle.
Next, watch out for tire blowouts, which can send debris flying across the road and into your lane. Additionally, keep in mind that a semi's trailer can drift into your lane, which is especially risky in windy weather.
Lastly, be sure to use your turn signals when passing a truck. This will allow the driver of the truck to see and be aware of when it is safe to change lanes.
These factors will enable you to drive with safety when sharing the roads with trucks. Contact the experienced 18-wheeler collision lawyers at Cesar Ornelas law to schedule an initial consultation for free if you've been involved in an accident that involved a truck. We can assist you in obtaining damages to cover your injuries as well as damage to property.