Tractor Trailer And Big Truck Accidents - Truck Safety Issues
Big truck accident attorneys are a primary resource after a major semi truck accident. However, it is our preference that these accidents never occur and that all motorists feel safe on the road. Browse through the following safety tips before you hit the road again.
Cutting in front can cut short your life.
If you cut in front of a semi truck, you may create an emergency-braking
situation for the semi truck driver or cause a semi truck accident, especially
in heavy traffic. Trucks and buses take much longer to stop in comparison to
cars. If you force a larger vehicle to stop quickly this could cause a serious,
even fatal big truck accident. When passing, look for the front of the tractor
trailer truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling in front and avoid
braking situations!
Buckle your Seat Belt.
Always buckle your seat belt. Seat belts are your best protection in case of a semi truck accident. Semi trucks require a greater stopping distance, and you can be seriously hurt if a semi truck accident occurs from behind. However, your seat belt will keep you from striking the steering wheel or windshield, being thrown around, and from being ejected from the car. Wearing a seat belt is the single most important thing you can do to save your life, especially in a semi truck accident.
Don't "hang out" on either side of trucks or buses.
Trucks and buses have big No-Zones (blind spots) on both sides. They're much larger than your car's blind spots. If you can't see the driver's face in the side-view mirror, the driver can't see you. If that driver needs to swerve or change lanes for any reason, you will not have an opportunity to retreat out of the semi truck's path and an accident will occur.
Aggressive Drivers can cause a big truck accident.
Aggressive drivers are dangerous drivers. They put themselves and others at risk with their unsafe driving. Speeding, running red lights and stop signs, pulling in front of semi trucks too quickly when passing, and making frequent lane changes, especially in the blind spots of semi trucks, can cause dangerous and potentially deadly semi truck accidents. These situations can also lead to road rage, not only for the aggressive driver, but for others sharing the road as well.
Inattentive Drivers are just as dangerous as aggressive ones.
Inattentive drivers do not pay attention to driving or what is going on around
them. They can be just as dangerous as aggressive drivers when they drive
slowly in the passing lane, ignore a truck's brake lights or signals, or create
an emergency-braking situation. They also create dangerous situations when they
attempt to do other things while driving, such as use a cell phone. When you
are driving, please focus only on the road. If you need to attend to another
matter while driving, safely pull over in a parking lot or rest stop.
Avoid Squeeze Play.
Practice caution when driving near a semi truck making a wide right turn. If
you try to get in between the semi truck and the curb, you'll be caught in a
"squeeze" and can suffer a serious semi truck accident. Tractor
trailer truck drivers sometimes need to swing wide to the left in order to
safely negotiate a right turn, especially in urban areas. They cannot see cars
directly behind or beside them due to the disproportionate size of their
vehicles. Cutting in between the truck and the curb increases the possibility of
a crash. So pay attention to semi truck turn signals, and give them lots of
room to maneuver.
Never Drink And Drive.
Drinking and driving don't mix. Alcohol affects a person's ability to make crucial driving decisions, such as braking, steering, or changing lanes. Remember, you are not the only one in danger when you decide to drink and then drive. Alcohol use plays just as significant a role in semi truck accidents as it does in accidents involving smaller vehicles. You are sharing the road with everyone, including large vehicles, and your chances of getting into a semi truck accident are greatly increased with alcohol. If you get into a semi truck accident, your luck driving drunk will most likely run out. The odds of surviving a serious semi truck accident are frighteningly low. However, if you do live through it without serious or lasting injuries, think of your higher insurance rates, your daunting legal fees, and other professional and social setbacks the accident will cause you. Think before you drink.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or death due to an accident involving a tractor trailer or big truck, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
