Truck accidents are among the most severe and terrifying road hazards. A truck crash can result in substantial injuries, if not death, due to its humongous size. In the United States alone, around 500,000 yearly truck accidents happen each year, and around 5,000 of which result in death. Fortunately, we are here to tell you the most common causes of truck accidents and what you can do to avoid them.
Driver’s Negligence
Most trucking accidents happen due to negligence from either the person driving the car or the truck driver themselves. Most truck drivers work overtime, which results in fatigue and a lack of focus. Even though truck drivers are limited to 11 working hours in a standard 14-hour workday, according to federal laws, it’s still a lot considering that their job requires a great level of focus. Driving for long hours can also be very stressful, mentally taxing, and tiring.
Reckless and distracted driving are also among the causes of truck accidents. An improper change of lanes, tailgating, going over the speed limit, failing to check blind spots (especially for truck drivers), checking or using one’s phone, and unsafely passing other vehicles are examples of safety regulations violations. You may be surprised to learn that drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs are the most common causes of trucking accidents.
Reach Out to a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
In case you get into a truck accident caused by a drunk driver, you need to get ahold of their name and insurance information. If you can manage, make sure to get as many pictures of the crash and your injuries as you can. Capture external and internal damages to your vehicle and the truck. Seek medical help and ask your doctor to document all your injuries. If there are any witnesses, approach them to get their contact information. Make sure your witnesses reside here in Alabama so you can easily get their statements. Reach out to a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer before you speak to your insurance company. This way, you won’t have to settle quickly. Your lawyer will ensure that you get all the compensation you deserve.
Avoiding Truck Accidents
When driving behind a truck, make sure to leave more space in front of you than you would when driving behind a car. You should also do the same when passing in front of it. The truck driver can’t see you if you don’t see their face in the truck’s mirrors. Checking the truck’s mirror will help you identify whether you’re in a blind spot and if you should move away. Pass quickly and swiftly if you find yourself driving alongside a truck. While this goes without saying, you should eliminate all distractions, such as noise, eating, or drinking, and stay off your phone, as well. The best thing to do when you notice that there’s a truck on the road is to drive predictably. Avoid making any sudden decisions and use all your signals clearly.
Conclusion
Most of us panic whenever we see a truck driving alongside us on the road. Trucking accidents are terrifying and often fatal due to the size and weight of the vehicle. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to reduce the chances of getting into a truck accident. Nonetheless, you should take action as mentioned above to get compensated appropriately in case an accident occurs.
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