Traveling down a desert highway in America is a breathtaking experience, with plenty of wide-open spaces and awe-inspiring scenery.
Unfortunately, our highways can also be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken; tractor-trailers often travel these roads, their sheer size and power intimidating to any other vehicles sharing the road with them.
The severity of accidents involving tractor trailers
In 2020, there were 4,695 fatalities in accidents involving semi-trucks. In addition, another 146,930 people were injured. Trucking accidents that involve passenger vehicles pose serious threats to human life due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. The potential damage a truck can do far outweighs that of an average car due to its size and freight cargo, leading to heartbreaking stories of loss or injury in such incidents.
When sharing the road with tractor-trailers, it is important to take extra precautions to keep yourself and others safe. Never drive in the “no zone,” which includes blind spots on both sides of the truck, directly in front or behind. Driving in no zones increases your chances of a collision and could be fatal if the driver does not see you.
It’s also important to remember that trucks take longer to stop or accelerate than traditional passenger vehicles, so maintain proper distance when following one and anticipate stops and turns.
Even if you are a safe driver, an accident can happen, resulting in dire physical, psychological, and financial consequences. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may require long-term medical care and treatment. There may be medical expenses as well as non-economic pain, including emotional trauma and physical injury.
Seeking legal help will ensure you get what you are entitled to while getting access to all the required resources needed when recovering from your accident.