5 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Getting in a Tractor-Trailer Wreck

It should come as no surprise that collisions with tractor-trailers can be devastating. Because of their weight, large trucks can do severe damage to passenger cars, and accidents between the two often result in fatalities.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 4,000 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal collisions in 2014. Additionally, CNBC reports that more than 100,000 people sustain injuries in truck-related accidents every year.

If you were in a collision with a tractor-trailer but it was not your fault, you have the right to pursue compensation for damages related to your injuries. Turn to a personal injury lawyer from the Cooper Law Firm to discuss your case and determine the best way to proceed. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth truck accident attorney.

Read on to learn five tips for avoiding 18-wheeler accidents:

1. Do Not Drive in the Truck’s Blind Spot

Tractor-trailers have four blind spots: one directly in front, one directly in back, and one adjacent to each side mirror. Make yourself visible by avoiding these blind spots.

2. Leave a Wide Berth at Intersections

Tractor-trailers need to swing wide when turning right. As such, if you are approaching an intersection where an 18-wheeler is turning, you should expect the truck to enter the adjacent lane to take a wider angle.

3. Look for the Driver or the Side Mirrors before Making a Move

If you cannot see the driver or the side mirrors, then the driver probably cannot see you. When passing a tractor-trailer, wait until you can see the entire cab in your own rearview mirror before pulling in front of the truck. All vehicles have blind spots, and getting caught in a large truck’s blind spot is a disaster waiting to happen.

4. Do Not Cut off Truckers

The heavier a vehicle is, the more distance it requires to stop. Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so as you can imagine, they require a substantial distance to stop. As such, you should never cut off tractor-trailers or pull in front of them quickly. If the driver cannot decelerate in time, you might wind up in a rear-end collision.

5. Look for Turn Signals

Keep an eye out for a trucker’s turn signals. If you need to pass a tractor-trailer, look for its blinkers first to ensure they are not flashing. Only then will you be certain that you can pass safely.

Truck accidents are often catastrophic, and they can result in lasting injuries and permanent disabilities. If you are recovering from injuries sustained in a truck collision and you intend to file a personal injury claim, contact the Cooper Law Firm.

Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer. You can learn more about truck accident claims in Texas by visiting USAttorneys.com.