Truck Accident Facts To Keep You Safe
Big rigs, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, eighteen wheelers, whatever you call them, they’ve grabbed headlines recently. The recent case of a truck fully loaded with jars of Alfredo sauce crashing near Memphis and painting the highway white drew laughs and bemusement from the public. Another crash in Florida which scattered light beer across the road drew similar reactions. However, at Malloy Law Offices we know these crashes are no laughing matter. The size and speed of these vehicles, among other factors, can make crashes catastrophic. This is especially true for any cars that suffer a collision with a large truck. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Today’s blog post will cover truck accident facts, along with some tips to keep you safe on the highways.
Truck Accident Facts and Figures
The number of trucks involved in fatal crashes has risen dramatically over the past decade. In 2020, the National Safety Council counted 4,842 such incidents. A 33% increase from 2011’s figures. The NSC has determined that this figure represents 9% of a vehicles involved in fatal accidents.
Of course, fatalities are only a small minority of all truck related crashes. NSC truck accident facts suggest 107,000 trucks were involved in crashes resulting in injury in 2020, with the vast majority of individual injuries being suffered by occupants of other vehicles.
Tips for Driving Near Trucks
When sharing the road with trucks, it’s important to be aware of the dangers they pose. Here are some tips for avoiding truck accidents:
- Be aware of trucks’ blind spots. Make sure you can see the driver in the mirror before passing.
- Don’t cut in front of a truck suddenly. It takes them much longer to stop than a car.
- Use extra caution when driving near a truck that is turning. They have a wide turning radius and may swing into your lane.
- Be cautious of tailgating a truck. If they have to brake suddenly, you could be involved in a rear-end collision.
- Passing a truck on the highway? Make sure you have enough space and time to safely get around them.
- In bad weather, give trucks extra space. They have a harder time stopping and steering in slippery conditions.
By following these tips, you can help avoid accidents when driving near trucks.
If You’ve Been Involved in a Truck Accident
After being involved in a truck accident, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. First, if possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. This will help to warn other drivers of the accident and prevent further accidents from occurring. Second, call the police and ambulance services. It is important to have a record of the accident, and the police will be able to provide you with a report. Third, exchange insurance information with the other driver. This will be essential for filing a claim later on. Finally, take pictures of the accident scene if possible. This will help to document the damage and may be useful in filing a claim.
Possible Complications
An important thing to keep in mind is that the vast majority of commercial truckers are driving for a large national hauling company. Any company operating such vehicles will no doubt have experience in cases where their drivers have caused injury. In some cases, these companies may even have in-house legal teams, tasked with protecting their employers’ reputation and bottom line.
In order to properly calculate damages and prove negligence, it may be necessary to request information from the trucking companies. This may include:
- Work logs, including clock in/clock out data from the truck itself
- A drug test from the truck driver
- Reports from any prior accidents the driver was involved in
- A service history for the truck
How Malloy Law Can Help
The shock of a truck accident can reverberate throughout a victim’s life. Recovery from the often severe injuries caused by such an accident can take years and emotional scars may persist long afterwards. Don’t wait that long to start seeking justice. The attorneys at Malloy Law Offices LLC have experience in representing victims of truck accidents and will fight to secure the maximum compensation on your behalf. The insurance and trucking companies will do all they can to put obstacles between you and the compensation you are entitled to. Don’t fight them alone. Call today for your free consultation.