Truck collisions happen more frequently than you might imagine. They’re one of the most common types of accidents on the road. Several factors contribute to this, but the main one is that trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles. This means they have much more force when colliding with something, which can lead to serious damage and injuries. If you are ever involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to hire a truck accident lawyer.
Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is responsible for about 5,000 deaths and 450,000 injuries annually. Texting, talking on the phone, and other distractions are dangerous for everyone. But the stakes are even higher when you’re behind the wheel of a large truck or a semi-truck. Here are some ways you might be unknowingly making yourself more likely to be in a truck accident:
- Not paying attention to your blind spots. Blind spots in large trucks are significantly larger than those in passenger cars. If you’re not paying attention to your surroundings, it’s easy to miss a car or motorcycle in your blind spot.
- Following too closely if you’re also driving a truck. Because of their size and weight, trucks take longer to stop than smaller cars. If you get too close to a truck, it could be difficult for the driver to stop quickly.
- Not leaving enough room for trucks to turn or merge. Trucks have wide turning radiuses and need more space than smaller vehicles when merging onto highways.
- Improper lane changes. Checking your mirrors and shoulder before changing lanes is important when making lane changes. If you see a truck approaching the lane next to you, wait for it to pass before changing lanes.
- Being on your phone or not paying attention. Trucks take longer to stop than cars and are more difficult for other drivers to see. Stay off your phone and pay attention when driving near trucks.
- Tailgating a truck. If you’re following a truck, keeping enough distance to stop if the truck suddenly slows down is important. If you cannot, wait until the roadway is clear before passing the truck.
- Braking harshly in front of a truck or trailer. If you have to brake, do so gradually and with caution.
- Turning in front of a truck or trailer. When turning right in the path of an oncoming truck, wait for the truck to pass before proceeding.
- Speeding or going too fast makes it difficult to stop if something unexpected happens.
- Truck drivers frequently put in a lot of overtime and may not get enough sleep. This can lead to fatigued driving. And tired drivers are more likely to make errors. This can lead to serious accidents.
Improperly Maintained Trucks
If a truck isn’t properly maintained, it can cause many problems. Vehicle maintenance is the responsibility of trucking companies. If a company fails to maintain its trucks properly, it can lead to accidents. There are a few ways that trucking companies can unknowingly make themselves more likely to be in an accident.
One way is by failing to inspect their trucks properly. Trucking companies should inspect their vehicles regularly to ensure they are in good working order. If a company does not inspect its trucks, it could miss important maintenance issues that could lead to an accident.
Another way is by failing to maintain their vehicles properly. Trucking companies should regularly maintain their trucks to keep them in good condition. If a company does not maintain its trucks, they could break down while on the road, leading to an accident.
Conclusion
A truck accident lawyer knows the ins and outs of the law and can help you build a strong case if you are ever in an accident. They will also be able to work with insurance companies to make sure that you are getting the best possible settlement. They can help you get the compensation you deserve and make sure you can move on with your life.
