20 Myths About 18 Wheeler Attorney: Debunked
How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents When you or someone you love is involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it could be a devastating experience. These accidents can result in severe injuries and change your life forever. A truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you're entitled to for the damages. An experienced lawyer can assist you in getting better during this difficult time. 1. Speeding Driving at excessive speeds can be dangerous for everyone, including drivers and pedestrians. This can lead to fatal crashes, leading to death or serious injury. Speeding can also lead to increased insurance costs and points on a driver's report. If an accident happens with an 18 wheeler, it can be especially devastating. These massive trucks are extremely heavy and can cause substantial damage to smaller vehicles. This can be very painful for the people in the vehicle hit and can even result in life-threatening injuries depending on the nature of the crash. There are a few things that drivers can do to lower their chances of getting in an accident with a 18-wheeler. The first thing that must be done is to avoid speeding in any way that is possible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that speeding caused one-third of all traffic fatalities in 2020. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed. Another mistake drivers make is driving fast for the conditions. For instance, if it rains, or when the road requires repaired. This can also cause accidents with other vehicles, such as pedestrians and motorcycle riders. Speeding is particularly dangerous for drivers who are younger. They are less likely to have the experience and knowledge of older drivers when it comes down to the law. Drivers who are drunk or drowsy are more likely to drive beyond the speed limit, or be too fast for conditions. This is because they may not be paying at all to the road ahead or might not realize how close they are to other cars and trucks. A driver can also miss the stop sign or red light by driving too fast. It could also increase the likelihood of a car accident. This is particularly dangerous when the driver is driving an 18-wheeler, as they are a lot larger than regular passenger cars. 2. Passing Trucks With Caution It is possible to have to travel by a truck while on an interstate or highway. In these instances you must always do it with care to avoid getting into an accident. They weigh more than passenger vehicles, and as such they take longer to stop and slow down. You should allow them enough time to respond to you signals and turn to the right when they pass. Always leave at least four seconds between your vehicle and the truck that you are passing. This will give you plenty of time to react to their actions and prevent collisions. Also, you should not cut in front of a truck when changing lanes, or leaving the highway. This is a risk, as the blind spot of a truck could make it difficult for the driver to see you. 18 wheeler accident attorney washington can also be distracted by a phone or other gadget which could cause them to lose control of their vehicle. Maintain a safe distance you and the truck, especially when you're driving in the left side of a divided highway or a one-way street. You can avoid the blind spots of the truck and stay clear of its line of fire if they lose control or get jackknifed. Make sure to communicate your intentions before time and give them plenty of time to respond. This will help to avoid an accident and increase your chances of avoiding serious accident. If you're on a 2-lane highway or an interstate, you should never cross a double white line or broken yellow lines when passing. This could lead to serious accidents, and also cause issues for other drivers. A large commercial truck can be a scary image to motorists however, it doesn't have to be frightening. By following these easy tips to avoid 18-wheeler accidents and safeguard your own safety. Contact our team at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today to find out whether you're eligible for compensation if you've been injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler. 3. Try to move out of the way 18 wheelers, also referred as tractor-trailers are huge machines that are used to transport cargo across the country. It is important to be aware of what to look out for when driving. Staying out of the way is the most effective way to avoid an 18-wheeler collision. You should never drive directly in the direction of a commercial truck and allow enough room when merging or passing. Avoiding blind spots is an additional important point to remember. These include behind the cab, and both sides of the truck. A properly-placed cab mirror could make all the difference. If you have to merge, make sure you signal clearly so the trucker will be able to anticipate your intentions. The best way to do this is to turn on your hazard lights, and then turn on your headlights as you approach the vehicle in front of you. There is a risk that the trucker will not be able to see your vehicle and may not be at a safe speed in time to avoid an accident. The vehicle may also have a high center of gravity, which could cause the driver to lose control and hit you from behind or 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, it's also the most secure. The most significant risk is that a truck speeding away could end up being an incredibly fatal accident. Other risks are that the vehicle might hit you on a curve, or have a hot brake, which could result in an accident. 4. The attempt to pass by a passenger vehicle As a driver, you've likely experienced this frustrating scene on the road and are stuck behind a large truck and must pass it to reach your destination. If you don't handle it correctly, this can result in 18-wheeler accidents. It is important to be aware when passing trucks, especially in winter weather conditions. In fact 75 percent of commercial vehicle accidents are caused by drivers in passenger vehicles, so it is crucial to be aware of what not to do when trying to pass trucks. First, remember that semis have a much longer blind spot than passenger vehicles. It's because their long trailers are blocking their driver's vision. It's important to be careful when passing them. When you pass, make sure to stay in the left direction. You should leave plenty of space around the vehicle. This will help avoid being rear-ended by a truck which is common in 18 wheeler accidents. Be aware that the brakes on a truck require a longer time to stop than a car's. It's also important to give the truck enough space to stop when it's coming towards your vehicle. Next, watch out for tire blowouts, which can cause debris to fly across the road, and then into your lane. Also, a semi-trailer might get caught in your lane. This could be dangerous, especially in windy conditions. Use your turn signals to cross paths with the truck. This will allow truck drivers to see and know when it is safe to change lanes. Taking all these factors to account will allow you to navigate safely on the roads with trucks. Contact the experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys at Cesar Ornelas law to schedule a free consultation if you've been involved in an accident that involved a truck. We can help you claim damages for your injuries and property damage.