The thriving U.S. economy relies on the trucking industry for the transportation of a broad range of products. Today, commercial trucks line North Carolina roadways, carrying everything from gasoline and lumber to produce and household goods. At Hunter & Everage, we often represent clients with devastating injuries resulting from a collision with a semi-truck.
According to Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, sharing the road with big trucks is different from driving near other passenger vehicles. There are steps you can take that reduce the risk of a collision and safely share the road.
- When passing a truck, make sure you can see the cab in the rear-view mirror before pulling back into the lane in front of it.
- Maximize visibility by passing on the left.
- Slow down slightly when a tractor-trailer truck passes you.
- Do not pull up to a big rig when it attempts a right turn. The blind spot is bigger on the right, and they may not see you.
- Leave extra space between you and the truck when following one. If you cannot see the side view mirror, they cannot see you.
Due to their size and weight, it takes longer for a commercial truck to stop, and they need more space to maneuver. Keep these factors in mind when traveling the road near them. Driver fatigue and distracted driving on the part of the truck driver may result in a collision with your vehicle, despite precautions. If you or a loved one sustained injury for these or similar reasons, you might have grounds for a claim. Visit our webpage for more information on this topic.
