Staying safe around large trucks is essential. Virginia residents should know that in 2016, there were 3,986 large truck crash fatalities and that 66 percent of these were occupants of passenger vehicles. One expert from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance says that 70 percent of all collisions between trucks and cars are caused by the latter.
The following are some tips on how to avoid truck accidents. Drivers should not tailgate but should keep a distance of at least 500 feet from the truck; that way, they have time to react to dangers. If they can look beyond the truck in front, they should do so and take preemptive action when they notice any brake lights or emergency flashers.
Drivers should note any unsafe maneuvers on the part of truckers, such as a constant drifting in and out of a lane. It should be kept in mind that truckers could change lanes to avoid debris and other obstructions.
Distracted driving is out of the question. Drivers must not let smartphones and other electrical devices take away their attention from the road.
Lastly, road and weather conditions will dictate certain measures. Drivers must slow down in rain, snow and fog and increase their distance from the truck in front. If the rain or snow comes down too heavily for safe conduct, drivers can pull over.
There are times when a trucker’s negligence causes a truck accident. Victims may incur catastrophic injuries requiring long-term medical care, and they may be left with a diminished capacity to earn a living. To be compensated for these and other losses, they might file a personal injury claim with the negligent trucker’s employer. By hiring a lawyer, they may have access to investigators and other experts who may be able to obtain the police report, truck maintenance records, work log and other evidence to support their case.