Because driving a commercial truck requires a different skill set than driving a personal vehicle, people may form misconceptions about the safety of driving near trucks. These myths may cause drivers to fail to appreciate the potential hazards of sharing the road with trucks. Debunking these myths and learning helpful safety tips can help motorists and truckers share the road safely.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, our job is to protect the rights of victims hurt in Las Vegas truck accidents. Read on for information on staying safe on Nevada roads. If you sustained injuries in a crash, call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer.
The Most Common Myths About Driving Near Truck Drivers
Some of the most common myths you may hear about driving around commercial trucks include:
- Truckers have more visibility due to their larger mirrors – Trucks have large blind spots in front, behind, and along the truck’s sides, sometimes extending into multiple adjacent lanes.
- Truck drivers have a lower risk of getting into an accident – Although truck drivers have additional certification requirements, they can make mistakes and engage in reckless behavior like other motorists.
- Truck drivers have the training or experience to drive on little sleep – Even though truckers may work long shifts or odd hours, no one can drive to the best of their ability on little or no sleep. Drowsiness will affect truck drivers the same as any other person.
- Trucking companies always focus on safety – Although state and federal regulations impose safety requirements on the trucking industry, some companies cut corners by skimping on safety, including hiring unsafe drivers or failing to maintain their vehicle fleets.
- The trucking company will always settle an accident claim – While you may assume that a trucking company doesn’t want the hassle or bad press of an accident claim, companies, and their insurers fight hard to avoid paying compensation to injured victims.
The Reality of Driving Near Trucks
When driving near a commercial truck, remember these vehicles don’t operate like your average passenger car or SUV. Trucks maneuver more slowly and require longer distances to slow down compared to personal vehicles. Truck drivers must plan basic maneuvers such as stopping at an intersection or changing lanes more than they need to. If you treat a truck like any other vehicle, you may find yourself involved in a devastating crash.
Safety Tips for Avoiding Truck Accidents
Essential tips for sharing the road safely with commercial trucks include:
- Leave extra space when following a truck since you can’t see ahead of the truck. Added space will give you more time to stop in an emergency.
- Avoid cutting off trucks. They cannot brake as quickly as personal vehicles.
- Stay out of a truck’s blind spots. If you need to pass, do so on the left side as quickly as safety allows.
- Watch the trucker’s mirrors closely. If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their mirrors, they can’t see you.
- Use caution when driving around a turning truck. Commercial motor vehicles require extra clearance to make turns.
The Legal Implications of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents have legal implications that don’t arise in other motor vehicle accident cases. For example, trucking companies have stricter government oversight, including the obligation to keep detailed documentation about their operations. These documents may serve as critical evidence of a truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence in a personal injury claim.
Trucking companies may have liability for a truck accident caused by a truck driver classified as an employee. However, many truckers work as independent contractors. Trucking companies often have complex insurance coverages or corporate structures that may make identifying the correct liable parties or the amount of available insurance coverage challenging. An experienced truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of truck accident law and how to handle serious injury claims can unravel the chain of responsibility so that every party is held liable for their role in causing the wreck.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Representation After a Truck Accident
If you’ve had an accident with a commercial truck, you need experienced legal representation to help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Trucking companies and insurers have significant resources to defend against accident claims to reduce or avoid their liability for crash victims’ injuries. An experienced truck accident attorney will know how to investigate your claim, document your losses, and aggressively pursue fair compensation for you through a settlement or verdict at trial.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Las Vegas truck accident, contact THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation Let’s discuss your legal options and how our firm will fight for justice and compensation after what you’ve been through.
