Why No One Cares About 18 Wheeler Attorney How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents

It can be devastating to your loved ones or yourself when they are involved in a car accident. These collisions can cause severe injuries and alter your life forever.

A lawyer who handles truck accidents can help you receive the compensation you deserve for the damage. A seasoned lawyer can help you focus on recovering from this stressful time.

1. Speeding

Driving at excessive speeds is risky for everyone, including drivers and pedestrians. This behavior can lead to crashes that have fatal consequences including death wrongful and serious injuries. Speeding can also lead to increased insurance costs and points on a driver's record.

If an accident happens with an 18 wheeler it can be devastating. These huge trucks are hefty and can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles. This can be very uncomfortable for the occupants of the small vehicle struck and may result in life-threatening injuries depending on the severity of the crash.

Fortunately, there are some things drivers can do to decrease their chances of being involved in an 18 wheeler accident. The first thing that must be done is to stay clear of speeding in any way.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that speeding caused one-third of all traffic fatalities in 2020. This is a huge problem that needs to be addressed.

Another mistake motorists make is driving too fast in the weather. For example, when it rains or when the road requires repaired. This can lead to collisions with other vehicles, such as pedestrians and motorcycle riders.

Younger drivers are at a high risk for speeding. They are less likely to have the experience and understanding of older drivers when it comes to the laws.

Drivers who are drunk or drowsy are also more likely to drive beyond the speed limit or too fast for the conditions. This is because they may not be paying attention to the road, or may not be aware of how close they are to other vehicles and trucks.

In addition driving too fast for the conditions can cause drivers to fail to see a red light or stop sign. This could increase the chance of a driver falling over. This is especially risky if the driver is in an 18-wheeler, since they are significantly larger than regular passenger vehicles.


2. Avoiding Trucks When Passing

You may need to travel by a truck while on an interstate or highway. In these situations you must always do so with caution to avoid the risk of causing an accident.

Trucks are heavier than passenger cars, which means they take longer to stop and slow down. This means that you should give them plenty of time to react to your signals and turn over to the right before passing them.

When you're passing a truck it is recommended to allow at the least four seconds gap between you and their vehicle. This will allow plenty of time for you to react to the truck's actions and avoid collision.

Additionally don't cut into the truck's path to change lanes or exit the highway. This could be dangerous since the truck driver's blind spot could make it difficult for them to see you. 18 wheeler accident law firm folsom can also be distracted by a phone or other device that could cause them to lose control of their vehicle.

Keep a safe distance between you and the truck, especially when driving in a left or right lane of a divided highway or one-way street. You can avoid the blind spots of the truck and stay out of its danger zone if they lose control or get jackknifed.

Make sure you notify the driver prior to indicating your intentions and give the driver plenty of time to respond. This will help avoid a collision and increase your chances of avoiding serious accident.

If you are crossing a two-lane highway or interstate be sure to avoid crossing a double white solid line or a broken line of yellow. This could cause serious accidents, and also cause issues for other drivers.

It's not necessary to be scared of a huge commercial truck. By following these simple tips you can stay clear of 18 wheeler accidents and protect your own safety.

Contact our team at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today to discover if you can receive compensation after being injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler.

3. Try to move out of the way

18 wheelers, also referred to as tractor-trailers, are massive equipment used to transport goods across the country. They are a vital component of our economy and it is vital to know what to watch out for when driving.

Often, the best way to avoid an 18-wheeler accident is to avoid their path. Don't drive directly in the front of a commercial truck and allow enough room when merging or passing.

Avoiding blind spots is another important point to remember. These include the areas behind the cab, and both sides of the truck. The cab is generally the most difficult part of the truck to view and a properly-placed mirror can make a significant difference.

If you must merge, signal your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware your intentions. This can be done by activating the hazard light and switching on your headlights as you are approaching the vehicle in front of you.

There is a possibility that the trucker isn't able to be able to see your vehicle and might not be at a safe speed in time to avoid an accident. The vehicle could also have a very high center of gravity. This can cause the driver lose control, and then hit you from the front or back.

Getting out of the way of an 18-wheeler is not just the most attractive thing you can do on the road, it's also the most secure. The most significant risk is that a speeding truck could turn into a deadly wreck. Other risks include a vehicle that can crash into you on a bend or have a hot break that could result in an accident.

4. In attempting to pass a passenger vehicle

You've probably encountered this situation as a driver you're stuck in traffic with a large truck, and you must to pass it so you can get to your destination. Unfortunately, trying to do the same can lead to accidents with 18 wheelers if done in a safe manner.

It's essential to be mindful when passing trucks, especially during winter weather conditions. 75 percent of commercial vehicle accidents result from passenger vehicles. It is therefore crucial to know how to pass the truck in a safe manner.

First, remember that semis have a wider blind spot than passenger vehicles. This is due to their long trailers block the driver's view of the road, which is why it is important to pay attention when you attempt to pass them.

If you are passing, remain in the left lane. Leave plenty of space around the vehicle. This will keep you from being rear-ended, which is a common occurrence in 18-wheeler accidents.

Be aware that the brakes of a truck require a longer time to stop than a passenger car's. It's also essential to give the truck plenty of space to stop when it's coming towards your vehicle.

Watch out for tire blowouts that can send debris across the road into your lane. Also, be aware that a semi's truck could get caught in your lane, which can be extremely dangerous in stormy weather.

Lastly, be sure to use your turn signals when passing trucks. This will allow truck drivers to see and recognize when it's safe to change lanes.

The combination of these elements into account will help you navigate safely on the road with trucks. Contact the experienced 18-wheeler crash lawyers at Cesar Ornelas law to schedule an initial consultation for free if you've been involved in an accident involving a truck. We can assist you in recovering damages for your injuries and property damage.