Each year more than 5,000 people are killed in accidents involving big trucks, leaving another 130,000 seriously injured. And while the sheer size of semis gives them ownership of the road, about half the time it's the passenger vehicle, not the semi truck, which is at fault.
Because of the severity of car vs. truck accidents, Utah motorists are cautioned to be extra careful when driving next to or near an 18-wheeler. There are some basic guidelines motorists can follow to help keep themselves and their passengers safe when driving near big rigs:
- Stay at least 20 car lengths behind a truck when you are driving in the same lane. Semi trucks are heavy and pressing on the brakes in an emergency will still require the truck to travel a great distance before it comes to a full stop. If you are too close, you could hit it from behind. The driver may also not see you. Trucks have blind spots, especially from behind.
- When passing a truck, do so quickly. Look at the signal blinker to make sure the truck isn't about to change lanes. If the truck is blinking, then give it plenty of room and let it go first.
- If you can't see them, they can't see you; you have probably seen this warning posted on a semi - it's true. If the tractor trailer's side-view mirrors aren't visible, promptly change your speed or position so that the trucker knows you are nearby.
- Don't pull into traffic in front of a nearby semi. Many are tempted to quickly pull out before a semi because they don't want to get stuck behind the large vehicle. However, trucks have long braking distances - if you cut them off you may get rear-ended by 80,000 pounds.
But if you are driving safely and are still injured in an accident caused by a semi truck, you are entitled to legal recourse. There are assortments of parties you may be able to hold liable, a few include the driver, trucking company and truck or tire manufacturer. A variety of damages may also be available, including hospital and medical expenses and resulting disabilities.
Please contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney; when contacting a personal injury lawyer ensure that he or she has ample experience in trucking cases. Directly ask the attorney about their experience in semi-truck accident litigation because these cases can be extremely complex - experience plays a crucial role.
