5 Common Accident Scenarios Involving Trucks and Cars
Posted on December 29th, 2017 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.
Distracted drivers, drivers running red lights and loss of control while speeding are common reasons why cars are involved in accidents. When large trucks and cars are involved in accidents, there are different risk factors to consider.
Fatigued Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are under strict orders to get materials to their destination in a timely manner. Also, some truck drivers are compensated by the mileage the cover. These factors are common reasons why truck drivers will continue to drive even when they have not had adequate rest. This lack of rest leads to the drivers making poor decisions, having a delayed reaction and in some cases, driving recklessly. If you experience a truck driver veering into your lane, appearing dazed or anything unusual, you should do one or all of the following:
- Notice the location on the highway where the truck driver is and call 911 and report
- Signal to the driver that they may want to pull over
- Honk your horn
- Get away from the truck
Poor Road Conditions
It is always recommended that you stay a safe distance (at least 5 seconds) from a truck driving on wet and/or icy roads. As these conditions are risky for any driver, they are especially dangerous for large truck drivers. These types of road conditions can cause large trucks to possibly veer into other lanes as well as spin out of control. The weight and size of the vehicles, along with having 18 wheels to control make it very hazardous.
Blind Spots
A study conducted in 2015 revealed that there were 3,850 fatalities reported in which the accident involved a large truck while 69% of those fatalities involved occupants of the small car. While small cars have blind spots, they are not the same as blind spots of a large truck. Beside the right door of the truck, behind the truck and in front of the truck are blind spots that most small vehicle operators are not aware of. Therefore, it is advised that drivers avoid these areas around large trucks for long periods of time.
Hasty Lane Changes
For the small vehicle operator and the truck driver, changing lanes should be proceeded with caution.
Due to the massive blind spots that the large truck driver has, it is always possible that he can’t see the small vehicle while making a lane change and cause an accident. Also, it is not wise for the small car driver to change lanes too quickly when a large truck is involved, for theses same reasons.
Right Turning Truck
Large trucks are big as well as long and require more space when making turns. In order for the large truck driver to make a right turn, he needs to swing wide which will steer him into the lane to his left. If you encounter a large truck with his right turn signal on while you are intending to make a right turn yourself, you should be aware of this, otherwise, it is quite possible that your car will be side swiped by the truck as he swings back to his right to complete his turn.
If you have been injured by a truck, be sure to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT residents depend on today.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Rasmussen & Miner for their insight into truck and car accidents.
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