If you are intimidated by 18 wheelers on the highway, you are not alone. Sharing the road with large commercial trucks can be challenging for even the most confident drivers, and accidents involving these trucks are not uncommon. When something goes wrong, these massive vehicles can cause catastrophic damage, leading to devastating consequences. In Texas, we have more large truck collisions than in any other state, so it is important to understand why these accidents happen and how you can avoid them.
Identifying Common Truck Accident Reasons
What makes these trucks a hazard? Their sheer size makes them more dangerous than a passenger vehicle. However, there are many other factors that come into play as well.
- Let’s face it, truck drivers are often very tired. Truck drivers drive long hours, often overnight, and this leads to drowsiness and fatigue. There are rules in place, including a federal law limiting truckers’ hours, but it is still an issue.
- Distracted driving can be a real problem on long drives. Many of us make the mistake of driving while distracted, and truck drivers are no exception to the rule. Driving such long hours can be tedious, and this leads to the temptation to use the phone, eat, drink, watch videos, and engage in other activities that shouldn’t be done while driving. Distracted drivers can’t react quickly enough to changing situations on the road; distracted truck drivers have to react quickly enough to handle massive machinery.
- Some truck drivers aren’t properly trained. Inadequate training can mean that drivers don’t have the knowledge and skills to control such an enormous vehicle. Even though trucking companies are required to comply with certain hiring and training procedures, they sometimes fail to live up to the proper standards.
- Some trucks are not properly maintained. There are inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements for commercial motor vehicles, but sometimes companies become lax about keeping up with their trucks. When this happens, it can lead to mechanical failures that endanger the drivers and everyone else on the road with them. Additionally, some trucks on the road have defective parts, or are improperly loaded, and this can make them dangerous.
- Not everyone follows the rules. Truck drivers may break traffic laws, and trucking companies and their drivers don’t always abide by federal regulations. Whether it’s a driver tailgating or speeding, or a company ignoring hours of service restrictions or cargo loading rules, failing to follow safety guidelines puts everyone at risk.
- Substance use can cause serious accidents. Driving a truck long distance is hard on the body and the mind. Some truck drivers use substances to stay awake, some use them to feel better physically, and others use them to “take the edge off.” Whatever the reason, driving under the influence can cause fatal accidents.
- Road conditions can exacerbate other issues. Road defects, bad weather, and otherwise hazardous conditions make driving a truck dangerous, even if the driver is doing everything right. If there is driver error on top of bad conditions, it’s a recipe for disaster.
- Drivers of smaller vehicles can be part of the problem. It’s important for drivers to maintain a safe distance from large trucks and be aware of the challenges the drivers of 18 wheelers face. When drivers of smaller vehicles ignore the trucks’ blind spots, pass too closely, or drive aggressively, they can cause an accident.
How to Know if You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Texas
If you have been in an accident involving a truck, you need a truck accident lawyer. Whether you’ve lost personal property, been injured, or both, you will need the assistance of legal counsel to help you navigate this unfamiliar territory and get compensation to which you are entitled. Pursuing a claim in a truck accident can be complicated, because more than one entity may be at fault, and gathering evidence is complex. Having an experienced truck accident attorney on your team will help ensure that everything is handled properly and you receive what you are owed.
Best Practices to Prevent 18 Wheeler Accidents
When you are driving on the highway, in the midst of 18 wheelers, it is important to be aware of what’s going on around you. These large trucks have large blind spots and need a great deal of space to maneuver. While you can’t always avoid an accident with a large truck, you can reduce your risk by taking a few commonsense measures.
- Don’t follow too closely. It’s extremely dangerous to tailgate an 18-wheeler. It’s vital that you maintain a safe distance, so that you can react in time if the truck stops or slows suddenly.
- Be cognizant of the limitations of these trucks. Because of their size, 18 wheelers are difficult to maneuver. Drivers must make very wide turns and can’t stop quickly. Keep the size and abilities of the truck in your mind and behave accordingly.
- Assume the driver can’t see you. The blind spots for large trucks are enormous. Remember that if you can’t see the mirrors, the driver can’t see you and avoid lingering beside or behind trucks.
- Pass deliberately. Always pass on the left, signaling your intent before you make a move, and then do so quickly and safely.
- Don’t get distracted. Did you know that distracted driving is one of the top causes of vehicular accidents? It’s never safe to drive distracted, but it’s particularly dangerous when you are driving near large commercial vehicles.
- Never drive aggressively. Patience and safety go hand in hand. Never zip in front of a truck, follow too closely behind one, or make other aggressive moves.
- Be alert at all times. Construction zones, sudden stops, emergencies, and changing weather or road conditions can all increase the danger, so stay alert and maintain a larger distance if in a hazardous area.
For Help Filing Texas Trucking Accident Claims, Contact Nava Law Group, P.C.
If you are looking for truck accident lawyer in Texas, look to the experienced professionals at Nava Law Group, P.C. Passionate about our clients and knowledgeable about truck accidents, we give 100 percent commitment, using our experience and legal skills to get the results injured victims need. With more than 150 years of combined experience, we have established our firm as a pillar of the community, earning a solid reputation in the community, in the courts, and among our peers. We offer aggressive advocacy and top-notch legal representation and strive to always take the best approach for a favorable resolution on our client’s behalf. We’re a different type of law firm, and if you are interested in learning more about how we can assist you, contact Nava Law Group, P.C. today.
