Semi-truck collisions are often devastating for the passenger vehicle occupants involved because trucks are so much larger than cars. Nothing highlights the dangers of this disparity more than actual crash statistics.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2014, only five truck occupants died in motor vehicle collisions between large trucks and other vehicles in the state of Mississippi, but 61 passenger vehicle occupants died. The most common causes of large truck collisions include reckless driving, unbalanced cargo, poor weather, trucker fatigue, and distracted driving.
Some of these factors are entirely out of your control, and all it takes is one negligent truck driver to cause a serious collision.
If you were injured in a truck wreck that was not your fault, contact Heilman Law Group. You may be entitled to compensation for any damages you incurred including hospital bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages.
Our law firm has a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo. Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a consultation with a truck accident attorney in Jackson.
Let’s examine a few tips to help you avoid collisions with semi-trucks:
- Avoid Traveling in the Truck’s Blind Spots
A semi-truck has four main blind spots, which are located:
- Directly in front of the cab;
- On the right side of the cab;
- On the left side of the cab from the driver’s door to approximately 1/3 of the way back; and
- Directly behind the trailer.
Avoid traveling in these blind spots whenever possible. In general, it is safe to assume that if you cannot see the driver in the mirrors, then he or she cannot see you.
- Give the Truck Plenty of Space
Large trucks have to make wide turns to maneuver safely around curves. If you are approaching an intersection where a truck is turning, expect it to veer into the adjacent lane. Slow down and change lanes if necessary until you pass the truck.
- Avoid Passing on the Right
Most large trucks travel in the far right lane, but when they do not, you should avoid passing them on the right. The right side of a truck is essentially a huge blind spot, so you cannot rely on the trucker to see you approaching. In fact, because of the dangers it poses, passing any vehicle on the right is a traffic violation in most states.
- Always Observe a Trucker’s Turn Signals
If you notice a large truck with its turn signals on, make sure you give the driver plenty of room to change lanes or turn. Truckers tend to activate their turn signals earlier than passenger vehicle motorists so the cars around them have time to get out of the way.
- Report Any Unsafe Driving
If you notice a large truck driving erratically, keep your distance, pull over to a safe location, and report it to the police. A drunk, distracted, or drowsy trucker is a danger to all road users.
If you were hurt in a collision with a large truck, contact Heilman Law Group to discuss your case. Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a free consultation with a semi-truck accident lawyer in Jackson. You can learn more about truck accident claims in Mississippi by visiting the USAttorneys website.
By John Nisbett | Published October 16, 2017 | Posted in Car accident | Tagged Heilman Law Group, Jackson, Semi truck accident lawyer, Truck accident attorney