
Truck wrecks typically cause severe and often catastrophic damage. The weight and size of the trucks alone can be truly intimidating on the road and they pose a significant threat to other motorists.
This risk of truck accidents increases during certain times of the day and in poor weather, especially when it is raining heavily. This guide examines these harsh conditions and how they increase the risk, providing you with awareness that can help you stay safe.
Safety reports identify late afternoon to early evening, betweens 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, as extremely dangerous times. During these hours, there is a lot more traffic from commuters and delivery drivers attempting to finish their day.
The combination of heavy traffic and reduced visibility contributes to the heightened crash risk. Early morning hours are also quite dodgy because you have fatigued drivers who have been on the road through the night.
Rain drastically increases the risk of truck accidents. There are two major problems:reduced visibility, and less tire traction. It is difficult to see lane markers, traffic signals, and other vehicles from far away when it rains.
Also, wet roads reduce tire grip, increasing the risk of hydroplaning or skidding. Large trucks, with their massive weight, already require more distance to stop, making this combination especially dangerous.
There are several strategic safety steps you can take when driving near trucks during high-risk situations, such as rush hour traffic or adverse weather conditions like rain. First, give yourself more distance. Having more space between you and the truck allows you more time to react if a car cuts you off or makes a turn.
Second, ensure your headlights and windshield wipers are in proper condition so that you can drive better during a heavy rainstorm. Avoid distractions and maintain your focus on the road and other traffic. Remember that trucks have a large blind spot. If you cannot see the truck's rear view mirror, then you are likely in its blind spot.
Lastly, always anticipate the unexpected. Watch for sudden movements like braking or swerving and respond accordingly by easing off the gas and paying close attention to road conditions.
"No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen due to things you have no control over, such as a distracted truck driver or some mechanical failure,” says personal injury lawyer Michael Leizerman of The Law Firm for Truck Safety. When that occurs, you have to demonstrate that someone was negligent, either the driver or the trucking company. Sometimes, it might even be the government if the faulty roads contributed to the accident.
If you are considering a lawsuit, remember that rules and laws can vary based on where you are. It is really convenient to have a smart personal injury lawyer who understands all the complexities and nuances of truck accident lawsuits.
You not only need to get a personal injury lawyer, but you also want to have the right one. You can start by calling up your friends and relatives and asking if they had any referrals from when they resolved something like that. You also check out websites and what state bar associations rate as good lawyers.
Just make sure you choose one who is familiar with handling lots of traffic collision cases because they will be familiar with the procedures and give you a more favorable outcome.