Thousands of tractor-trailer accidents occur each year. In the year 2020 alone, crashes involving large trucks took the lives of nearly 5,000 people. Trucking accidents can be more likely to occur due to several reasons. Distractions, fatigue, or a smaller vehicle cutting too close in front of a truck can all make for unsafe conditions. It’s important to take every precaution when driving in or around large trucks. In this article, we will highlight the most common causes for both automobile and trucking accidents and how to avoid them.

Truck Accident Common Causes

Driving While Drowsy

Truck drivers work long hours with an awkward sleep schedule; this is because they’re typically on a time limit to deliver their load. As a result, they are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires rest breaks and limits the number of hours truck drivers can work; however, these rules aren’t always followed.

Driving While Distracted

Truck drivers that are distracted do not pay as much attention to the road as they should. This also applies to all drivers – no matter what type of vehicle you drive! Examples of distracted driving include:

• Talking on the phone
• Texting while driving
• Watching videos or other forms of entertainment
• Eating or drinking

Driving While Drunk or Impaired

While drunk driving is hazardous enough in a passenger vehicle, it is significantly more deadly when the driver is behind the wheel of a massive market truck. It is critical not to drive if you are under the influence of anything.

Unbalanced Loads

To avoid goods from becoming unstable or falling off the truck during travel, federal laws require cargo to be loaded and secured in a specific manner. Unbalanced loads can increase the risk of a truck accident.

Vehicle Components That Are Defective

Mechanical breakdowns caused by defective vehicle parts might result in serious tractor-trailer accidents. If parts are not properly maintained, they might become worn and fail. It’s important to perform regular vehicle inspections.

Safety for Automobiles

Here are some guidelines to help you share the road with semi-trucks safely and prevent dangerous conditions that can cause accidents.

Passing

If you must pass a heavy truck, always do it on the left side and with caution. Remember that truck drivers have blind spots, and you should never travel alongside them.

Be Wary of the Weather

If it’s raining or snowing and you’re driving on slick roads, don’t get too close to the truck, because the vehicle could slide into or even underneath the truck.

Braking

If you must stop on the highway for any reason, attempt to pull off to the side first. Be alert of the tractor-trailer behind you and signal or begin braking ahead of time so they can slow down and stop. Keep in mind that huge trucks require more time to stop than a passenger car.

Car Lights

When driving behind or passing a huge truck at night, avoid using your high beams. Bright lights can temporarily blind a driver. A heavy truck can be involved in a dangerous collision within seconds of being blinded by someone’s headlights.

If you are the victim of a truck collision, you should act now. Statute of limitations means that you only have a limited time frame in which to pursue legal action and file a suit. The Philpot Law Firm has vast experience handling personal injuries as a result of tractor-trailer accidents. Our attorneys will gather evidence, collect testimonies, research police reports, and prepare your case on your behalf. You can rest assured knowing that you chose a great team with our personal injury attorneys on your side. Our family wants to help you get back on your feet and with the compensation you deserve.

Contact the personal injury attorneys at Philpot Law Firm today for a free consultation.

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