Imagine a multi-ton truck barreling down the highway. Now picture your car. See the size difference? That’s why even minor collisions with trucks can be devastating.
Statistics show that accidents involving trucks are becoming more common, especially with those massive tractor-trailers. You need to seek the services of an experienced lawyer for a successful truck accident claim and get compensation for the losses you have suffered.
But the big question is: Why do these crashes happen? Is it just because trucks are huge, or is there more to the story? Well, it’s both. Sure, their size can do a lot of damage, but other things can put you at risk of getting into an accident with a truck.
Here are five common reasons why a truck might hit you:
1. They Can’t See You
The blind spot of a truck is significantly larger than that of a regular vehicle. Imagine a large rectangle extending diagonally – that’s an area where the driver might not see you, even with mirrors.
Never assume that the truck driver can see you. They may be focused on handling the wheel and not notice your small vehicle creeping up on them.
Never try to switch lanes too close to the vehicle. Use your turn signals, and most importantly, stay away from their blind spots.
2. You’re Following Them Too Closely
A 2021 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that rear-end crashes were the most common type of truck accident. This shows that most drivers don’t give trucks the space that they need.
A truck needs all the space and time it can get. If you are not at least 4 seconds away from them when they slam their brakes, you might not have enough time to react and keep yourself safe.
Even if you do, the vehicle behind you might not be so lucky. You should avoid tailgating trucks as much as possible.
3. Their Brakes Failed
Big trucks carry a lot of stuff, and all that weight puts a tremendous amount of pressure on their brakes. Even with regular maintenance, things can sometimes go wrong.
A single brake problem on a big truck can be a serious situation, especially if someone is following too closely behind.
Luckily, most modern trucks have warning systems that let drivers know if there’s a brake issue. But the best way to stay safe is to keep a safe distance between you and any large truck on the road.
4. One Or Both of You Are Distracted
Truck drivers face the same distractions we all do on the road, like texting, messing with GPS, or even grabbing a bite to eat. These things can make it tough to react quickly and stay in control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that distracted driving is a big problem in all kinds of accidents, and that includes crashes involving big rigs.
The bottom line is that everyone on the road, truck drivers included, needs to stay focused and keep their eyes on the prize: getting to where they’re going safely.
5. Misjudged Speed and Distance
The size of a truck can be deceiving. It’s easy to underestimate how fast a truck is moving or how much space it needs to make a turn.
This miscalculation can lead to dangerous situations, such as trying to squeeze into a gap in traffic in front of a moving truck or merging too closely onto a highway.
To completely avoid the chances of this happening, you must avoid tailgating the truck. If they have sufficient space to turn or park, the chances of them hitting you are close to zero.
Conclusion
If a truck hits you, you’ll likely suffer more damage than the truck itself. You need to be aware of possible factors that can lead to this and do all you can to be on the safe side.
If you are involved in an accident, you can contact a truck accident attorney to help you get maximum compensation.