Avoiding A Semi-Truck Accident

Tips for Avoiding Truck Accidents

Semi trucks (18-wheelers) are everywhere on today’s highways. They are essential for moving food, goods and materials from one part of the country to another. However, they have a high record of being involved in accidents. Injury and loss of life are the most common effects, especially when one of these semi trucks hits a passenger car and forces it into another automobile or off the road. In order to be safe while driving, there are several tips and rules of the road that each driver should follow that may one day save their lives.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 500,000 accidents involving 18-wheelers occur each year. Passenger car occupants suffered 86 percent of the fatalities and 75 percent of injuries in these accidents. These statistics reiterate the importance of safety while driving near semi-trucks.

Safety Tips While Driving with Semi Trucks

Safety First

Seatbelts are often the difference between life and death when it comes to an accident. They can prevent the driver from striking the steering wheel or dashboard and other occupants from being thrown sideways, slammed into a door or flying into the front seat.

Be Attentive

While sharing the road with large trucks and other vehicles, not being distracted when driving is essential. This means not answering your cell phone or texting.

Being alert at all times will provide protection when driving a passenger vehicle on a busy highway with semi trucks.

It is also important to be aware of what the truck driver is doing. They have been known to fall asleep at the wheel or speed. If you notice any of these actions, back off and allow plenty of distance between the car and the truck.

Distance and Buffer

Automobile drivers should always remember that semi trucks take up a major portion of the road and the truck driver often cannot see a passenger car that is trying to pass. Keeping a safe distance ahead or behind the truck will create a safe zone should something unforeseen, like a tire blowout, occur.

A large number of tires are required on these semi trucks due to the heavy cargo they carry. If a truck tire blowout occurs, shrapnel can fly out and hit a nearby passenger car. This can cause injury, loss of life and severe damage to the vehicle.

On the Highway

Always be aware that large commercial vehicles have different capabilities regarding visibility, braking and acceleration. In sharing the road, it is essential that a person driving a passenger car or pickup be on guard at all times to avoid an unforeseen semi truck accident. The truck driver may have something unexpected appear in front of their vehicle causing a sudden stop or swerve. This can result in a serious accident not only for the passenger vehicle but for the truck as well.

Being aware of a truck’s movements at all times, when driving on the road, will help everyone to arrive at their destination safely.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid sudden movements around trucks. They cannot see you.
• Do not make sudden lane changes.
• Avoid swerving into traffic in front of semi trucks.
• Refrain from making sudden stops. Trucks are not able to stop in time to avoid an accident.
• Do not pass on the right when trucks are making a right turns.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact an Experienced Semi Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Colliding with a semi truck can easily leave victims with physical pain, emotional trauma, major injuries or cause even a fatality. This makes it important to be extremely careful when driving behind, alongside or in front of one of these big rigs.

If you or a loved one sustained injuries due to the negligent actions of a truck driver or company, then you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. At Riddle & Brantley, our truck accident attorneys are dedicated to seeking the maximum compensation for our clients. After a truck crash, we will do whatever it takes to fight for your rights, because Justice Counts®.

With office locations in Goldsboro, Raleigh, Kinston, and Jacksonville, North Carolina, our attorneys help injured victims across the state and nationwide. If your injuries prevent you from coming to our office, a truck accident lawyer will happily meet you in the hospital, your home or anywhere you like.

To learn more about our law firm and how we can help, contact us online or call (800) 525-7111 today.