Trucking Accidents: What You Need to Know and the Best Ways to avoid an Accident with a Big Rig

Anytime someone is involved in a motor vehicle accident, there is the risk of serious injuries and in the worst cases, fatalities. Accidents involving larger vehicles such as commercial trucks bring an event greater risk of serious and catastrophic injuries because of the sheer size and weight of the vehicle(s) involved. This is especially true when a big rig truck is fully loaded with cargo, in which case they may be carrying upwards of 80,000 pounds or more.

Each year, thousands of individuals are killed and tens of thousands are injured in trucking accidents. And not surprisingly, when there is an accident involving a big rig truck and a passenger vehicle, occupants of the passenger vehicle tend to sustain the most severe injuries. In fact, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), when there is a fatal crash between a passenger vehicle and a large commercial vehicle, 83% of the victims are occupants of passenger vehicles.

With the risk of injury in trucking accidents greatly compounded, it is very important for motorists to be extra cautious when they are sharing the road with large commercial vehicles. With that in mind, here are some of the best ways to avoid an accident with a big rig:

Keep a safe distance between you and the truck

It is far more difficult for a tractor-trailer to maneuver than a smaller vehicle. For example, a semi-truck requires significantly more space to make a turn. In addition, commercial trucks have a harder time braking quickly when the situation requires it. This can become especially hazardous if there is inclement weather, such as snow, ice, and fog. Be sure to give large commercial vehicles plenty of space at all times to help ensure that everyone stays safe.

Be cautious when merging into traffic with a big rig truck

Merging into traffic can be challenging, especially when traffic is heavy. If there is a semi-truck merging in one of the lanes next to you, be extra careful. It is generally best to let the truck in ahead of you and give them a safe distance. Otherwise, if you get in ahead of the truck and have to make a sudden stop, the truck may not be able to stop in time, which increases the chances of a rear-end collision. If you are already well ahead of the truck and it doesn’t make sense to let them merge ahead of you, just be mindful of the truck’s limitations and try to put as much distance as possible (without speeding or driving recklessly of course) between you and them.

Be mindful of a trucker’s blind spots and stay out of them as much as possible

One of the major reasons for motor vehicle accidents is failure to see another car that enters a blind spot. The risk of blind spot accidents is even higher with big rig trucks, because they have multiple blind spots that are larger than those in passenger vehicles. Because of this risk, be sure to stay out of a commercial trucker’s blind spot as much as possible. Only enter the blind spot when you are passing the vehicle and complete the pass as quickly and safely as you can. Do NOT linger in the truck’s blind spot for any length of time.

Avoid distracted driving

Technology has helped make driving safer in many ways. For example, vehicles today are coming equipped with blind spot monitors, backup cameras, and other important safety features. That said, technology has also created more distractions than ever before. Texting, watching videos, and other smartphone activity is especially bad because it distracts us in three ways; visually, manually, and cognitively. Motorists should never engage in any of these activities while driving, and most certainly stay off of your phone when you are driving near a big rig truck.

Involved in an 18-Wheeler Accident? Contact an Experienced South Carolina Truck Accident Attorney

Sometimes, motorists follow all the rules and still end up in a crash with a large commercial vehicle. When this results in serious injury and it was the fault of the truck driver, trucking company, and/or a related party, injured parties deserve to be compensated. These cases can be quite complicated, however, because there are numerous governing laws and regulations and multiple parties that could potentially be responsible. To ensure that you receive full and fair compensation and that all responsible parties are held fully accountable, it is important to work with a personal injury attorney who has extensive experience and a proven track record with these types of cases.

At Peake & Fowler, we have successfully represented clients injured in truck accidents in South Carolina since 2000. Our lawyers have in-depth knowledge of this area of the law, and we work closely with our clients to provide the strong personalized representation they need and deserve. Call us today at 803-998-2412 for a free consultation or send us a message through our online contact form.