Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu
Shreveport Personal Injury Lawyer
Free Consultation
Call Today!
Shreveport Injury Lawyer > Blog > Truck Accident > How To Avoid A Trucking Crash

How To Avoid A Trucking Crash

18Wheeler

Collisions in Shreveport involving large trucks like 18-wheelers or semi-trucks often result in debilitating and life-threatening injuries. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) emphasizes that large trucks usually weigh about 20 or 30 times as much as a passenger vehicle like a car or small SUV, which means that collisions often are devastating to occupants of those smaller passenger vehicles. To be sure, big rigs can crush smaller cars, and smaller vehicles can underride large trucks since 18-wheelers have much greater ground clearance. It is important to understand that both truck drivers and other motorists can take steps to prevent collisions. What do you need to know about preventing a serious trucking crash? Consider the following information from our Shreveport truck injury lawyers.

How Truck Drivers Can Prevent Crashes 

What can truckers do to help prevent collisions in and around Shreveport? It is important to think about the following safety tips:

  • Check your truck and its contents before you get on the road, including an assessment of the loading of the trailer and any potential mechanical issues that could result in an accident or problems on the road;
  • Always drive at a safe speed, which may include slowing down significantly for inclement weather such as a thunderstorm;
  • Plan your route well ahead of time and avoid a situation where you feel the need to speed to reach your destination.
  • Avoid all distractions behind the wheel, including texting while driving, talking on a cell phone while driving, eating, and other distractions;
  • Ensure that you follow the hours-of-service regulations set by the FMCSA.
  • Always get enough sleep before you drive, recognizing that drowsy driving is a frequent cause of collisions involving large trucks; and
  • See a doctor if you have signs of sleep apnea, which could lead to a drowsy driving crash;
  • Never consume alcohol before driving a large truck, and avoid any prescription medications that could cause drowsiness or that could affect your ability to drive safely.

When truck drivers cause crashes, they can be liable for injuries. In addition, other parties also may be liable for injuries, such as the truck driver’s employer. Even when a truck driver’s negligence does not result in the crash, it may still be possible to file a compensation claim.

How Motorists Can Prevent Dangerous Trucking Collisions 

Drivers of cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks can also take steps to prevent collisions with large trucks by doing the following:

  • Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spot;
  • Always pass an 18-wheeler on the left;
  • Pass a large truck as quickly as possible;
  • Leave more distance behind any large truck than you would another passenger vehicle; and
  • Avoid dangerous driving behaviors such as distracted driving and intoxicated driving.

Contact a Shreveport Truck Injury Attorney 

If you or somebody you love got hurt in a large truck crash, you may be eligible to seek financial compensation by filing a claim against a negligent truck driver or another liable party. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm to learn more about your options. One of the experienced Shreveport truck injury attorneys at Rice & Kendig, LLC can discuss your case with you today.

Sources:

iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations

Share This Page:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
1030 Kings Highway
Shreveport, Louisiana 71104
Office: 318-222-2772
Shreveport-Bossier City

© 2020 - 2024 Rice & Kendig, LLC. All rights reserved. This law firm
website and legal marketing are managed by MileMark Media.