According to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,964 fatal injuries occurred due to big rig truck accidents in 2013. Between 2009 and 2013, 371 individuals died in truck accidents throughout Nevada. An additional 2,771 persons sustained serious injuries. Without a doubt, driving near these large vehicles poses serious risks if truck drivers and the drivers of passenger vehicles are not careful. As a result, truck drivers and drivers of all other vehicles must work together to create safer roads.
In an article published by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, one big rig driver states it is important for regular drivers to understand the maneuvers truck drivers make and the various blind spots that exist for truck drivers. He adds that majority of the near-accidents he has seen occur when truckers make right-hand turns at an intersection. Because most drivers only see these big-rigs as obstacles, many drivers will try to use the right lane to squeeze around the trucks. Of course, this increases the risks of a serious accident for both drivers.
Tips for Driving Near Big-Rig Trucks
According to the CEO of the Nevada Trucking Association, close to 80% of all collisions involving trucks are caused by the other vehicles involved. To prevent these types of accident from occurring, passenger vehicle drivers should consider the following helpful tips our Las Vegas truck accident lawyers have listed below:
- When passing a truck, pass quickly to avoid staying in the truck driver’s blind spots.
- Avoid cutting off a truck driver. Remember, due to the size of these vehicles, they cannot stop immediately. In fact, it can take a truck up to three football fields to come to a complete stop when traveling at freeway speeds.
- Assume that if you cannot see the truck mirrors, the driver cannot see you. This can help you avoid driving in blind spots.
- Avoid passing a truck on the right as much as possible. Because truck drivers sit in the right-hand seat, they are more able to see your vehicle on that side.
- Do not follow too closely to a big rig truck. If a truck stops suddenly and you do not have room to stop, the collision can be fatal due to force.
Shook & Stone Cares About Your Safety
If you have been involved in a truck accident and believe the truck driver or another passenger vehicle driver should be held responsible, contact our Las Vegas truck accident attorneys at Shook & Stone right away. We can examine your case and determine who should be held liable for your injuries, medical expenses, and emotional damages. Our firm believes that every accident victim reserves the right to obtain affordable representation, and that is why we handle each case on a contingency-fee basis. This means you will not pay a single penny unless we recover compensation for you.
To discuss your case, call Shook & Stone today! We are dedicated to putting relentless representation on your side!
