Behind the Wheel: Preventive Measures and Knowing When to Consult a Dallas Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a truck accident in Texas that was caused by another driver’s wrongdoing or negligence, reach out to a Dallas truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can ensure your personal injury case is successful and that you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to.

 
Texas highways and roadways are packed with oversized commercial trucks, which unfortunately means that trucking accidents can and do occur quite often. If you want the minimize your chances of being involved in a Dallas trucking accident, it is important to know how to share the road safely with these gigantic vehicles.

What Can I Do to Prevent Being Involved in a Dallas Truck Accident?

Some steps drivers can take to reduce their risk of being injured in a commercial trucking accident are:

Remember They Need More Room

A standard passenger vehicle is faster, smaller, and much easier to steer than a large commercial truck. It is vital that you give large trucks ample room to maneuver so an accident can be avoided. If you cut off a commercial truck or follow one too closely, you increase the chances of a serious accident.

Don’t Cut Them Off

While it can be aggravating to slow down to allow a commercial truck into your lane, it is the smartest and safest action that you can take. Speeding up to get in front of the truck increases the odds of an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer rear-ending you. Always give commercial trucks plenty of room when they are changing lanes and only pass when it is absolutely safe to do so.

Don’t Forget About the Blind Spots

No vehicle has more blind spots than a commercial truck. These include about 30 feet in front of the cab, behind and under the driver’s side window, about 20 feet behind the trailer, and the righthand side of the cab all the way to the end of the trailer. These blind spots are enormous compared to the blind spots on a standard passenger vehicle. Due to this, drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and anyone else on the roadway should take preventative measures to make sure they are visible to truck drivers. Remember, if you can’t see the driver, he can’t see you.

Tap Your Brakes

If you need to slow down for any reason, you should tap your brakes a few times before trying to stop. When you flash your brake lights, it lets the truck driver know you are about to slow down or stop, which will reduce the risk of a rear-end collision.

Exercise Caution in Dangerous Conditions

Unlike passenger vehicles, oversized commercial trucks tend to spray a great deal of snow, water, mud, and other debris flying from under their tires as they travel down the highway. During inclement weather, you should always leave as much room as possible between you and any large trucks. This will help you stay visible to the truck driver and avoid getting struck or blinded by any debris.

What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Dallas Truck Accident?

If you are injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, there is a strong possibility that you will sustain extensive injuries and considerable property damage. If this happens, get yourself to a safe location away from traffic and notify the authorities. Regardless of how you feel, you should always seek prompt medical attention. Doing so will ensure that any injuries you sustained are both treated and documented. 

Gather any evidence you can about the crash. This will help you prove liability and increase your chances of recovering full and fair financial compensation.

Commercial truck accidents can be frightening and overwhelming. However, an experienced Dallas truck accident attorney can help guide you through the next steps you need to take. Their goal is to help you receive as much financial compensation as possible for your injuries and other damages. With the help of a skilled litigator, you can rest assured that you have someone on your side with the resources and knowledge necessary to achieve a successful outcome on your injury claim.