Avoiding Accidents With Delivery Trucks

As an everyday driver, you’re bound to cross paths with a delivery truck. These large vehicles can be intimidating and pose particular hazards with smaller automobiles.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, truck accidents have risen 52% since 2009, injuring nearly 130,000 individuals. Among the less lucky are those who perished, with 4,102 deaths noted in 2017 alone.

It’s essential, therefore, to understand how to share the road safely with them and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents.

Tips To Avoid Collisions With Delivery Trucks

You must be vigilant and mindful of your surroundings, especially when navigating around trucks. You should always drive carefully, particularly during unfavorable weather conditions, and avoid driving altogether if you feel tired or distracted.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings and Blind Spots

Don’t be caught off guard; always keep an eye out for those lurking blind spots and remain highly alert to your surroundings.

Delivery trucks have significant blind spots that can lead to car accidents if not carefully considered. You must be aware of these zones – directly behind the vehicle, on either side of the delivery vehicle, particularly on the right-hand side, and just in front of the cab. These areas are notorious for causing mishaps, but with diligence and attentiveness, you can avoid them.

Here’s a tip to help dodge such situations: ensure you can see the driver in their side mirror. If you can’t see them, they probably can’t see you either.

Similarly, don’t linger beside or closely behind a delivery truck. Always maintain a safe distance, which allows ample reaction time should something unexpected occur, drastically lowering your chances of being involved in an accident.

Drive Safely, Especially in Bad Weather

When it’s raining, cats and dogs, or snowflakes are swirling in a winter gust, easing off the gas pedal is crucial to steering clear of those big, bustling delivery vehicles. Always remember to drive slowly and carefully during bad weather.

The roads can be slippery, reducing your vehicle’s traction and making it harder to control your car. Moreover, poor visibility makes it difficult to see delivery trucks and other obstacles on the road ahead. Lowering your speed gives you more time to react when something unexpected happens.

These large vehicles take longer to stop than smaller cars, especially on wet or icy surfaces; therefore, keeping a safe distance will help prevent accidents with delivery trucks.

You’re ensuring road safety by staying alert and adapting your driving habits according to the weather conditions. So even if you’re running late for work or an appointment, remember that no deadline is worth risking an accident – always prioritize safety above speed.

As Drivers, You Shouldn’t Drive While Fatigued or Distracted

Avoiding mishaps with delivery trucks requires that drivers stay alert and focused at all times. A tired driver can easily cause a truck accident, resulting in severe consequences for everyone involved.

Another significant factor leading to delivery truck accidents is distracted driving. Whether scrolling through your phone, eating, or fiddling with the radio, these distractions take your attention away from what’s essential: safe driving.

Remember, you’re responsible for a vehicle, and other car operators on the road. So keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel to ensure a safe journey for yourself and others around you.

Signal Early and Be Prepared To Yield the Right of Way

When navigating bustling highways, it’s crucial to turn your signal properly in advance before turning or changing lanes and always be ready to yield the right of way when necessary.

Doing so helps avoid motorcycle accidents or collisions with delivery trucks. Be mindful that truck operators sit high above other vehicles in traffic, which can limit their visibility. Your early signal gives them enough warning that you’re about to make a move.

In addition, giving room is vital when sharing roads with delivery trucks. If you see a large truck trying to turn or merge into your lane, it’s wise for etiquette and safety; hence, you should back off and allow them the space they need. A large truck requires more roadway than smaller vehicles due to their size and weight.

Remembering this could save you from being caught in an unsavory situation where you’re sandwiched between a large truck and other traffic. Always watch for their indicators, too – if a truck driver signals their intentions timely, respect it by yielding appropriately.

Be Extra Careful On Roads When Backing Up

Backing up can be particularly tricky, especially if a delivery truck is nearby; it’s crucial to exercise extra caution.

Truck mishaps often occur when drivers underestimate the space needed for large vehicles like delivery trucks to maneuver or fail to notice them while reversing. Always double-check your rear-view and side mirrors before backing up. If you’re in an area with lots of traffic, consider asking someone to guide you.

 

Always keep these tips in mind to save you from an unfortunate accident, truck-related or otherwise.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Truck Collisions?

It often boils down to driver error in incidents, vehicle malfunctions, unpredictable weather conditions, and even certain traffic and road situations. All these factors can play significant roles in these unfortunate events with a truck.

Driver Error in Car Incidents

Driver error, such as distracted driving or fatigue, often plays a significant role in many truck accidents.

Common causes of these incidents range from improper training or oversight to reckless behavior. For instance, everything from text messaging while driving, which takes the driver’s attention away from the road and increases the likelihood of an accident, to speeding or aggressive driving, can culminate in a devastating collision. They frequently result in severe injury and even death.

Vehicle Malfunctions

Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and steering failures aren’t just inconvenient – they’re potential disasters waiting to happen on the road.

