As more and more goods are moved across America via semi truck, other drivers must learn to safely share the road with semi trucks. There are a few simple rules for safely interacting with these trucks on the nation’s highways. When you do everything correctly and still have an accident involving a semi truck, there are law firms to help you.
Why Hire a Special Semi Truck Accident Attorney?
When an accident happens and the truck company is not willing to accept responsibility for the accident and give the injured driver adequate compensation, it is time to talk to a truck accident injury lawyer such as Kania Law Office in Oklahoma. Finding a reputable attorney with experience in semi truck accidents in your area is important. They will know the laws that apply to your area and will know how to get you the best results.
There is always a burden of proof the accident victim must provide. The victim must prove they were injured in the accident, that the damage to their vehicle was caused by the accident, and the accident was caused by the semi driver’s negligence. This whole burden of proof is not easy to build and document, but experienced semi truck accident attorneys have experience doing just that. Being properly represented will improve the chances of a good outcome for any lawsuit or insurance claim the accident victim wishes to pursue.
The Dangers Associated with Sharing the Road with Semi Trucks
Semi trucks are large vehicles that have a special set of problems and dangers for car drivers near them to consider and act upon.
- Semi trucks have more and larger blind spots on their sides, fronts, and back ends. The drivers will not see vehicles in these spots, so keep a distance between the car and the semi truck.
- Because of the size and the weight of their loads, semi trucks require greater distances to stop. They may not be able to stop in time to avoid sudden hazards.
- Semi trucks take longer to react than cars in changing lanes, slowing or stopping, or merging with traffic. Allow space around them.
- Trucks are more affected by the wind than cars because of their size and length. In windy or stormy weather, keep space between the car and these large trucks, as they can be blown over by strong winds.
- Large trucks need more space and time to turn, so don’t crowd them or be in the way of their turning space requirements.
Avoiding Semi Truck Accidents
There are at least three tips for safely sharing the roadway with semi trucks. By using a little caution around semi trucks, car drivers can stay safer.
- The most important tip is to keep a safe distance between your car and any semi trucks nearby. This helps you avoid the truck’s blind spots, as you make sure the truck driver can see your vehicle.
- Use appropriate caution when passing trucks on the left side so they can see you. When passing a truck, do not cut them off because they cannot stop as quickly as a car. Make sure there is a large enough opening in oncoming traffic to allow for safe passing.
- When near semi trucks, make sure to use signals sooner and lower bright lights to avoid blinding the semi driver. Be especially careful at corners where the semi truck will need more space to make the turn.
The main things to keep in mind when driving near semi trucks is to pay attention and always be aware of what traffic and road conditions nearby are like. If traffic ahead is slowing down, do not pass the truck, and if a truck passes you and then slows down, be prepared to slow down too. Safety on the highways is everyone’s responsibility.
