When you find yourself on the road in close proximity to commercial trucks, it’s critical to understand the risks along with the steps you can take to protect yourself.
While an accident can occur for hundreds of reasons, here are some of the most common causes:
- Lack of training: When a trucker doesn’t receive the appropriate training regarding safety concerns, driving technique and defensive driving, they’re more likely to cause an accident. This falls back on both the driver and their employer.
- Unrealistic schedules: With an unrealistic schedule in place, a trucker may drive too fast while also skipping breaks that are critical to refreshing their mind and body.
- Reckless driving: Truckers don’t always follow the rules of the road. Sometimes they drive faster than the speed limit, change lanes without signaling or become aggressive toward other drivers. All of these things, among others, fit into the category of reckless driving.
- Distracted driving: There are many forms of distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking and reading a map. Anything that takes a trucker’s attention away from the road increases the likelihood of an accident.
- Drowsy driving: If fatigued, it’s essential for a trucker to pull over and take a break. However, they don’t always do so because they’re in a hurry to reach their destination.
- Driving while intoxicated: Alcohol, prescription drugs and illegal drugs can all impair a trucker’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.
The problem with these common causes of commercial truck accidents is that you can’t personally do anything to stop the negligent party. If a trucker wants to text and drive, for example, there’s no one stopping them from doing so.
In the event of a car-truck accident in Michigan, move your vehicle out of harm’s way and call 911 to report the accident. This will lead to police and an ambulance immediately responding to the scene.
Once you receive medical treatment, revisit the cause of the accident. This is also a good time to review the police report, contact your insurance company and institute a plan for holding the negligent party responsible. This will help you receive compensation for your injuries, damages and other losses.
