Do You Understand the Difference Between Large Trucks and Cars?
If you do not understand the difference, it could be deadly. Commercial vehicles are essential for transporting goods across the country. Trucks are one of the most efficient and cost-effective means of sending large loads from state to state. However, this requires that we share the roads with these very large vehicles. Sadly, sharing the road with a commercial vehicle can be dangerous.
According to the NHTSA, the majority of fatalities and injuries in large truck accidents occur to occupants of other vehicles. During 2015, fatalities in large truck accidents increased by four percent from 2014. Of the 4,067 fatalities in truck accidents, 74 percent of those deaths were occupants of other vehicles. Injuries increased in 2014 by 11 percent with 73 percent of the 116,000 injuries being sustained by occupants of other vehicles.
Because we must share the interstates and streets with commercial trucks, it is important to understand the differences to avoid a truck accident. If you are injured in a large truck or commercial truck accident, you need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights. Call (888) 500-5000 now for a free appointment with a Fresno truck accident lawyer.
Difference Between Trucks and Cars
Some of the important differences between these vehicles that often lead to truck accidents include:
- It takes longer for a truck to stop than a car. A fully loaded truck traveling at 55 miles per house takes longer to stop than a passenger vehicle because of the size and weight. Even a truck running without a load will take much longer to stop. Cutting in front of a commercial truck can be deadly. When changing lanes in front of a truck or turning in front of a truck, allow plenty of room to avoid a collision.
- Trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. Because of the length of a truck, the driver cannot see everything surrounding the trailer. It is never wise to drive in a truck’s blind spot. Learn the blind spots or “No Zones” for a truck and avoid driving in those areas.
- Truck tires can be very dangerous when they experience a “blow out” or lose pieces of tread on the interstate. While the truck continues without much trouble because of the other tires, the huge chunks of tire in your path can cause a road hazard accident. Be careful when following a truck — extra distance between you and truck can give you the time you need to avoid the debris from the truck tires.
- Other objects can fall from trucks creating hazards. Debris from the truck’s load can fall into the road causing a dangerous condition. Again, allowing more space between you and a commercial truck is one way to reduce the risk of an accident from road debris.
Call a Fresno Truck Accident Attorney?
Even if you take every step to be safe, you cannot control what a truck driver may do behind the wheel. If you are injured in a truck accident, call our Fresno truck accident attorneys for a free consultation.
Contact Torem & Associates by telephone at (888) 500-5000 or online by using the contact form on our website to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Central California Valley truck accident lawyers.
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