Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, a big rig accident is likely to end with significant property damage or injuries. It should come as no surprise that occupants of passenger vehicles suffer the worst of the impact. They make up 67 percent of all truck crash fatalities, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
If you were injured by a negligent truck driver in Georgia, contact the Crosson Law Group, LLC. Ken Crosson is a truck accident lawyer in Marietta who can evaluate your accident, gather evidence, structure your claim and handle settlement negotiations.
Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about injury claims in Georgia.
If you are a commercial truck driver, here are five safety tips that can save your life – and help you avoid a potential injury lawsuit:
- Buckle Up
Not only can a seatbelt protect your head, neck and spine from catastrophic injuries, but it may also help you maintain control of your vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial truckers are required by law to wear seatbelts.
- Adjust Your Driving to the Road Conditions
Because commercial trucks are heavy – which adds momentum – and they have higher centers of gravity, they are more likely to roll over due to an abrupt change in trajectory. Traffic can stop suddenly due to a weather-related accident, and in reduced visibility, unexpected hazards may be difficult to see. This is why truckers should slow down in inclement weather.
- Avoid Speeding
Excessive speeding increases the likelihood of an accident while making the property damage and injuries more severe. Also, the risk of rolling a truck is much higher at high speeds – especially on ramps and curves.
- Monitor Surrounding Traffic
Modern trucks are equipped with helpful surveillance technology, such as rear cameras and specialized mirrors, but a lack of surveillance remains a major cause of truck accidents. Drivers should survey the actions of surrounding vehicles every 10 seconds. This is especially important when turning, merging or changing lanes.
- Focus Your Eyes 15 Seconds ahead on the Interstate
Trucks require more time to stop, and braking suddenly is dangerous in a vehicle with such a high center of gravity. For this reason, truckers must maintain greater following distances than drivers of passenger cars. Also, you should focus your eyes approximately 15 seconds ahead on the interstate. In cities, monitor traffic one and a half blocks ahead.
If you were injured by a negligent driver in Georgia, contact the Crosson Law Group, LLC. Mr. Crosson is a Marietta injury attorney who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He is a member of the Cobb County Bar Association and the State Bar of Georgia, as well as the bars of the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and the Court of Appeals of Georgia. Call 678-909-0770 to schedule a consultation.