Commercial truck accidents are almost always really serious. Whenever a large vehicle like a delivery truck or a big rick is involved in a collision with a smaller vehicle, tragedies often appear. All truck drivers are aware of the numerous dangers that are presented by the unwieldy and large vehicles. However, the other drivers do not actually know much. Some driving errors that are minor can lead to catastrophes in the event that eighteen-wheelers are involved. This is especially the case in the event that high speed is involved.
In order to protect yourself better, both as a truck driver and a regular car driver, it is important to be aware of common accident causes. This is why Mark Rees, truck accident lawyer, talks about them below.
When The Passenger Vehicle Driver Is The Cause
In many cases the blame is not of the truck driver, it is of the car drivers. Usually, everything happens because the car driver does not understand the performance capabilities of a truck, like limits that are associated with visibility and braking. The really common unsafe acts that are committed by the car driver and that lead to truck accidents are:
- “No-Zone” Driving – Areas beside and behind commercial trucks are dangerous because of zero or highly limited visibility.
- Driving on the right side of a truck that makes a turn.
- Abruptly changing lanes.
- Misjudging truck speed when in an intersection, then trying to make a turn right in front of a truck.
- Not speeding up or slowing down as the truck starts to change a lane or a merger happens.
- Unsafe passing.
- Abandoning a car in the travel lane.
When The Truck Driver Is The Cause
Commercial truck drivers need to be patient and skilled. However, this does not mean there are no dangers. There are many different business characteristics that contribute to a traffic accident. For instance, the really common ones that could be mentioned include:
- Improper training in regards to safety concerns, defensive driving or driving technique.
- The trucking company has unrealistic expectations and schedules so the drivers are encouraged to hurry, even if this involves safety risks.
- A system of compensations is in place encouraging much higher vehicle speeds than what would be advisable.
What To Do When A Truck Accident Happens
Whenever truck accidents happen, the most important thing is to go to the hospital and get checked out. This is because you never know when a hidden injury might have appeared. You need to be sure that you do not have something that will manifest at a later point in time. Also, in the event that a truck accident claim needs to be filled, medical proof helps.
If you were injured by a big rig vehicle or a commercial truck, it is possible that compensation is needed. Learn about all the rights you have and talk to a highly experienced personal injury attorney, preferably one with a lot of knowledge about truck accidents. This offers the help that you need to make the correct choices.
