Truck accidents are too common an occurrence no matter where you live. Our law firm has worked with countless victims associated with truck accidents and have seen its devastating aftermath. It’s not possible to be on the open road, cross country driving and avoid semis and other large commercial vehicles. However, you can better protect yourself by applying a few safety techniques to ensure safer driving conditions for yourself and those around. If you are involved in a serious accident that wasn’t your fault, contact a truck accident attorney in Washington, D.C. We hope you don’t need our services, but if you do, don’t hesitate to contact Lieberman Injury Law.
Truck Accidents In Washington, D.C.
Like all accidents, many truck accidents that occur are usually avoidable. Most accidents involving trucks are caused by the other driver. Knowing this, you can prevent future accidents by knowing the common causes and how to avoid them.
Speeding
A common cause of all accidents on the road, including truck accidents, is speeding. Laws are made for a reason, but many drivers break speed limits. It may go without saying that you should avoid speeding, especially on highways where you are at a higher risk of encountering a potential accident with a truck driver. Remember, a truck will exert more force on impact, and that can result in serious injuries, even death – not for the truck driver, but for you. So, while it goes without saying, it deserves reiteration: never speed while driving. If you were in an accident and you were not at fault, contact a truck accident attorney in Washington, D.C.
Bad Weather
The more you travel, the more of the country you experience, including its varying weather. Bad weather conditions, like rain and snow can affect your visibility, preventing you from seeing the road and your fellow drivers, while ice and hail can easily cause accidents. To stay alert of weather changes during your drive, download an intuitive weather app that relies on real-time weather reports as well as meteorological data. Additionally, when driving through bad weather, apply the following road rules:
- Drive slowly
- Keep at a distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Use your blinker when changing lines.
- Pull over until the weather clears up.
It’s strongly advised to stop driving when conditions worsen. You will come in more contact with truck drivers when travelling cross country on highways, and if you get into an accident with one, the truck driver is rarely liable – the company is. Often, the company will hire a team of corporate lawyers to shift the blame onto you and if you don’t have proper legal representation, they’ll get away with it. It’s imperative to hire a truck accident attorney in Washington, D.C. to protect yourself.
Utilize Rest Stops
There are pros and cons to cross-country driving. Experiencing the open road and new destinations is a pro. Driver fatigue, on the other hand, is a con. If you feel tired, you should never continue driving. Driver fatigue can leave you as impaired as if you were driving drunk or under the influence. It can reduce your alertness, which is required for defensive driving. You should also remember that driver fatigue is a common problem among truck drivers trying to complete their route. You can easily prevent accidents by utilizing the rest stops along the way – after all, they were put there for this important reason.
Learn to Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is a technique that applies safe driving strategies to prevent accidents and hazards. It’s more than following the basic rules of the road. By anticipating possible road risks, you can make wise choices to prevent an accident. This is an important technique to apply while driving cross country because most accidents involving truck drivers aren’t the truck driver’s fault. If you can make the roads a little bit safer for you and everyone around you, why not do it? Defensive driving includes:
- Looking at your blind spots when changing lanes.
- Anticipating unexpected conditions, such as reckless drivers and road work.
- Communicating with your fellow drivers, such as turning on your indicator when switching lanes.
- Handling your emotions during stressful situations.
- Exercising good judgment while on the road.
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you may find yourself battling large companies to seek damages. Don’t do it alone. For a truck accident attorney in Washington, D.C., contact Lieberman Injury Law. Call 954.596.9944 for a free consultation.