Zimmer, Duncan & Cole

Mistakes to Avoid When Driving Around Commercial Trucks

Avoiding these four things when sharing the road with large trucks can save your life:

• 1. Cutting off a truck in traffic or on the highway to reach an exit or turn: Cutting in front of a truck is always dangerous. The truck cannot stop or slow down quickly enough to avoid hitting you. Do not speed up to pass a truck in order to reach an exit ramp first, as you will give the truck driver far too little room or time to react.
• 2. Lingering alongside a truck when passing: Always pass a large truck on the left side, and after you pass the truck, move ahead of it. Otherwise, you make it very difficult for the truck driver to take the necessary action to avoid any unseen circumstances.
• 3. Following too closely or tailgating: When you follow so closely behind a truck that you cannot see the truck driver's side view mirrors, the driver cannot see you as you are in a blind spot. Tailgating behind a truck, or any vehicle, is also dangerous, because you limit the other vehicle's ability to react quickly.
• 4. Underestimating the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer: A large tractor-trailer often appears to be traveling at a slower speed because of its size. At intersections, cars often make the mistake of miscalculating a truck's speed and pulling out in front, which can cause a collision.

It is vital to be aware of your surroundings when you are diving around large commercial vehicles. If you have been the victim of an accident involving a large commercial truck, your best bet for ensuring that you get the compensation you need for your injuries is experienced and knowledgeable representation.

For more information about your legal rights in these cases, or to schedule a free consultation if you have been injured, you should call us right away. Our experienced attorneys can give you the information you need to take immediate action.

Call Zimmer, Duncan & Cole today at (888) 733-2992, or fill out the form on this page. If you are too injured to travel, we may even be able to come to you.