When you’re behind the wheel, these mechanical issues can quickly escalate into a full-blown catastrophe. A large truck has more momentum than a typical car, making even minor malfunctions a significant hazard.

That’s why, drivers must keep their vehicles in top condition to prevent such accidents from happening. Checking for wear and tear on tires, ensuring brakes are responsive, and maintaining accurate steering are all vital components of safe driving.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions, especially those extreme or unpredictable, can significantly exacerbate the risk of mishaps on the road. When it comes to delivery trucks, bad weather multiplies the dangers as these vehicles have a larger size and weight compared to your average vehicle.

Heavy rain, snow, fog, or high winds can reduce visibility drastically, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles or traffic signals. The same weather conditions also make roads slippery and hard to navigate. This is particularly true for delivery trucks, which require a longer distance than smaller cars to stop completely.

Furthermore, driving a delivery truck in adverse weather conditions requires exceptional skill and attention from drivers. It’s not just about navigating their way through reduced visibility and slippery roads; they also need to consider the impact of strong winds on their large vehicle’s stability while moving among regular traffic.

Traffic and Road Conditions

When it comes to trucks, which are larger and harder to maneuver than most vehicles, traffic and road conditions influencing accidents become a pivotal issue. These conditions play a substantial role in truck collisions, often leading to severe consequences that go beyond material damage.

The following list highlights the three primary factors:

1. Congested Traffic: This increases the chances of a truck getting involved in car accidents due to sudden braking or erratic lane changes by other drivers. As a result, delivery drivers must be extra vigilant in heavy traffic situations.
2. Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, or poorly marked lanes can lead to crashes involving trucks as they require more distance for stopping and have less overall control.
3. Road Work Zones: These areas are notorious for causing confusion with abrupt changes in speed limits and unexpected obstacles.

What To Do if You’re Involved in a Truck Accident

If you’ve unexpectedly found yourself in a truck accident, remember to stay calm and collected. Your actions post-accident could significantly influence the outcome of any potential legal battles.

Immediately call 911 if there are any injuries or significant damage. Be sure not to leave the scene before help arrives, as this could lead you into legal trouble.

Once everyone’s safety is assured, try to document the scene as much as possible. Take pictures or video footage of both vehicles involved, their placement on the road, and any visible damages.

Next up, exchange details with all parties involved, but remember to be careful about what you say. Even an innocent ‘sorry’ can be taken as an admission of guilt in some jurisdictions. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with all necessary information about the accident – including police reports if available.

If anyone got injured or if there’s a dispute over who was at fault, it is wise to consult with a seasoned lawyer specializing in truck or car accidents. Remember that your ultimate aim is to ensure you get through this situation without any harm and legally soundly.

Team Up With a Legal Professional

When it comes to dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, having a lawyer by your side could be your smartest move yet. A skilled attorney can help you with the complex legalities surrounding such incidents, and they’re adept at ensuring that all necessary documents are properly filed.

They can handle insurance companies on your behalf, which is especially beneficial if you’ve suffered injuries or property damage. Remember, these experts are well-versed in laws related to truck accidents and can guide you in making informed decisions.

Involving an attorney early in the process has several advantages:

• Easing Your Burden: Dealing with injuries and repairs can be stressful enough without adding legal concerns into the mix. Lawyers take care of all the legal aspects so you can focus on recovery.
• Increasing Your Chances of Fair Compensation: They understand how to calculate fair compensation based on medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. They’re experienced negotiators who won’t be taken advantage of by insurance companies that want to minimize payouts.

With an expert at your side advocating for your rights and fighting for just compensation, you have a better chance of achieving a positive result.

Accidents With Delivery Trucks

Dealing with a truck accident can be emotionally and physically draining, but having a seasoned lawyer on your side can truly make all the difference in securing fair and just compensation.

They can navigate complex legal procedures, gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance firms, and represent you in court. Their expertise and experience will ensure your rights are protected and you get what you rightly deserve.

However, prevention is always better than cure. It’s crucial to stay vigilant while on the road. Keep a safe distance from delivery trucks around you, respect traffic rules and regulations, remain focused, and never underestimate the unpredictability of other drivers’ actions.

Remember that safety should always be your top priority – for yourself and others sharing the road with you.

Are You In a Wreck and Need Help Getting the Compensation You Deserve?

Partner with an experienced and talented delivery truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Stuart M. Kerner, PC. Our team is caring, compassionate, and results-driven.

Trust us when we say that your well-being is our top priority. Our lawyers are skilled at investigating intricate cases, pulling together all necessary evidence to build a strong case for you.

At Law Offices of Stuart M. Kerner, PC., we’re here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a delivery truck, our experienced team of attorneys is here to help.

We understand that such accidents can be life-altering, causing physical pain, emotional turmoil, and financial stress. Hence, we work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and get you the necessary relief.

We’ll guide you through every step of your legal journey, keeping things as simple as possible so that you can focus on recovery. At the same time, we handle the complex legal work. For more information, call (718) 796-7900 today.