In 2015, there were a total of 11,887 crashes involving a tractor-trailer in New York State. One person is injured or killed in a truck accident every 16 minutes in the United States and the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates over 500,000 truck crashes occur each year.

The Significance of Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Due to the size of the transportation vehicle, tractor-trailer accidents usually result in severe injuries or death. Nearly 5,000 victims are killed in truck accidents every year. Almost 98 percent of the time, the drivers of the other vehicle are killed in the semi-truck accident. The extent of injuries ranges from back and neck injuries, broken bones, head injuries, internal injuries, to death.

5 Tips on Avoiding Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Help yourself to avoid a tractor-trailer crash. Take a look at these tips to avoid a collision.

1. Pay attention – Always be alert when driving down the road, especially around tractor-trailers. Treat these trucks differently than you would other vehicles. Their size and weight can make it difficult to stop the truck or the ability to change lanes quickly. Keep a safe distance.

2. Stay as visible as possible – Though it is inevitable sometimes, try your best to avoid the semi-truck driver’s blind spots. If you cannot see the driver in his or her mirrors, they most likely cannot see you. Pay close attention to turn signals and slow down to avoid being in the path of the truck.

3. If you must pull over on the highway, pull completely off the road – If you must pull over to attend a flat tire or other malfunction, make sure you are completely off the road. A minor sway over the white line by a tractor-trailer can cause a severe crash. Also, if a fatigued driver sees your car, he or she may assume you are still a part of traffic unless you are all the way off the road.

4. Say “No” to road rage – Don’t take out your aggression on a truck. As previously stated, their size and weight may make it difficult to stop so cutting off a semi-truck on the highway may lead to a catastrophic collision.

5. Expect the unexpected – Don’t assume the driver can see you. Don’t assume they will use a turn signal. Don’t assume they will be able to stop. Always play it safe when it comes to sharing the road with tractor-trailers.

What to Do If You’re in a Tractor-Trailer Accident

If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck, remain calm. Ensure everyone is safe and unharmed. If you or any of your passengers are injured, call for medical help immediately. If possible, remove yourself from any line of oncoming traffic. Dial 911 to report the accident, so that police and emergency medical help can be dispatched. It is also a good idea to take photos and make observations of the scene of the accident if it is safe to do so. Once you have sought medical attention from a professional, it may be time to consider contacting a truck accident lawyer.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a tractor-trailer accident, you need The People’s Lawyer on your side. Brindisi, Murad, Brindisi & Pearlman are a team of experienced truck accident lawyers with the knowledge and passion to fight for you. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Share this blog with your friends…

Tags: Truck Accidents