How To Avoid Truck Accidents

West Virginia sadly is rife with truck accidents, with the diverse geography of our state connected by very serpentine roadways and interstates that weave up and down mountains and hollows. This creates the

perfect storm for tractor trailer accidents throughout the State of WV. When an accident happens between a commercial truck and passenger car, the results can be devastating. The victim driver may suffer from crushed limbs, broken bones, head trauma and more. This is why many car drivers may steer clear of commercial trucks when they appear on the road, to avoid being part of a truly tragic collision. The majority of car drivers are keenly aware of how vast commercial trucks can be in size. However, they may not know that these large trucks can weigh almost twenty times more than the standard passenger car. Then on the other hand, the average car may weigh a measly four thousand pounds. An attorney can help you seek compensation from the truck driver who hit you in a truck accident. We have likely represented clients just like you, who are simply trying to find ways to get back onto their feet. When a commercial truck and passenger car collide, it is easy to see why the passenger car driver can endure the worst injuries and damages. Understandably, a car driver may wonder what they can do to avoid being involved in a truck accident to help prevent being smashed into by a commercial truck when sharing the road.

Maintain a Safe Distance To Avoid Truck Accidents

When near a commercial truck on the road, stay a safe distance away to help prevent an accident. Keep in mind that since these vehicles weigh thousands and thousands of pounds, it may take much longer to come to a complete halt or accelerate. Watch out for trucks that may be approaching from behind you in the same lane, when stopped at a light or stop sign. If the truck appears to not be breaking when they should, get out of the way as quickly as you can. Inexperienced truckers may not realize they need additional time to fully break, causing a rear-end accident.

Pass Trucks With Care

Always approach passing an 18 wheeler or other commercial truck with care and attention. The need to exercise care when passing holds particularly true in West Virginia, where the interstates are always winding and littered with bridges. Large trucks do not always do the best at maintaining their lane, even on the straightest of roadways, so in WV you are likely to encounter a lot of trucks encroaching on your lane or taking up multiple lanes. As you approach and begin to pass a truck, be sure that you have a safe amount of room – avoid passing at high speeds over narrow overpasses or around sharp bends in the road. You should also always be mindful of passing while going uphill, as trucks in WV are notorious for sudden lane changes, to get around an even-slower-moving truck ahead of them.

Call Police if Needed

Truckers that are not operating such a large vehicle with care may need to be pulled over by a police officer. An attorney suggests that if you witness a truck maneuvering in an unsafe manner, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. The truck driver may be falling asleep or distracted while behind the wheel. Here are examples of trucker unsafe driving practices that may require law enforcement intervention:

• Excessive speeding
• Not checking blind spots for other vehicles
• Using a cell phone distractedly
• Nodding off while driving
• Not using turn signals
• Weaving in and out of traffic

Meeting With A Competent Truck Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love has already been in a commercial truck accident, you may want to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. The trucker or trucking company may have to compensate you for your losses as a result of the crash. If you or a loved one were involved in a tractor trailer or other commercial truck accident in West Virginia, consider calling one of the best WV truck accident attorneys at Adams Legal Group, PLLC, in Morgantown, WV right away. They can perform an evaluation of your situation and give you advice on how to proceed. You may only have a specific amount of time to take legal action, so do not hesitate! Call us today – (304) 381-2166.