By nature, truck accidents tend to be wildly severe in comparison to car accidents. But if you think truck accidents are most often caused by trucks, think again.
Learn the surprising truth about why trucks tend to collide with passenger vehicles.
The Truth
You may assume that trucks are largely to blame when they are involved in accidents with passenger vehicles. However, that’s not actually the case.
In fact, according to the American Trucking Associations, passenger vehicles cause a whopping 81% of collisions involving trucks.
The following are three of the reasons why passenger vehicles cause truck accidents:
1. Passenger vehicle drivers don’t give trucks enough space.
Large trucks require ample time and space to slow down and stop, due to their sheer size and weight. If you think it’s hard for your car to stop on a dime, imagine what it’s like for an 80,000-pound truck. When passenger vehicles attempt risky maneuvers around trucks, the results can be devastating.
Never cut off a truck under any circumstance. It could cost you your life.
2. Passenger vehicles drive in trucks’ “no-zones.”
A truck’s “no-zones” are the areas ahead, behind, and to the sides of the truck. These are the truck’s blind spots, which means they cannot see you when you’re driving in those areas. Review the graphic below from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for a visual understanding of trucks’ “no-zones.”
Just like your car has blind spots, trucks do too. One way to tell if a truck driver can see you is by looking in the side-view mirrors. If you’re unable to see the driver in their mirrors, they can’t see you either. Take extra caution when passing trucks so you’re not in their “no-zones” for too long.
3. Passenger vehicles think there’s enough time to make a left turn.
It’s easy to misjudge an oncoming vehicle’s speed when you’re attempting to make a left turn at an intersection. If you are not 100% sure you have enough time and space to make a left before an oncoming truck, wait a little longer to make your turn until you know for sure it is safe to do so.
The consequences of being impatient in these instances can be fatal. Do yourself a favor and wait to make your turn until you know it is 100% safe to do so.
We’re Here To Help
If you’ve been involved in an injury-sustaining accident, our attorneys at Harmon Parker at here to help. Our team is highly experienced in these sorts of cases and has helped many other people achieve the justice they desired. Don’t hesitate to contact our firm with your case right away.
Call Harmon Parker, Attorneys at Law today at (813) 452-4144 to learn more about how we can help you recover over a free consultation.
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