Tag Archives: road safety

10 Tips for Keeping Safe on the Road Around Large Trucks

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We all know driving can, unfortunately, be a hazardous task. When large trucks become involved, however, that risk is compounded significantly. Operating mammoth vehicles such as these requires an even greater degree of alertness and road safety practices need to be monitored even more closely than usual. Even short trips on desolate highways can quickly turn dangerous if 18-wheelers barreling down the pavement at high speeds don’t exhibit the utmost caution.

It’s important that both drivers of cars and large trucks understand how to protect one another on the roads, and it pays dividends to always approach driving with the ability to stop quickly and take extra precaution around these imposing behemoths. Continue reading to learn 10 tips for keeping safe on the road around large trucks:  from understanding how truck drivers think to being aware of blind spots and leaving plenty of space between you and large vehicles.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Large Truck Accident Attorney in Indianapolis
Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Large Truck Accident Attorney in Indianapolis

How to Avoid Large Truck Accidents on the Road

Driving can be a dangerous activity, and large trucks present an even greater risk on the roads. Sharing the road with large commercial vehicles is unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to help increase your safety when driving around large trucks. Whether driver or trucker, following these 10 tips can help you avoid large truck accidents on the roadways:

1. Stay visible: Large truck drivers have large blind spots and not all truck drivers account for this, so it’s important to make sure you stay in their line of sight when driving around large trucks as much as you can.

2. Pay attention to the speed limit: It is a good idea to stick to the posted speed limit when driving around large trucks, since these vehicles take much longer than cars to stop and turn. This also helps other drivers on the road better anticipate your movements, reducing the chances of an accident.

3. Leave plenty of space: Give big trucks extra room while they are turning or changing lanes if you can. This can be difficult to do in heavy traffic, so if you find yourself stuck behind a large truck, pass it as quickly as possible once you have the chance using appropriate signals.

4. Pass with caution: Make sure there is plenty of time and space before attempting to pass huge trucks. Think about what would happen if the large truck driver suddenly wants to change lanes and does not appropriately use his or her mirrors first, and make sure you’re able to stop or slow down safely before passing large vehicles if possible.

5. Don’t tailgate: Follow large trucks at a safe distance and avoid tailgating them at all costs. If a large truck is going slower than the posted speed limit, don’t try to push them out of your way with your car.

6. Be aware of large truck blind spots: When driving around large trucks, be aware of the zones on either side and directly behind them where they cannot see other vehicles. Make sure to keep your distance from these areas and signal clearly when changing lanes or passing large trucks to reduce the chances of an accident.  Not all truck drivers use their mirrors appropriately.

7. Don’t cut large truck drivers off: Cutting off large truck drivers can be dangerous for both you and the large truck driver, so make sure you give them plenty of warning before you switch lanes in front of them.

8. Respect turn signals: Big trucks have large turning radiuses, so it is important not to attempt to pass large trucks when they are turning. Make sure to respect large truck drivers’ turn signals and wait until they have finished their turn before attempting to pass them.

9. Keep your eyes on the road: Large trucks take longer than standard vehicles and smaller trucks to stop and react, so it is important to pay attention when driving around large trucks. Avoid distractions such as texting or talking on the phone while driving near large trucks and keep your eyes focused on the road at all times.

10. Call a truck accident lawyer if you get into an accident: If you or someone you love has been injured in a large truck accident, contact a knowledgeable Indiana truck accident lawyer immediately for legal advice and assistance with filing a claim.  An experienced attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

How to Protect Yourself After a Large Truck Accident

Following these tips can help keep you safe when driving around large trucks. However, if you or someone you love is injured in a large truck accident, contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible for legal advice and assistance.  With their help, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

Are you looking for an experienced civil litigation law firm to help you determine the best legal strategy to take after your large truck accident in Indiana? Contact Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state, plus Indiana residents injured in other states. With our contingency-fee arrangement, you don’t pay a dime unless we recover an award for you.

Related Posts:

Who Do I Sue After Being Injured By a Semi-Truck?
Recurrent Types of Commercial Trucker Safety Violations
Top Causes of Large Truck Accidents in the United States

Common Distractions That Lead to Intersection Car Crashes

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Were you just injured in a car collision that occurred at an intersection? Was the accident the fault of another driver? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages. Let’s discuss what might have led to the other driver’s negligence, and what you should do to protect your rights and obtain the justice you deserve after being wrongfully injured in a car accident.

Continue below to learn about the most common distractions that lead to intersection car crashes, and where to get the legal facts and advice you can trust regarding the initiation of your personal injury claim.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Intersection Car Crashes Usually Involve a Form of Negligence

When cars collide at an intersection, whether a junction of traffic lights or stop signs, there is always some form of negligence involved; generally, on the part of a driver, since most intersection crashes involve one or more vehicles. However, it could also be due to another at-fault party, such as a J-walking pedestrian, a cyclist who fails to adhere to traffic laws, or even the local government who maybe neglected to repair a traffic light. For the sake of this blog, we will discuss the common distractions that cause drivers of vehicles to be involved in an intersection car accident.

Types of Distractions That Cause Intersection Collisions:

► Intoxication – Whether it be illicit drugs, alcohol, or a type of controlled substance, such as prescription pain medication, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any can be a crime and is negligence. Intoxicated driving happens to also be one of the number one causes of car accident, including intersection crashes. Intoxicated drivers can fall asleep at the wheel, run red lights, increase their speed and lose control of their vehicles in and near an intersection, all of which are very dangerous actions.

► Cell Phones and GPS – Texting, reading, sending emails, and dialing numbers on a cell phone is a top cause of car accidents in the 21st century. As for intersections, texting has caused many injurious, and even fatal crashes. This also includes GPS and navigational devices. Taking the eyes off the road at the wrong time, also while traveling through an intersection, can have grave consequences.

► Drowsiness – Drivers who are fatigued or drowsy, whether from lack of sleep, overload of sugar, a big lunch, or side affects of a medication, are very dangerous. Drowsy driving is incredibly hazardous, especially when traveling through a busy intersection. At night, this danger is even greater. Fatigued driving is a top cause of car accidents, which often take place at traffic light and stop sign intersections.

► Human Error – Another frequent cause of intersection car collisions is basic human error. Sometimes a driver gets confused and anxious about a traffic signal, which is common among new drivers and adolescents. Other times, a distracted driver might drift into the other lane, or even misjudge how long it will take them to come to a complete stop at the light. Sometimes the cause is blatant, intentional recklessness and sometimes it is a lack or reasonable care.

What You Need to Do as a Car Crash Victim in Indiana

If you were injured in a car accident, whether at an intersection or not, it is vital that you immediately seek medical treatment, and retain all documentation of your medical treatment. It is also vital to take photos and retrieve other forms of evidence regarding the details of your car accident, including video recordings, witness contact information, pictures of vehicle damage, pictures of the surrounding car accident scene, and more. You may have a loved one help you gather this type of car accident evidence. From there, be sure to follow all doctors’ orders and appear for all scheduled medical appointments. You will also need to immediately hire a car accident lawyer in Indiana to represent your claim. They can determine if you have a strong case, and then protect your rights to being fully compensated.

How to Get an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Indiana ASAP

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accident injury cases in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement or judgment for you. After a free initial case evaluation, our accident attorneys will determine if your case is worth pursuing, and if it is, we will begin working on it immediately. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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