South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
The need for trucks in the United States is not going away anytime soon. With more people shopping online than ever, the demand for truck shipments continues to increase rapidly. However, more trucks on the road means an increased likelihood for more dangerous trucking accidents.
Unfortunately, the repercussions from a serious truck crash could result in catastrophic injuries that can sometimes be fatal. Accident victims and their families are often left with insurmountable medical expenses, lost wages from missing work, pain and suffering, and property damage. Discussing your claim with a reputable lawyer may be what you need to know about all your legal options to explore.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a trucking accident, financial compensation may be available to help cover the costs associated with the crash. However, hiring a lawyer who knows how to handle these types of cases can be crucial to pursue the full amount of compensation you may deserve.
The accomplished truck accident lawyers at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers are ready to discuss your claim in a no-cost initial evaluation. Our firm has more than four decades of combined legal experience while handling over 6,000 cases, including injury claims resulting from trucking accidents. Our friendly support staff is standing by and ready to take your call anytime, 24/7.
With so much experience on our team of knowledgeable attorneys, we have seen our fair share of serious trucking accidents and know how to handle unique situations. Read on to learn some helpful tips on what you can do to keep yourself and others safe by preventing a serious truck crash.
Preventing a Truck Crash
While the trucking industry continues to be an important part of the economy, the results from a serious accident could be life changing. This is why it is crucial to know how to drive safely when large trucks and tractor-trailers are on the road.
Some ways you could prevent a serious trucking crash include:
Practicing Patience
Since most commercial trucks are much heavier and larger, when compared to the average car or SUV, truck drivers are required to maintain safe speeds to avoid a potentially disastrous situation. While you may think the truck ahead of you is driving too slowly, it is important to understand that some trucks have speed caps that may limit how fast they can go. On the flipside, when you may think the truck driver is trying to aggravate you, there may be nothing they can do to move faster. Losing your patience in this situation might cause you to make hasty decisions which you may regret, should an accident occur as a result.
Keeping a Safe Distance
It is always a good rule of thumb to maintain a safe enough distance from any vehicle ahead of you on the road. Remember the bigger the vehicle, the more time it needs to slow down and come to a complete stop. If the truck ahead of you experiences issues such as an obstacle on the road, brake problems, or a tire blowout, the chances of you crashing into the truck or another vehicle are greatly increased when you follow too closely. Due to the length and size of most tractor-trailers, they may need two lanes to make a wide turn.
Using Caution When Merging/Switching Lanes
Merging and switching lanes incorrectly can lead to devastating consequences, especially when large trucks are involved in a crash. Be sure to check twice and be certain the truck driver can see you before merging or switching lanes. Avoid switching lanes while traveling uphill, as this may cause a significant change of speeds for both vehicles involved, which can lead to a dangerous collision. Slow down if you think a truck is trying to merge onto your lane, as the truck driver may not notice your vehicle. Due to the disparity in size between trucks and other vehicles, oftentimes even the slightest bump could result in severe injuries and widespread damage to both vehicles involved.
Avoiding Blind Spots
When passing a truck, it is wise to stay out of blind spots, which are areas on either side of the truck, that may not be visible to the truck driver. Since large trucks have huge blind spots, they may not see your vehicle with the limited visibility provided by side-view mirrors. Always try to pass a truck on the driver’s side and avoid driving alongside the trailer, as this may cause you to move into blind spots more often.
Being Cautious During Inclement Weather
Heavy rain, flash flooding, high winds, heavy fog, and icy roads can all cause a tragic trucking accident, especially when drivers are not being cautious. Truck drivers are required to drive much slower than normal in bad weather and low visibility conditions. No matter how long it takes to get to your destination, it is important to take extra precaution and slow down when weather conditions are poor. Keep in mind that large trucks tend to spin out and rollover when they lose traction, due to slippery roads or strong winds.
Seek Legal Help from a Qualified Attorney
While you may not have control over everything that happens on the road, it is always a good idea to practice safe driving habits and teach them to your loved ones. Avoiding a serious trucking accident could protect you from sustaining long-term injuries that may require expensive medical care and costly property damage, in addition to the income you could lose if you are forced to miss work during the recovery process.
If you or someone you know was involved in a trucking accident, seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney may be in your best interests. You could have the legal right to pursue compensation to help cover your damages.
The attorneys of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers serve the people of Stuart (by appointment only) and offer free initial consultations to trucking accident victims. We aim to protect the rights of injured victims throughout the state of Florida by helping them seek the full amount of compensation they legally deserve.
Call Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today at (561) 800-8000 to set up a free, initial review of your claim.