5 Things You Can Do To Decrease The Risk Of A Truck Accident

Metier Law Firm
Tue, 23 Jun 2020 00:00:24 +0000
Truck Accidents, auto accident law firm, best accident attorneys, semi truck crash settlements, truck accident attorney, truck accident law firm, truck crash settlements, trucking accidents

There are certain things we never expect to happen to us. These scenarios can range from medical malpractice to life-altering illnesses to personal injury at the hands of another. Though we may think and hope it never happens to our family, the reality is that you are at risk — just as anyone else is.

Here at Metier Law Firm, we also hope you never have to experience a harrowing personal injury. However, if something does happen and you need representation, then we’re here for you. As personal injury attorneys and truck accident lawyers in Wyoming, we’ve seen the devastating effects of personal injury, and we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve. We recognize that your life may never be the same — but we’ll do all we can to help it improve.

One of the most common personal injuries we handle here at Metier Law Firm are truck accident cases. Truck crash settlements are unique, challenging, and specialized. You want a team of truck accident lawyers who understand trucking accidents and will be the best accident attorneys for your case. Throughout Gillette, Casper, Cheyenne, and Laramie, you can count on us.

In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss five simple things you can do (and make sure your kids do) when driving in order to decrease the risk of a truck accident. Wyoming gets its fair share of truckers on the road — these tips can help you and your loved ones stay safe. If you’ve been the victim of a truck accident, then contact us today to schedule a risk-free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Wyoming.

Always Use Your Signals

Sound like Driving 101? This may be a simple task that you hopefully already do, but think about it: you’re driving along I-80 toward Cheyenne, there are hardly any cars on the road, and you go to pass a semi. Do you actually use your turn signal to show you’re moving?

As truck accident lawyers, we’ve seen so many trucking accidents that resulted from miscommunication — and using your signals when moving lanes or turning is communication when on the road.

To avoid trucking accidents, however, we recommend using your signal sooner than you typically would. This allows enough time for the truck driver to adjust their driving. A sudden lane change without signaling or without an appropriate time allotment could result in a collision.

Avoid Blind Spots

As truck accident attorneys who handle these types of personal injury cases all the time, we know that most people know to avoid a truck’s blind spots. However, do you or your children know exactly where those blind spots are? Blind spots on a truck can be very different than they are on a typical car.

As a general rule, the truck driver most likely can’t see you if you cannot see the driver in the truck’s side mirrors. By allowing plenty of space between you and the truck, you can decrease the risk of a trucking accident.

Avoid the following areas as much as possible:

20 feet in front of the truck

30 feet behind the truck

The lane on the driver’s side going back to about half of the trailer’s length

Two lanes wide on the passenger side of the truck

Eliminate Distractions

As you’re on the road to Devils Tower National Monument to Grand Teton National Park with family, we’re sure you’re blasting tunes, biting into a sandwich, and having fun. Wyoming roads, however, are full of large trucks that could dramatically change your fun trip with family. We’re not saying you shouldn’t have fun on your road trip or be stressed out on your drive to work; we simply recommend you avoid distractions as much as possible.

Anything that takes your mind, hands, or eyes off the road would be considered a distraction. From phones to loud passengers to food and drinks, there are a lot of things out there that can negatively affect your focus when driving. By eliminating distractions to the best of your ability, you can reduce the risk of trucking accidents and the potential that you would ever even need a truck accident lawyer.

Pass Carefully

Passing a commercial truck isn’t as simple or straightforward as passing a smaller vehicle. Because large trucks can’t maneuver as easily as you can and can’t stop as quickly, you should pass them cautiously.

Let’s say you pass a semi and you don’t have much space in front of you after passing. The semi may not be able to slow down quickly enough to not rear-end you. Here’s an example of the devastation that could ensue:

If a loaded 18-wheeler were to rear-end you at 25 mph, you’d be hit with 179,844 pounds of force. For a 2,000-pound Honda Civic to rear-end you with the same amount of force, it would have to be traveling at 442 mph. See the difference? Now imagine if the 18-wheeler were actually driving at 65 mph or faster.

These facts and figures are scary, but they’re the truth. Any truck accident lawyer out there knows the extreme devastation that can take place during a trucking accident — and that’s exactly why Metier Law Firm fights for truck crash settlements that get you the compensation you deserve.

When passing, we recommend you practice the following tips:

Don’t merge back into your former lane until you clearly see the truck driver in your rearview mirror.

If a truck passes you, stay on the right and slow down. This will minimize how long you’re in the blind spot.

While passing, maintain your speed and use the appropriate signals. Pass on the left side so it’s easier for the driver to see you.

Don’t pass a truck while you’re traveling up- or downhill.

Share The Road

When you drive near a truck, most truck accident attorneys and first responders will recommend you give the truck plenty of space. There are many accidents that trucks are simply more prone to — and you don’t want to be too close to them if one were to occur. Trucks are more prone to tire blowouts, more susceptible to the high winds in Wyoming, and may brake more suddenly. All of these instances could lead to a trucking accident for you if you’re too close.

In an effort to share the road, we also recommend the following:

Truck drivers often make wide turns. Give the truck plenty of space when turning.

Your following distance behind a large commercial truck should be at least four seconds.

Don’t pass a right-turning truck on the right.

Meet A Truck Accident Lawyer In Wyoming Today

If you’ve been in a truck accident, then you want the best accident attorneys for your case. We invite you to schedule a risk-free consultation with our truck accident lawyers today to see if Metier Law Firm is the best for you. We’ve handled a wide variety of trucking accidents and work tirelessly to help you reach a truck crash settlement. Contact our team of truck accident lawyers today to get started. We work throughout Gillette, Casper, Cheyenne, and Laramie. For strength when you need it, you can count on Metier Law Firm.