Getting into an automobile accident of any kind is a shocking experience. Being involved in a collision with a large commercial truck, however, carries even greater risks of serious harm or even death than crashes that occur between two passenger vehicles. Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which makes the force of an impact with one of them several times greater than the force in a car crash. Furthermore, their size means that they can even ride or roll over smaller cars.
Many truck accidents occur due to the recklessness of the truck driver, faulty truck equipment, or unforeseen road hazards. But around half of the accidents that involve large commercial vehicles happen due to the actions or negligence of drivers of passenger cars, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
New Jersey drivers who take the following measures can greatly reduce their risk of having an accident with a truck.
Anticipate the Truck’s Maneuvers at Intersections
Many truck collisions occur at intersections, so it is always best to be extra cautious when you are approaching a road juncture with a truck that is turning. A truck will usually need to use multiple lanes or swing wide when they are executing a turn, and other drivers should be prepared for these maneuvers to occur.
If you see a truck attempting to turn, avoid trying to pass it on the side they’re turning toward. In general, it is better to allow the truck to complete its maneuver before passing, turning, or entering the intersection yourself.
Follow from a Safe Distance
It is vital that you leave adequate space in front of you when you are traveling directly behind a truck. If you follow a large vehicle too closely, you will have very poor visibility of the road in front of you, making it harder to recognize upcoming hazards on the road. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least three seconds’ worth of distance between the back of the truck and the front of your car. This will give you the time you need to respond appropriately if anything unexpected happens.
After passing in front of a truck, it is also important to leave enough room behind you. Because of their weight, trucks need nearly twice as much space to stop as smaller vehicles do, so be sure to leave plenty of extra room between the back of your car and the front of the truck. Cutting in too closely will put you at risk of serious harm if you need to suddenly stop.
Stay Visible
Everything about commercial trucks is bigger, including their blind spots. The largest blind spot for a truck driver is on the passenger side of the truck. This is an important reason to pass only on the truck driver’s side. There are also blind spots directly behind the truck, as well as behind the truck’s cab doors, so avoid settling in those spaces.
If you are ever in doubt, look for the truck’s mirrors. If you are unable to see the driver’s eyes, they will not be able to see you.
Clear the Roadway
In the event that you need to pull over onto a highway shoulder, make sure to leave enough space between you and the road. If you are too close to driving lanes, you become a target of collision for truckers who have become temporarily distracted or incapacitated. Pull over as far as possible, and you will reduce the risk of accidents like this.
Contact a New Jersey Truck Accident Lawyer Today
You may be in the habit of following the above tips to the letter every time you are out on the road. Yet even if you are always careful, there are other factors that can lead to a truck accident. If you have been injured in a truck accident in New Jersey and it was not your fault, you have the right to file a claim for compensation. This can go toward paying for your medical expenses, making up for missed wages due to time off work, and even for the physical and psychological suffering you have experienced as a result of the collision.
Filing a truck accident claim to pursue compensation for your injuries can be time-consuming and confusing. Luckily, the New Jersey truck accident lawyers of Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you work toward recovering the full amount you are owed.
Call us today at (973) 364-8300 for a free consultation, and let us get to work for you.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : December 13, 2022