Things Not to Do When Driving Close to Trucks
Truck accidents have many causes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) estimates that one in 20 truck drivers will be involved in an accident each year. An FMSCA study indicates that many of these accidents are caused by driver error.
The larger the truck, the more damage is likely to occur. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations have requirements concerning maintaining equipment and driver hours of service. Skilled truck accident attorneys know how to examine trucking records after an accident to uncover violations of safety regulations. Attorneys are familiar with studying maintenance records and logbooks to uncover whether failure to take rest breaks caused driver fatigue. A skilled lawyer also examines whether there was driver or trucking company negligence or whether defective parts were an issue.
A truck accident law firm has established relationships with experts who can be used to prove negligence not only on the part of the truck driver, but on the part of the trucking company or any other third parties that may be at fault. Experts such as computer graphics technicians, metallurgists, forensics specialists, and trucking safety specialists can be called upon to bolster a case.
Things you can do while driving on roads with trucks
To prevent a collision with a truck, it is wise to do the following:
• Accommodate the blind spots of the trucker by not following too closely behind or alongside the truck.
• Pay attention to the path of the truck and watch for swerving.
• Do not travel too close to a heavily loaded vehicle. Cargo can shift and cause the truck to run off-road or tip.
• Allow a truck to pass if it is speeding. Do not get into a battle even if you think you can speed by.
• Always wear a seatbelt in a car and a helmet on a motorcycle.
• Do not beep your horn unless you are in danger. Startling a truck driver could cause an accident.
• Do not turn your radio up so loud that you cannot hear a truck or other vehicles approach. It is best to stay aware of your surroundings visually and aurally.
• Stay out of the truck lane when possible.
Speak to a Maryland trucking accident attorney
If you or a loved has suffered injury in a Maryland truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Paul R. Wiesenfeld, Maryland truck and auto accident attorney. The firm offers a free initial consultation and evaluation of your claim.
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