Semi Truck Collision 101: Where Do They Happen the Most?

1. Rural Areas

Semi-truck accidents happen on a daily basis, especially in rural areas. The reason for this is that semi-trucks are used to haul goods on the open road and being out in less busy areas sometimes lulls drivers into complacency, making it more likely for them to get involved in an accident of some kind. However, this type of accident occurs far less than those that occur in city streets and highways. After all, the more people that are around, the higher chances of human error getting in the way of safety. Luckily, most of these accidents can be avoided and are preventable if the driver of the semi-truck is trained properly on the best way to drive a truck.

If you’re involved in an accident that involves a semi-truck on the interstate, you may be entitled to compensation. What’s more, if you were involved in a collision with another vehicle but the accident isn’t your fault, then it may also be covered. Hiring a truck accident lawyer is a must for all types of interstate semi-truck accidents due to the complex personal injury and traffic laws that govern each state. Trying to deal with insurance and these laws on your own can be near impossible for most people, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts for their assistance.

2. Narrow or Crowded Roads

Most truck accidents happen when the driver doesn’t have enough room to maneuver the truck, like in narrow or crowded city streets or on one-lane highways in less densely populated areas. This is because the semi-truck has a very wide clearance area due to the loads they carry, and if you don’t have enough space, you can’t safely drive around it. The truck itself also may bump into things because there isn’t enough room for it to entirely turn around or turn safely.

3. Dim or Unlit Roads

It is also a good idea to stay alert when you are on the road with your semi-truck, or if you are sharing the roads with a semi-truck or two. This is because many trucks do not have brake lights, and sometimes dim or unlit roads are most likely to cause an accident. The lack of visibility means it is easier for vehicles to crash into each other or possible obstacles that have fallen into the road, or it means that drivers can be blinded an oncoming vehicle’s high-beams or overly-bright headlights. If you can keep your eyes focused on the road at all times, then you will be less likely to cause an accident, as well as being safer when you are on the road. If a semi-truck accident happens, it is best to hire one of the best Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. – New York Personal injury lawyers.

4. Express or Fast Lanes

Overtaking another vehicle in an express or fast lane without first appropriately signaling your intent to do so could result in a semi-truck collision. However, most truck drivers just do not realize the importance of doing this and many times they will simply try to pass another vehicle

Semi-truck drivers need to stay in control of the truck and make sure that they don’t make sudden movements while driving. Unfortunately, some semi-truck drivers tend to drift left or right, from side to side, because they have trouble moving the vehicle consistently when they are driving. 

Conversely, if you are driving a smaller vehicle, you have to be aware that the trucks on the road may not be able to see you because of their large size and many large blind spots. So, if you plan on trying to pass a semi-truck by using an express lane or a fast land, make sure you drive defensively and do your best to make your presence known to the truck driver. 

5. Unfamiliar Roads

It is important to know that semi-truck drivers can avoid many of the types of accidents that occur when they are aware of the road itself—watch the road for signs and cones that warn you about upcoming turns; read the road sign at every intersection and stop light; avoid making a turn when you don’t really need to; and make sure that you follow the traffic laws. As long as you have the right attitude when you are driving a truck, you can be sure that you will make a difference in the number of accidents that you will have to face on the road.

6. Semi-Truck Driving Tips

As you probably realized, the best way to avoid semi-truck accidents is being extra careful when navigating through unfamiliar, unlit, and rural roads. Take a look at the following semi-truck driving tips:

• Ensure appropriate training before driving a truck.
• Always make it a habit to check your truck’s condition, like the gas, air, tires, oil, and brakes, before driving.
• Know the updated weather report before driving.
• Equip yourself with the right traffic law information by checking online resources and asking appropriate authorities.

Conclusion

Semi-truck accidents happen mostly in rural areas, where semi-trucks haul heavy goods, such as farm to market products. Also, narrow and crowded areas make it more difficult for a truck driver to maneuver, which may lead to a semi-truck collision. Dim or unlit roads and unfamiliar roads are also common places where semi-truck accidents occur.