by Dallas – Ft. Worth, Carrollton Personal Injury Lawyer, Tim O’Hare
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Every year, more than 450,000 trucking accidents occur on U.S. roadways, and according to the NHTSA, nearly 5,000 motorists are killed in accidents involving large trucks and an estimated 140,000 are injured. In accidents involving a passenger vehicle and a semi or commercial truck, the majority of those killed (74 percent) are passengers in the car.
Trucking accidents can sometimes be attributed to driver negligence on the part of the truck driver. A truck driver’s negligence may be caused by one of a number of factors, including: talking on the phone, texting, driving while fatigued or drowsy, speeding, inattentive driving, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, inexperienced driving or improperly loaded or overloaded cargo in a commercial truck.
While not all car accidents are preventable, many are. Follow these tips regarding large trucks to help keep you and your family safe while driving on Texas roadways:
Treat trucks differently than other cars. Trucks can weigh as much as 30 times more than a passenger car. Due to their size, it is nearly impossible for semi trucks to come to a sudden stop. For example, a semi truck that is moving at 55 miles per hour can take the length of a football field to come to a complete stop. Avoid cutting off a semi in traffic or putting yourself in a situation where you may have to suddenly stop in front of a semi. The sheer size of an 18-wheeler also makes it difficult for the truck driver to change lanes. Avoid driving directly next to a large truck for a long time.
Be sure you are visible to the truck driver. Driving next to a semi or directly behind one can make it very difficult for the truck driver to see you. Do not follow too closely or stay directly next to a semi truck. A general rule is that if you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
Do not stop on the side of the road. If you have to stop your vehicle for some reason, avoid stopping on the shoulder of the road. Semi drivers may not see you stopped until it is too late. If you must stop, try to pull completely off of the road, either into the grass or on a side road. If you do stop on the side of the road, do not stay in your car. Get out and move away from traffic.
The best advice for keeping yourself safe on the road with large trucks is to drive with caution, knowing the added difficulty large truck drivers may face when it comes to sudden stops, changing lanes or adverse weather.
Victims of trucking accidents can receive compensation if they have suffered bodily injury or property damage in an accident caused by the truck driver’s negligence or fatigue. If you have been involved in a traffic accident with a commercial truck, contact the experienced truck accident lawyers in Carrollton and Dallas at O’Hare and Koch Law Firm. We will help you receive all due compensation for your injury or loss.
Call O’Hare and Koch Law Firm for your FREE Case Evaluation 972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020
