Semi-trucks play an important role in the modern economy. They provide affordable overland transportation for goods and raw materials. The trucking industry helps keep domestic transportation costs reasonable and consumer prices low. Unfortunately, there is a trade-off for those economic benefits. Semi-trucks are a major threat to smaller vehicles in traffic.
What do motorists typically need to know about better ensuring their safety when they must share the road with commercial trucks?
Be aware of the blind spots
Every vehicle has blind spots that the driver cannot readily see. The trailers on commercial trucks are so large that their blind spots are far bigger than other drivers may realize. Typically, motorists should try to avoid traveling immediately to the left of a semi-truck’s trailer or in the two lanes to the right of the trailer. They should also be cautious when driving directly behind the trailer of a semi-truck. Not only can the driver of the semi-truck overlook them, but the driver of the passenger vehicle may not notice oncoming traffic if they decide to pass the commercial truck.
Accommodate wide turns
Whenever drivers approach an intersection, they typically need to scan their surroundings to look for potential hazards. A semi-truck approaching an intersection or already stopped at one is an indicator that a driver may need to adjust their standard conduct. They may need to stop farther back from the intersection than they otherwise would. Doing so reduces the risk of a crash caused by a truck performing a wide turn.
Pass and merge safely
The final critical safety tip has to do with what happens when drivers turn in front of a semi-truck or merge into their lane of traffic. Semi-trucks take longer to slow down and stop than smaller vehicles. Drivers need to consider that when they enter the same lane of traffic as a semi-truck. They need to leave additional space between the rear of the vehicle and the front of the semi-truck. They also need to ensure that they reach the same traveling speed or a faster speed than the semi-truck. Otherwise, they could be at risk of an override crash where the semi-truck strikes them from behind and may crush part of their vehicle.
If a semi-truck collision does occur, those affected by the crash may have major losses to address. They could have sustained severe injuries and significant property damage losses. While there are larger insurance policies that apply after semi-truck crashes, the process of negotiating a settlement is often much more intense because of the higher amount of money involved. Additionally, there may be scenarios in which a lawsuit is necessary to fully recoup the cost generated by a semi-truck collision.
Getting the support of a lawyer familiar with semi-truck collision cases can help people handle the process of seeking compensation without overextending themselves. Those who have the right support are less likely to make mistakes after an 18-wheeler collision that could minimize the compensation they receive.