Arizona Semi-Truck Accidents
Arizona truck accidents can be extremely dangerous. Semi-trucks are some of the largest vehicles on the roadways and accidents involving them can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported a total of 4,136 fatal truck accidents in 2018. Additionally, there were a total of 344,000 individuals injured in truck accidents reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. There are many different factors that cause truck accidents. Some of the most common ones include:
- Driving Under The Influence: Driving intoxicated is incredibly dangerous. It doesn’t matter if an individual is taking illegal drugs or drinking and driving, all options can cause life-threatening injuries. Driving under the influence can affect the driver’s judgment and overall ability to operate the vehicle.
- Distracted Driving: There are plenty of distractions drivers get involved with whether it’s texting on their cell phone or eating a sub sandwich. Every distraction will increase your risk of being involved in a distracted driving accident.
- Equipment Failure: This involves faulty breaks or a flat tire. This kind of failure could cause an accident to occur. Routine truck checkups are crucial to keep individuals safe on the roadways.
- Fatigue Driving: Truck drivers are often pressured to reach tight deadlines so they have to drive far distances and many hours on end. Many of them will push to keep driving even once they get tired. It is dangerous to drive while drowsy because your reaction times are impaired. Individuals who reach that point should always pull off and take a break to rest.
Driving Next To Semi-Trucks
All truck drivers are responsible for their vehicle and keeping a safe environment to share the road with other drivers. Truck drivers must obey the traffic laws and signs posted on the side of the road. Drivers should take extra precautions to ensure safety when driving next to a semi-truck. Listed below are a few tips for drivers to keep in mind:
- Safe Driving Distance: No matter what vehicle you are driving, you should always leave a safe driving distance between you and the cars or trucks around you. This will allow you to have a safe breaking distance if traffic abruptly stops.
- Watch Blind Spots: Large trucks have bigger blind spots than passenger vehicles. You should never assume that a truck sees you. Always be cautious when passing a truck. You also want to make sure you pass a truck quickly and don’t hang out in their blind spots.
- Pass With Care: Once you have passed a truck, you should always signal before going into their lane. You should also give them plenty of time to notice you so they can prepare for you to come over before you actually change lanes. The more time you give them, the better off everyone will be.
Contact an Arizona Truck Accident Attorney
Some truck accidents are unavoidable no matter how many precautions you take. If you have sustained injuries due to a truck accident contact a truck accident attorney. The Arizona truck accident attorneys at ELG can help you file a legal claim. Our team of truck accident attorneys wants to help you fight for the maximum amount of compensation. We will utilize special tactics to ensure you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today at Phoenix or Mesa Arizona law offices at (623) 877-3600.
