Semi-Truck Car Accidents- Avoiding Blind Spots and Who’s at Fault.

According to the Federal Motor Safety Administration, between 2014 and 2016, the United States had a total of 2,497 accidents involving a large truck while the vehicle was in transport. As we enter the holiday season, you may find yourself traveling on the highways in adverse weather to see family. This article will help you better understand why these accidents happen, what to do if you are involved in one and how to do your best to prevent them.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Truck accidents happen for a variety of reasons, most prominently:

• Driving under the influence:Although the blood alcohol level for the general population is .08% to qualify for a DUI, drivers who have a CDL have a more strict guideline. If their blood alcohol level is at a .04% when driving, they will be charged with a DUI. The holiday season makes both, car and truck drivers, more susceptible to consuming alcohol. If you are going to enjoy more than one drink, be sure to find a ride home!
• Distracted Driving:Distracted driving is an encompassing term that includes texting, taking a phone call, lighting a cigarette, moving something in the vehicle, changing the radio, daydreaming or anything that takes the driver’s focus off of the road. Both, the car driver and the truck driver can be susceptible to distracted driving. A second of taking eyes off the road can cause a catastrophe.
• Preventable Poor Timing:It’s the basic law of physics: the larger an object is, the more energy and time it takes for that object to stop. A large truck is defined as a vehicle that weighs 10,000 lbs or more while a large passenger vehicle weighs about 4,000 lbs. There’s a large disparity there. This is why we often see truck drivers keep a large gap between them and the car ahead. However, some passenger car drivers take advantage of that space to cut in. The truck then doesn’t have enough time to stop, causing an accident to occur.

What Should I Do If I am Involved in an Accident?

If you are involved in a truck accident in or near New York City, first call 911, then call us at 212.366.4600 to make sure you take the right steps to protect yourself. If you have been injured, you will want to have proper representation so that you can get the compensation you need and deserve.

How Do I Prevent An Accident?

There are some common guidelines to follow when driving near one of these large trucks. First, if you cannot see the driver’s face in their side view mirror, then they cannot see you because you are in their blindspot.

When you’re driving behind a truck, you want to stay at least 30 ft behind. If you’re driving in front, stay at least 20 ft in front to give the truck enough time to come to a complete stop if it is necessary.

When passing a truck, pass on their left side so that the truck driver is more likely to see you.

If you or anyone you know has been involved in an accident with a large truck and is in need of help, call the Gropper Law Group at 212.366.4600