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When trucks and passenger cars collide, injuries are often catastrophic or fatal. A truck accident can happen at any time, but statistics show that there are time periods when the risk of colliding with a truck is increased. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety claims that the highest risk of getting into an accident with a truck occurs midweek during daytime hours.
Statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation show that 65 percent of all truck accidents occur between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The time period between noon and 3:00 p.m. is when most serious and fatal truck accidents take place. These accidents tend to happen between Monday and Thursday, with Thursday having the highest rate of fatalities.
Tips for Avoiding Truck Accidents
Truck and passenger vehicle drivers always need to be vigilant. Knowing how to avoid a truck accident can significantly reduce the chance of serious or fatal injuries; tips include:
- Avoid distracted driving, which includes using a cell phone or onboard navigation devices, texting, eating, drinking, or having too many passengers in the vehicle.
- Keep a safe distance between cars and trucks.
- Avoid changing lanes quickly in front of a truck. A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds and will not be able to stop quickly.
- Beware of debris that can fall from a truck. Keeping a safe distance behind a truck will allow a driver to get out of the way of oncoming objects.
- Drive with extra vigilance during the peak days and hours that truck accidents occur.
- Give a truck plenty of room to make wide turns.
- Slow down and give extra space to trucks during inclement weather.
- Avoid reckless and aggressive driving that can lead to fatal decisions when passing or following a truck.
What to Do If You are Involved in a Truck Accident
Even the most safety conscious drivers can get into an accident with a truck. When this happens, knowing what to do in advance can ensure that you claim the compensation you are entitled to receive.
- Call for emergency medical and police assistance, even if the accident appears to be minor.
- Once the accident scene is stabilized, exchange information with all drivers involved.
- Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the crash and the road conditions leading up to the accident.
- Record witness testimony on your phone, if possible, and be sure to obtain the contact information of all witnesses.
- Get the names, badge numbers, and contact information of all law enforcement officers at the scene.
- Keep copies of all medical records, including emergency room visits, hospitalizations, diagnostic testing, doctor visits, and prescription medications.
- Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to ensure you claim the maximum amount of compensation available.
Our Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyers Help Victims Injured in Truck Accidents Claim Compensation
If you were injured in a truck accident, contact the Virginia Beach truck accident lawyers today. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, we will review your case and hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries. Call us at 757-352-2237 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, we serve clients throughout Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, as well as North Carolina and across the nation.
