Driving requires a lot of focus. You need to be able to see clearly around you, interpret what you’re seeing, and react appropriately to stay safe. Since trucks are much larger vehicles and handle differently than passenger cars, some simple mistakes on the part of drivers can increase the risk of a collision.
- Not leaving enough room. Tractor trailers and other commercial trucks take longer to brake. It’s important to leave enough room between you and the truck if you’re in front of one of these vehicles. If you tailgate, the drivers cannot see you. Always give trucks more room so they have space to maneuver.
- Distraction and drowsiness. It’s never safe to drive distracted or drowsy. It can be even more important to stay alert around trucks, though. Even a few seconds of distraction or inattention around 18-wheelers can be enough to cause an accident.
- Not being aware of blind spots. Trucks have many blind spots, especially behind the trailer and along the sides. If you can’t see and make eye contact with the truck driver in his or her side mirrors, assume the truck driver can’t see you.
- Staying in between trucks. Driving in between trucks, especially alongside the trucks’ trailers, can mean truckers may not be able to see you. It is best to get ahead of a truck or to stay well back.
- Cutting trucks off. Trucks may not be able to brake in time to avoid a collision if you cut in front of them when changing lanes.
- Speeding. When around big rigs, you need to expect the unexpected, and that means avoiding speeding. A big truck’s cargo can become unhitched, or their wheels can shred. You need be going at a speed that allows you to maneuver quickly if you need to. If you’re speeding and pieces of truck tire fly at your windshield, you’re more likely to lose control of your vehicle and crash.
What Error Caused My Injuries?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may find that it can be difficult to determine the cause and liable parties. Truck companies and their insurers may blame you, the car driver, for the crash. However, truck drivers make errors, too. They may drive fatigued to make deadlines, overload cargo, and make other mistakes.
If your injuries were caused in whole or in part by the truck driver or by other liable parties, you may have a civil claim. You may seek to recover for your medical bills, lost income, long-term rehabilitation and medical costs, and other losses.
To file a legal claim after a truck accident, you will need an experienced attorney—someone who is willing to go up against powerful truck companies, their legal teams, and their large insurance companies. Flaxman Law Group has recovered more than $100 million in settlements and court wins. We’re willing to go to court when it’s in our client’s best interests and we have faced large corporations and defendants at the negotiation table and in the courtroom.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a trucking accident and want to discuss your potential claim in a free, no obligation consultation, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 or contact us online. We can schedule your consultation in our offices in Homestead, Hollywood, or Miami or over the phone. We may also be able to travel to you if you are too injured to come to our offices.