Truck Accident Prevention: Tips for Avoiding Crashes
Truck accidents tend to be more severe and dangerous than crashes involving other types of vehicles. Trucks’ size and the type of cargo they load can increase the likelihood that accidents in which they are involved will cause critical injuries. Truck accident collisions can occur for a variety of reasons, and many different parties can contribute to causing a truck crash.
When a truck collides with a motorcycle or a car, the impact can cause much more significant damage to the car or motorcycle. Motorcycle riders and car passengers can potentially face catastrophic and lifelong injuries in a truck accident.
Accident victims should never take these types of incidents lightly and should ideally consider consulting Philadelphia injury lawyers for advice on how to proceed. In many situations, these accidents and their disastrous results can be prevented with proper precautions. Here, we have compiled some valuable truck accident prevention tips that can help to minimize the risk of injuries in a crash. Continue reading to learn how you can reduce the risk of suffering damages in a truck accident:
Inspect your vehicle:
Truck drivers and trucking companies should always ensure that every truck is in proper working condition. Before operating the truck, the driver should inspect the vehicle to identify any potential risks. Double-check everything to ensure that there are no obvious hazards. All trucking companies should have a mechanism that ensures drivers can have their trucks inspected before they leave the site.
Pay attention to the weather conditions:
Weather can play a significant role in the occurrence of truck accidents, and inclement weather conditions may affect the decisions you make while you are on the road. In rainy and snowy conditions, drivers should take extra precautions. In extreme weather conditions, a driver may even have to postpone the trip. Poor weather conditions, such as fog, rain, ice, and snow, can negatively affect a truck’s performance. Truck accidents are more likely to occur when the weather is bad. Therefore, before heading out onto the road, all drivers should check the weather and decide on their course of action accordingly.
Give clear signals:
All motorists on the road, including truck drivers, should clearly signal when they plan to change lanes or make a turn. A sudden change in course often increases the risk of an accident. This is why it is so important for drivers to give proper signals while on the road. Even when there does not seem to be any other vehicle on the road, it is still crucial to provide an appropriate indication before changing lanes or turning.
Leave extra space when a truck is passing:
All motorists should avoid driving too closely to trucks, whether from in front or behind. It is a good driving practice to provide a truck with a significant berth due to its size. Driving too closely increases drivers’ risks of experiencing critical consequences in a crash. It may lead to sudden braking, or high winds can contribute to truck rollovers.
Do not drive fatigued:
Under federal law, a commercial driver will have limitations on how many hours they may drive consecutively within a specified time period. However, the driver may not be permitted to drive the maximum allowed number of hours if they had not taken any breaks. It is the responsibility of trucking companies to ensure their drivers follow the law. The companies can be held legally responsible for an accident if they force their drivers to work beyond the appropriate limits. When a driver is fatigued or sleepy, they may put everyone around them at higher risks of an accident. It increases the chances that a truck accident will cause devastating injuries that harm the driver and others on the road.
Be mindful of blind spots:
Blindspot collisions involving large trucks can be incredibly dangerous. When passing a truck on the road, the passing vehicles should move as quickly as possible. There is a high chance that, when another motorist cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, the truck driver may also not be able to see them. Therefore, other motorists driving on the road should reposition themselves to increase their visibility to truck drivers and eliminate the blind spot. Some blind spots even extend for approximately 30 feet behind the truck. When you are following a truck too closely, you may get into an accident if the truck suddenly brakes.
Follow the trucking laws and speeding regulations:
Truck drivers and trucking companies should ensure that they comply with all relevant laws. Violating the rules could lead to hefty penalties and suspension of a truck driver’s license. The trucking companies can also be held accountable if they do not provide proper training to drivers or screening during the hiring process. The companies must safeguard their drivers by training them properly. Trucking companies should consider conducting workshops and training sessions to ensure their drivers are well-equipped to handle any challenges they may face on the road.
If you are involved in a truck crash, you can schedule a consultation with a skilled Philadelphia truck accident attorney, who can investigate how the accident occurred and help to determine who may be liable. Get in touch with a legal professional to explore your options today.
What to do if you are in a truck accident in Chicago
If you are in a truck accident in Chicago, there are a few things you should do:
1. If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid causing further traffic congestion.
2. Call the police and ambulance if anyone is injured.
3. Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
4. Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle or the other driver’s vehicle.
5. Get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
6. Contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and whether you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.
Who to call for help
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Once you’re stable, your next step is to contact a truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Truck accidents are complex, and it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. At Chicago Accident Attorney, we have years of experience handling truck accident cases, and we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options.
What kind of compensation you can expect
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you may be wondering what kind of compensation you can expect. The answer will depend on the severity of your injuries and the amount of damages you’ve suffered.
If you’ve suffered minor injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. If you’ve suffered more serious injuries, you may be eligible for pain and suffering damages, as well as punitive damages.
The best way to find out what kind of compensation you’re entitled to is to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer. They’ll be able to review your case and let you know what kind of compensation you can expect.
How to file a truck accident lawsuit in Chicago
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Chicago, it is important to know how to file a truck accident lawsuit. There are many different laws and regulations that govern these types of accidents, and it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you navigate the legal process.
The first step in filing a truck accident lawsuit is to gather all of the necessary documentation. This includes any police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other evidence that will support your claim. Once you have all of the documentation, you will need to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The next step is to serve the trucking company with the complaint. The company will then have 21 days to respond. If they do not respond, you can file a motion for default judgment. After the motion is filed, a hearing will be scheduled where both sides will present their case.
If you are successful in your lawsuit, you may be entitled to damages including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you maximize your compensation.
Conclusion
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Chicago, it is important to hire an experienced lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Chicago Accident Attorney have years of experience handling truck accident cases and will fight to get you the maximum settlement for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.