Lake Charles Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys
As personal injury attorneys we see the devastation that families have to face after losing loved ones or suffering catastrophic injuries as a result of tractor trailer accidents. When a big rig weighing 70 tons collides with a passenger vehicle, occupants of the smaller vehicle have little chance of avoiding serious injuries. We have identified some defensive driving measures, however that all drivers should take to avoid an accident.
How to avoid a tractor trailer accident:
Avoid driving in the truck's blind spots. Pass trucks quickly or drop back, but do not linger alongside a truck. There are blind spots on both sides of large trucks where your car may "disappear" from view and the trucker will not be able to see you. If possible, pass trucks on the left rather than the right, where the blind spot is smaller. A truck's blind spot on the right is much larger than the blind spot on the left. Remember that many trucks also have blind spots on the right, just forward of the truck's front and directly in front of the truck. These forward blind spots hold especially true if your car has a low profile.
Don't follow too close to a tractor trailer. If you are following a semi truck, leave ample following distance in front of you. The truck driver has a blind spot behind the trailer. As a rule, if you can't see the driver's side view mirrors, the driver can't see you.
Don't be intimidated if a truck driver is tailgating. The law requires a tractor trailer to allow 400 feet between the truck and the vehicle it is following. That rarely happens, and as a result trucks run over cars or force them off the road. If a tractor trailer is following close behind you, slow down. By increasing the distance between you and the car in front of you, you are creating a buffer in the event any vehicle stops suddenly, has a blowout, or goes out of control.
Use caution on entrance ramps. A 70 ton truck cannot stop or slow down quickly. When entering a roadway, be sure to allow plenty of space for an approaching commercial truck.
Use extra caution at night and in poor weather. When visibility is poor, all drivers on the road should use extra caution, slow down, and increase alertness. To ensure your vehicle can be seen check your head lights and tail lights, and see that your windows and the lights are clean and clear.
Regular vehicle maintenance: That is for your car, not the truck—if you need to swerve or stop suddenly to avoid an accident you need to know that your brakes won't fail, your tires are properly inflated, and your seatbelts and airbags will perform properly.
Report dangerous truck driver behavior. If you observe a commercial truck exceeding the speed limit, driving erratically, driving without proper equipment, or driving aggressively, and if it is safe to do so, note the registration numbers on the vehicle. A phone call or letter detailing the time, place, and behavior may prevent a future accident.
If, unfortunately, someone you know has been injured in a tractor trailer accident, or you have another question for one of our attorneys, please call 337-513-0288 (Toll Free: 888-391-5595) or e-mail our office to arrange a free and confidential consultation. We will respond quickly to your inquiry. For more information, see:
