Any accident with a commercial truck, regardless of the location or speed, can result in serious injury or even death. Since a truck-passenger vehicle accident is so dangerous, you should do whatever you can to protect yourself.
It doesn’t matter where you’re driving, there’s no way to avoid commercial trucks. Trucks will always be in close proximity to your vehicle, especially when you’re on the interstate.
Here are five things you can personally do to prevent an accident with a truck:
- Avoid the no-zone: This is the area behind and next to commercial trucks where the driver has limited visibility. You don’t want to find yourself in this area for too long.
- Pass on the left: If you’re going to pass a truck, make sure you do so in the left lane. The right lane is never for passing.
- Merge carefully: As you merge onto the highway, pay close attention to any trucks. If you misjudge the speed and/or size of an approaching truck, it can result in an accident.
- Change lanes carefully: Leave plenty of space when changing lanes in front of a truck.
- Don’t drive between large trucks: Sometimes it’s difficult to avoid, but don’t get into the habit of driving between commercial trucks for too many miles.
You don’t have any control over what a truck driver does, but you can watch for people who are breaking the law. For example, if a trucker is driving at an excessive speed, move out of the way and keep your distance. Or if you see a trucker on their cellphone, leave as much space between your vehicles as possible.
If you are in an accident, make sure to see a doctor, and get evaluated for injuries. Once you do that, take these steps:
- Contact your insurance company
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Contact a lawyer to talk about your next best steps
Being in a truck accident has the potential to change your life forever. Whenever possible, it’s best to avoid the accident before it happens.
