4 Ways to Avoid a CMV Accident – Advice from a Van Zandt Personal-Injury Attorney

It’s no secret that car accidents can result in severe injuries, but when one of those vehicles is a semi-truck, the damage can be particularly traumatic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, truck accidents killed close to 4,000 people in 2012. Over the same period, these crashes injured more than 100,000 victims.

One of the most common causes of commercial motor vehicle crashes in the United States is speeding, and drivers who travel too fast in inclement weather. However, by following a few safety tips, you may be able to avoid becoming a statistic.

If you were in a truck crash, then a Van Zandt personal-injury attorney from the Cooper Law Firm may be able to help. We will evaluate the accident and determine if you may have valid grounds for a lawsuit. Call us today at 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation.

Until then, read on to learn how to avoid speed-related truck and CMV accidents:

1. Slow Down in Adverse Weather Conditions

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends that truck drivers adjust their speed to the road and weather conditions. This will enable the driver to navigate safely through poor visibility, traffic and other hazards. In poor weather conditions, you will require more stopping distance, and your vehicle’s brakes may not operate as efficiently.

According to the FMCSA, you should reduce your speed by one-third on wet roads and by one-half on snow-packed roads. If you feel that you can no longer maintain control of the vehicle, even at these reduced speeds, then you should pull off the road and wait for the conditions to improve.

2. Reduce Your Speed at Curves

On certain roads, the speed limits for large trucks and passenger vehicles are different. This is common on curvy roads that can shift a heavy trailer. It is important to follow the speed limits at all times and to reduce speed even more when approaching a curve. Trucks that enter curves at the designated speed limit still risk turning over.

It is also important not to brake while in a curve. This can cause the brakes to lock up and the truck to skid. According to the FMCSA, 40 percent of speeding-related accidents occur at curves in the road.

3. Reduce Your Speed on Entrance and Exit Ramps

Reduce your speed when entering or exiting a roadway. Many trucks roll over on exit and entrance ramps because the drivers misjudge the speed and sharpness of the curve on the ramp.

4. Drive Carefully If You Haul a Loaded Trailer

If you have a full trailer, then it is important to adjust your speed. A large truck with a fully loaded trailer is 10 times more likely to roll over than one with an empty trailer.

If you were in a truck crash in Texas, then contact the Cooper Law Firm for advice. A Van Zandt truck accident lawyer will investigate your accident and guide you through the claims process. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 903-297-0037.