Big Rig Wrecks – Causes and Prevention of Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large truck accidents resulted in 4,764 fatalities and injured another 80,493 people in 2019 alone. Unfortunately, many of these big rig wrecks were likely preventable. Help prevent these accidents from happening to you and your loved ones by learning more about truck wrecks from an attorney with vast experience dealing with cases involving commercial trucks, Pat Maloney of San Antonio, Texas.

Common Causes of Truck Wrecks

According to 18 wheeler accident lawyer Pat Maloney, semi-truck and big rig wrecks can happen for a number of reasons. Some may be attributed to the truck driver themselves, while others are the fault of the other driver or party involved.

TRUCK DRIVERS OFTEN GET IN WRECKS BY:

• Not receiving adequate training or licensing.
• Driving drowsy, especially after working long hours or at night.
• Speeding, in an attempt to meet strict work schedules.
• Failing to maintain their truck or trailer.
• Driving distracted, using their cell phone, texting, or eating.
• Making a traffic error.
• Using drugs or consuming alcohol before driving.
• Inadequately securing or balancing their cargo or load.

OTHER DRIVERS CAN CAUSE THESE WRECKS BY:

• Driving in the blind spots of large trucks and big rigs.
• Making a left turn in front of an oncoming truck at a crossroad or intersection.
• Changing lanes too quickly in front of a truck.
• Merging onto a highway in front of a truck.
• Unsafely passing a truck or failing to signal before passing.
• Failing to change speed accordingly when a truck merges or gets in front of a vehicle.

Truck wrecks are often caused by defective equipment, brake failure, or other problems within the vehicle as well. If you’ve been the victim of a recent truck wreck, contact 18 wheeler accident lawyer Pat Maloney today to discuss your legal options.

PREVENTION OF BIG RIG WRECKS

Many times, truck accidents can be prevented. In order to avoid getting in a truck wreck of your own, follow these tips from 18 wheeler accident lawyer Pat Maloney.

FOR TRUCK DRIVERS:

• Never drive drowsy. Always adhere to the rules of service regulations and never push yourself just to meet deadlines. If you’re feeling tired, pull over to the side of the road and take a nap before continuing on.
• Be aware of your blind spots. Be aware of where cars are around you at all times, especially when preparing to change lanes or pass another vehicle.
• Beware of distracted driving. Avoid texting, phone calls, eating while driving, and other such distractions.
• Keep your distance. Never follow another vehicle too closely. Trucks take a much longer time to stop than traditional passenger vehicles. If the truck in front of you is forced to stop quickly, you could rear-end them.
• Maintain your truck. Ensure your vehicle is properly inspected and in working order before each and every trip. Additionally, make sure any and all cargo is securely fastened and balanced in your trailer.

FOR DRIVERS OF NEARBY VEHICLES:

• Avoid driving along the sides of trucks or directly behind them; these are the driver’s blind spots. If you are forced to drive in these areas, make sure you signal first, and that you make efforts to change lanes as soon as possible.
• Never cut off a truck, and be careful when merging in front of one on a highway.
• If you see an unsafe truck driver, call the number listed on their truck to report the behavior.
• Steer clear of trucks that are turning. Big rigs have a large turn radius and have to swing wide before making a turn; if you’re too close, your vehicle may be right in the truck’s path.

Were you recently injured in a truck wreck? You could be due compensation. Call (210) 226-8888 to discuss your legal options with an 18 wheeler accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Pat Maloney.

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