Truck Accidents and Their Devastating Impact
May 29, 2019
Truck accidents are known for causing massive property damage and severe, often fatal injuries due to the massive size and weight of the average commercial truck. Unfortunately, it is usually the occupants of the passenger vehicles who suffer the most severe injuries, while the truck driver often walks away without a scratch. When driving in the vicinity of a large truck, motorists can avoid devastating truck accidents by keeping important safety tips in mind.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 70 percent of people who died in truck accidents were the occupants of the passenger vehicle, and not the truck driver. One tragic example of a fatal truck accident is one that occurred recently in Denver, where an out-of-control tractor-trailer slammed into a traffic jam at a high speed. The crash caused four fatalities and six injuries that required treatment at a nearby hospital. The crash also caused major property damage, including car fires, significant debris in the road, and damage to a bridge and the asphalt below. Police charged the truck driver with multiple counts of vehicular homicide.
Safety Tips When Driving Near Large Trucks
- Avoid a truck’s blind spots: Commercial trucks have very large blind spots. If you cannot see the driver’s face in the truck’s side mirror, assume the truck driver cannot see you.
- Use caution when passing: Make sure you can see the truck driver in the rearview mirror. Signal before changing lanes and move quickly out of the truck’s blind spot. Never pass a large truck when going down a hill because they can quickly pick up speed, making it unsafe to pass.
- Never cut in front of a truck: In addition to being in a truck’s blind spot, if you move in too quickly, you run the risk of being rear-ended, since trucks require more time to stop than regular cars.
- Do not tailgate: If you are following too closely behind a truck, and the truck hits the brakes, you could slide underneath the truck. This can cause severe and fatal injuries if your car ends up under the truck.
- Remember that trucks make wide turns: To complete a turn, trucks may need to start the turn from the middle lane. Never attempt to sneak past a truck while it is turning or get in the way of the truck by blocking an intersection.
- Always wear a seat belt: You should do this every time you are in a car as it can save your life or significantly reduce the severity of the injuries if you are involved in a truck accident.
- Stay awake and alert: Do not allow yourself to be distracted or fatigued while driving, particularly if there are large, commercial trucks on the road. Do not drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Serious Truck Accidents
If you were seriously injured in a truck accident, you are urged to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will determine who is responsible for causing the accident and hold that person accountable for their actions. Our dedicated team will secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
