Truck accidents in Carbondale are far too common but can be avoided in most cases. Our law office in Carbondale has worked with countless victims of truck accidents and knows firsthand the devastation it can cause. While you’re driving across the country, it’s not possible to completely avoid semis and other large commercial vehicles. You can, however, avoid an accident by applying a few safety strategies on the road. These strategies will ensure safer conditions for yourself and your fellow drivers. Remember, if you were involved in a serious truck accident, contact Lawler and Lawler Injury Firm.

Truck Accidents In Carbondale

Many vehicular accidents can be avoided, and the same applies to truck accidents. In many cases, when an accident involves a truck and a non-commercial vehicle, the truck driver is rarely at fault. You can be in control of preventing future accidents. Knowing the most common causes and how to avoid them can lead to a positive outcome. 

Speeding

Whether you’re running late for work, an appointment, or another significant engagement, you should never speed. Speeding is a common cause of avoidable accidents. When driving cross country, you put yourself at greater risk of getting into an accident with a semi or other commercial vehicle. Since a truck exerts more force on impact, truck accidents in Carbondale are more likely to result in serious injuries and fatalities.

Bad Weather

You can’t control the weather, but you can control how safely you drive in severe conditions. Rain and snow can affect your visibility, preventing you from seeing the road and your fellow drivers, while ice and hail can easily lead to accidents. You can stay abreast of foul weather conditions by downloading a weather app. Make sure it’s intuitive and relies on real-time weather reports as well as meteorological data to gather information. Other strategies to apply when driving in bad weather include:

  • Driving slowly.
  • Keeping a good distance away from the vehicle in front of you.
  • Using your blinker when changing lanes.

Truck drivers are typically adept at driving in all conditions, so it’s unlikely they will pull over unless the weather is extremely bad. So, if you’re not comfortable driving in bad weather, don’t risk it: pull over until the weather clears. If you meet into an accident with a commercial vehicle, and you are not at fault, the driver’s company will be liable. In many cases, the company can afford to hire a team of cutthroat, corporate lawyers who will try to shift the blame onto you. Without proper legal representation, you may not receive the damages you’re entitled to. If this has happened to you, contact our law office in Carbondale. We have obtained millions of dollars in settlement for accident injuries caused by semi-tractor trailer truck accidents.

Drive Defensively

Defensive driving applies safe driving techniques to avoid road hazards and prevent accidents. It goes beyond following the basic rules of the road, as you must anticipate possible road risks to prevent an accident. It’s a valuable technique to apply when driving across the country. 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.

Utilize Rest Stops

If more drivers used rest stops when they needed one, it’s likely there would be fewer accidents. When driving across the country, you may be eager to reach your destination, but when you feel tired, make sure to stop. Rest stops allow you to squeeze in a power nap before you get back on the road and you’ll be amazed what a difference it will make. Driver fatigue can leave you as impaired as drunk driving or driving under the influence. It reduces your alertness, making it difficult to follow the rules of the road and apply defensive driving techniques. Don’t forget, you won’t be the only driver experiencing fatigue: truck drivers are known to keep driving even when they’re exhausted.