Avoiding Accidents: Tips from Louisville Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on December 9, 2024
Accidents involving semi-trucks can have devastating consequences, sometimes more than normal car accidents. These large commercial vehicles, weighing tens of thousands of pounds, are capable of causing catastrophic damage when involved in crashes. However, there are practical steps that drivers can take to reduce the risk of being involved in a semi-truck accident. As Louisville-based semi-truck accident lawyers, Cooper and Friedman are committed to helping you stay safe on the road. This holiday season, protect yourself and your loved ones with these tips on avoiding accidents with semi-trucks:
1. Stay Visible and Avoid Blind Spots
One of the most common causes of accidents between passenger vehicles and semi-trucks is when a motorist enters the truck’s blind spots. Semi-trucks have large blind spots on all sides, particularly on the right side, directly in front, and directly behind. These areas can be much larger than those of a regular car, making it more difficult for truck drivers to see other vehicles.
How to Avoid Blind Spots:
- Pass carefully: When overtaking a semi-truck, ensure you do so quickly but safely. Never linger in the blind spot and always pass on the left if possible.
- Use your mirrors: Regularly check your mirrors to confirm you are not in a truck’s blind spot, especially when preparing to change lanes.
2. Give Trucks Extra Space on the Road
Large trucks require more space to maneuver safely, especially when turning or changing lanes. Their sheer size makes it more difficult for them to make tight turns, and their long braking distance means they need more space to come to a complete stop. These things, plus the blind spots mentioned above, necessitate extra caution on the road.
How to Give Semi-Trucks Extra Space:
- Avoid cutting off trucks: Never quickly change lanes in front of a semi-truck, especially when it’s traveling at high speed. Remember that trucks need a longer distance to stop, and cutting in front of one can be dangerous.
- Increase following distance: Maintain a larger following distance behind semi-trucks. This gives you more time to react if the truck needs to slow down or stop suddenly. This is especially important in inclement weather or on slick roads.
3. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
Driver distraction is one of the leading causes of accidents, and it’s especially dangerous when traveling near large commercial trucks. Distracted driving can impair your ability to react quickly to sudden changes in traffic conditions, which can lead to accidents. In some situations, you might not be the distracted driver, either. During the holiday season, there are more trucks on the road, transporting goods from place to place. Fatigue, low visibility at night and during inclement weather, and other factors might impair a semi-truck driver’s driving. Being prepared to react is just as important for you as it is for them.
Additionally, if you do end up contacting semi-truck accident lawyers because you meet the criteria to litigate against the driver or hauling company, any proof that you were driving distracted will make it much more difficult to receive compensation.
Tips for Staying Focused:
- Avoid using your phone: Do not text or make calls while driving. If you need to make a call or check directions, pull over safely first.
- Take breaks on long trips: Fatigue can also lead to distraction. Make sure to take regular breaks on long drives to stay alert and refreshed.
- Pay attention to truck signals: Semi-trucks often use turn signals and brake lights to indicate their next move. Watch for these cues and adjust your driving accordingly.
Contact Cooper and Friedman, Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers, If You’re Involved in an Accident
Even if you follow all safety precautions, accidents can still happen. If you’re involved in an accident with a semi-truck, it’s important to contact an experienced Louisville semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and navigate the claims process. At Cooper and Friedman, we have years of experience representing victims of truck accidents and are committed to securing fair compensation for those who have been harmed.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a semi-truck accident in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced injury attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of semi-truck accident victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.