It is hard not to notice an 18-wheeler on America’s roads and highways. They are giant commercial vehicles amongst all the passenger cars. Eighteen-wheelers are vital to the economy and passenger vehicles have an obligation to share the road with them. At higher speeds, commercial trucks handle and react a lot differently than smaller vehicles.
The impact from an 18-wheeler can be catastrophic. One source notes that in one year, there were 4,732 trucks involved in fatal accidents, causing almost 5,000 deaths. Passenger vehicle drivers have suffered injuries to their back, neck, spinal cord, brain and even death. In the event of any truck accident injury, seeking medical treatment is paramount. Medical costs will be expensive, so it is also important to be aware of your legal right to financial compensation. The truck driver and/or trucking company may be liable for your injuries. Accordingly, there are safety tips to keep in mind to avoid a possibly fatal trucking accident.
Safety Tips for Passenger Cars
You can help avoid an accident with an 18-wheeler by observing the following when driving:
- When a truck is turning right, do not pass on the right
- If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you
- Give trucks at least four to six seconds of space in wet road conditions and at high speeds
- Trucks require a greater stopping distance, so do not cut in front of them
- When passing a truck, wait until you see the entire cab in your rear-view mirror before moving back into the lane; if you do not see the entire cab, the driver may not see you
- Call the authorities if you see unsafe truck driving
Did you suffer injuries from a truck accident this holiday travel season?
Colson Hicks Eidson – Florida attorneys