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How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents

When you or a loved one is involved in an accident with a commercial truck it can be a devastating event. These collisions are usually the cause of severe injuries, and they can alter your life forever.

18 wheeler accident attorney meridian can help you get the compensation you're due for your losses. A seasoned lawyer can help you focus on recovering from this stressful time.

1. Speeding

Driving at a high speed is hazardous for everyone including pedestrians and drivers. This type of behavior can result in crashes with fatal consequences including death wrongful and serious injury. Speeding up can result in higher insurance costs and points added to the driving record of a driver.

When an accident occurs on an 18-wheeler, it can be especially devastating. These large trucks have massive weights, which means they could cause a huge amount of damage to smaller vehicles that crash into them. This can be extremely uncomfortable for the occupants of the smaller vehicle that is injured and can cause life-threatening injuries depending on the severity of the collision.

Fortunately, there are actions that drivers can take to lessen the chance of being involved in an 18 wheeler accident. The first thing that must be considered is to avoid speeding in any way that is possible.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that speeding was responsible for one-third of all traffic deaths in 2020. This is a huge problem that must be addressed.

Another error motorists make is driving too fast for the conditions. For example, when it rains, or when the road requires repaired. This can lead to accidents with other vehicles, like motorcycle and pedestrian riders.

Younger drivers are at high risk for speeding. This is due to the fact that they are more likely to lack the knowledge and experience older drivers have regarding the rules of the road.

Drowsy and intoxicated drivers are more likely to speed over the speed limit or be too fast for conditions. This is because they might not be paying attention to the road, or might not realize how close they are to other cars and trucks.

Drivers can also fail to see the stop sign or red light if they drive too fast. It could also increase the chances of a crash. This is particularly dangerous for drivers of 18-wheelers, which are bigger than passenger cars.

2. Moving trucks through with caution

You may have to travel by a truck while on an highway or interstate. In these instances you must 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. This means you must allow them plenty of time to respond to your signals and move to the right before passing them.

When you're passing a truck you should allow at least four seconds between you and their vehicle. This ensures that you'll have plenty of time to react to their actions and prevent a crash.

In addition, you should never cut ahead of a truck to change lanes or leave the highway. This is a risk, as the blind spot of a truck could make it difficult for the driver to see you. They could be distracted by their cell phone or other device which could result in them losing control of their vehicle.

Maintain a safe distance from the truck, especially when you're driving in the left lane of an interspersed highway. This way, you'll remain away from the truck's blind spots and stay clear of fire should they lose control or get jackknifed.

Let them know before time and give the driver plenty of time to react. This will prevent an accident and increase your chances of avoiding a serious accident.

If you are crossing a two-lane highway or interstate, never cross a double white solid line or a broken line of yellow. This could cause serious accidents and cause problems for other drivers.

It's not necessary to be terrified of a large commercial truck. By following these simple steps, you can avoid 18 wheeler accidents and protect your safety.

Call our team at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today to discover whether you are eligible for compensation if you've been injured by a collision with an 18-wheeler.

3. In a bid to get out of the Way

18 wheelers are big vehicles that transport cargo across the country. They are an integral element of our economy, and it is vital to know what to look out for when driving.

Staying out of the way is the most effective way to avoid an 18-wheeler accident. It is not recommended to drive directly in the path of a commercial vehicle and you should allow extra room when merging or passing.

Another important tip is to stay clear of blind spots on trucks. These include the cab, behind the cab and on both sides of the vehicle. A properly-placed cab mirror could make all the difference.

If you need to merge, indicate your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware them. This can be accomplished by activating your hazard lights and switching on your headlights as you get close to the vehicle ahead of you.

The trucker may not see your vehicle and therefore not be able to slow down enough time to avoid an accident. The vehicle could also have a high center of gravity, which can cause the driver to lose control, and possibly hit you from the rear or front.

Getting out of the way of an 18 wheeler is not only the sexiest thing you can do on the road, it's also the safest. The most significant risk is that a speeding truck can easily become a fatal wreck. Other risks include a vehicle that is able to hit you on a bend or have a hot break that could result in an accident.

4. You are trying to pass a Passenger Vehicle





You've probably been through this situation as a driver you're stuck in traffic behind a massive truck, and you need to pass it so you can reach your destination. Unfortunately, attempting to do this can result in accidents with 18 wheelers if done correctly.

It's important to be cautious when passing trucks, particularly in winter weather conditions. In fact, 75 percent of all accidents involving commercial vehicles are caused by drivers of passenger vehicles, so it's crucial to be aware of what not to do when trying to pass trucks.

Remember that semis are much larger than passenger automobiles. This is due to their long trailers block their driver's view. So, it's very important to be aware when trying to pass them.

If you are passing, remain in the left lane and allow plenty of space around the vehicle. This will help you avoid getting rear-ended. This is the most frequent occurrence in 18-wheeler collisions.

Be aware that the brakes on a truck are more difficult to stop than those of a car. It is also crucial to give the truck plenty of time to stop before it reaches your vehicle.

Be aware of tire blowouts, which can cause debris over the road into your lane. Also, a semi-trailer can drift into your lane. This can be risky especially in windy weather.

Also, make sure you use your turn signals whenever you pass a truck. This will allow the truck driver to see you and will let them know when it's safe to change lanes.

All of these aspects will help you drive more safely while sharing the road with trucks. If you've been involved in an accident with a truck do not hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys for 18 wheeler accidents at Cesar Ornelas Law to arrange an initial case review. We can help you recover damages for your injuries as well as property damage.