No one likes to be involved in a truck accident. Wrecks involving a semi or even a trailer can leave some nasty aftermath. Our car accident lawyers see these types of accidents far too often and we know that its easier to take precautions than to make repairs. So here are a few ways both truckers and other drivers can decrease the chances of causing a truck accident.
Truck Drivers
Trucking is a demanding job. It requires meeting delivery deadlines regardless of your level of fatigue and can be very high-risk, as any damage to cargo could cause lost inventory and production delays. Do all you can to avoid fatigue. This may mean stopping along the way for short naps. It could also mean switching out caffeinated drinks with fresh produce and lots of water.
Also be sure to watch for debris on the road and of the cars in front of you. Keep your truck regularly inspected, especially when it comes to long hauls, and pull over to the side of the road to eat or make a phone call. As car accident lawyers we know that even one second of distraction can lead to disastrous consequences with such an enormous vehicle.
Other Drivers
Driving a semi truck can be a challenge with the size, road conditions, and blind spots. Luckily, there are also steps that the rest of us on the road can take to avoid these kinds of tragic accidents.
Remember to never pass a truck on the right-hand side. Your vehicle will be in a blind spot and the driver will not be able to see you when making a turn.
Also avoid cutting off a semi truck. Even with a good braking system, it takes time to stop that much mass moving at high speeds. It’s also a good idea to avoid driving in between trucks, as that can leave you with precious little space to react in the case of a mishap.
Our car accident lawyers know that its just as important for other drivers to avoid fatigue and distraction as it is for truckers. These two culprits are too often the cause of fatalities.
Regardless of what we drive on the highway, it is all of our responsibility to remain alert and aware of our surroundings. If someone’s negligence has resulted in you or a loved one being involved in a truck accident, reach out to our car accident lawyers today. We can help build and defend your case to get you the compensation you deserve.