Driving on the highway can be freeing and fun, especially if you’re on a road trip with friends headed to an exotic or relaxing location. However, things can turn daunting when you’re encountered with numerous 18-wheeler vehicles and you’re not sure whether or not your car is in its blind spots. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,136 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks in 2018. There are ways to be in the know about whether you’re in a blind spot of one of these vehicles, and knowing them will make you a more confident driver.
Avoiding 18-wheeler No-Zones
Here are a few tips for avoiding those treacherous semi-truck or 18-wheeler blind spots.
Don’t Tailgate or Follow a Large Truck Too Closely
This should go without saying, but don’t tailgate a big 18-wheeler truck. Getting too close to a large vehicle will almost guarantee that you will be invisible to the driver, and will heighten your chance of getting in a semi-truck-involved accident. Additionally, riding too close to any type of vehicle will make it more difficult for you to stop or slow down when it is called for, which could lead to more rear-end collisions.
Leave Enough Space When You Pass
For many of us, driving next to or even near an 18-wheeler truck can make us nervous. Thus, it is sometimes necessary to pass a large vehicle like this. Make sure that when or if you do pass, to give the truck enough space on all sides. Merging too quickly in front or behind the truck can cause you to enter the driver’s blind spot, which is no good for either you or the truck driver. Make a mental note to always keep at least a car and a half’s length between you and the truck to allow for any sudden braking or speeding up.
Be Aware of Turn Radius
Many semi-trucks need more space to make both right and left turns. If you want to stay out of the blind spot and away from the threat of any kind of accident, make sure you give trucks enough space to make turns and don’t try to ride alongside them while they do so. This will ensure that both you and the 18-wheeler vehicle can make turns safely.
Contact a Blind Spot Truck Accident Attorney in Texas
It is important to be aware of a truck’s blind spots or no-zones and never assume that the driver can see you to avoid blind spot truck accidents. If you involved or injured in an accident from a blind spot contact our experienced team of lawyers at Herrman & Herrman and get a free consultation.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
ABOUT HERRMAN & HERRMAN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
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