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How to Avoid 18 Wheeler Accidents If you or someone you love is involved in a collision with a commercial truck, it could be a devastating event. These accidents can cause serious injuries and change your life forever. An attorney for accidents on the road can assist you in obtaining the compensation that you deserve for the damages. This can be a very stressful time, but a seasoned lawyer will help you focus on healing. 1. Speeding Speeding up can be dangerous for everyone including pedestrians and drivers. This kind of behavior can cause accidents that cause fatalities, such as wrongful death and serious injuries. Speeding can result in increased insurance costs and points added to the driving record of a driver. A collision that involves an 18-wheeler could be devastating. These massive trucks carry huge weights. This means they can cause a lot of damage to smaller vehicles that crash into them. This can be extremely uncomfortable for the occupants of the small vehicle that is hit and can even cause life-threatening injuries depending on the severity of the crash. Fortunately, there are some things drivers can do to reduce their risk of being involved in an 18-wheeler accident. The first step is to avoid all forms of speeding. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that speeding was responsible for one-third of all traffic fatalities in 2020. This is a massive issue that needs to be addressed. Another mistake that motorists make is driving too fast for conditions, such as when it's raining, or when the road is being repaired. This behavior can also result in accidents with other vehicles for example, pedestrians and bike riders. Younger drivers are at a high risk of speeding. This is because they are more likely to lack the experience and expertise that older drivers have regarding the laws of the road. Drivers who are drunk and drowsy are also more likely to drive over the speed limit, or drive too fast for the conditions. They may not pay enough concentration to the road or they might not be aware that they are close to other cars and truck. In addition driving too fast for conditions could cause a driver to fail to see a red light or stop sign. It could also increase the chances of a car accident. This is especially hazardous for drivers of 18-wheelers, that are larger than passenger cars. 2. Passing trucks with Caution If you're on a highway or interstate, there might be times when it's necessary to move around a truck. In these instances, you should always be cautious to avoid creating collision. It is important to remember that trucks weigh more than passenger vehicles and, therefore, they take longer to slow down and stop. This means that you need to allow them plenty of time to react to your signals and turn towards the right before passing them. If you are passing a truck, you should allow at 4 seconds at a minimum between you and their vehicle. This will give you plenty of time for you to react to the truck's actions and avoid a collision. In addition, you should never cut ahead of a truck to change lanes or leave the highway. This is dangerous, as the blind spot of a truck could make it difficult for the driver to see you. They can also be distracted by their phone or other device that can cause them to lose control of their vehicle. Keep a safe distance from the truck, especially when driving in the left lane of an interspersed highway. This will allow you to stay out of the truck's blind spots and keep yourself clear of fire in the event they lose control or get jackknifed. Make sure to communicate your intentions in advance and give them plenty of time to respond. This will help to avoid an accident and increase your chances of avoiding a serious accident. If you're driving on a two-lane highway or interstate, you should not cross a double white line or an unbroken yellow line when crossing. This could cause interference with other drivers on the road, and could lead to an accident that is serious. It's not necessary to be afraid of a huge commercial truck. You can protect yourself and avoid accidents with 18-wheelers by following these easy tips. Call our team at Cesar Ornelas Law for a free consultation today and find out what compensation you could receive if you've been injured by a collision with an 18-wheeler. 3. In a bid to get out of the Way 18 wheelers, also known as tractor-trailers, are enormous machines that transport freight across the country. It is crucial to know what to look out for when driving. Often, the best way to avoid an 18-wheeler accident is to keep out of the way. You should never drive directly in the direction of a commercial truck and give yourself extra space when merging or passing. Avoiding blind spots is another important tip. These include the cabin, behind the cab and along both sides of the vehicle. The cab is often the most difficult part of the truck to see and a properly-placed mirror can make a significant difference. If you have to merge, make sure you communicate your intentions clearly so that the trucker is aware of their intentions. The best method for doing this is to turn on your hazard light and turn on your headlights when you approach the vehicle in front of you. There is a chance that the trucker isn't able to be able to see your vehicle and could not be at a safe speed in time to avoid the possibility of crashing. The vehicle could also have a high center of gravity. This could cause the driver lose control, and then hit you from the front or back. It's not just the safest way to stay out of the way of an 18-wheeler, it is also the most attractive. The most significant danger is that a rogue truck can easily become a fatal accident. Other dangers include a vehicle that can crash into you on an angle or have a hot break that could result in an accident. 4. You are trying to pass a Passenger Vehicle As a driver, you've likely encountered this gruelling scene on the road: you're stuck behind a big truck and have to get by it to get to your destination. If you don't approach it correctly, it can cause 18-wheeler collisions. The truth is that passing trucks can be dangerous for both drivers, especially in winter weather conditions when driving more carefully is essential to remain safe on the road. 75 percent of accidents involving commercial vehicles are caused by passenger vehicles. It is therefore crucial to be aware of how to pass by trucks safely. Remember that semis are larger than passenger cars. 18 wheeler accident attorney salinas is because their long trailers block their driver's view of the road, so it is important to pay attention when you attempt to pass them. When you pass, make sure to stay in the left lane. You should leave plenty of space around the vehicle. This will keep you from being rear-ended, which can be a common occurrence in 18-wheeler collisions. Also, be aware that the brakes on a truck take a longer time to stop than a passenger car's. It is also essential to give the truck enough time to stop before it approaches your vehicle. Be aware of tire blowouts, which can cause debris over the road into your lane. Keep in mind that a semi's truck could drift into your lane, which can be extremely dangerous in windy weather. Last but not least, you must use your turn signals when passing trucks. This will enable the truck driver to see you and will let them know when it's safe to change lanes. The combination of these elements to consider will help you drive safely while sharing the road with trucks. Contact the experienced 18-wheeler crash attorneys at Cesar Ornelas law to schedule no-cost consultation if you've been involved in an accident involving trucks. We can assist you in recovering damages for your injuries as well as property damage.