The Truck Accident Law Firm Blog

In a sense, the term accident is a misnomer, because accidents are always caused by something. They are not just random inexplicable events. There are ways that drivers of smaller vehicles can reduce the likelihood of being involved in a truck accident.

Try to remember that:

•Truckers have large blind spots on all four sides of the truck. So be sure to drive where you know the trucker can see you. If you can see the trucker, you know he can see you.

•Heavy trucks cannot slow down suddenly. So avoid darting in front of them, expecting them to accommodate you. Always leave extra space behind you if you are driving in the same lane in front of a big rig. That enables the trucker to slow down safely if you have to slow down suddenly.

•Eighteen-wheelers need extra time for changing lanes. If you see the turn signal flashing to indicate the driver wants to change lanes, back off or speed up a little and allow him to do that. If you prevent his lane-change and he’s trying to get into the exit lane you may create unnecessary danger. The truck needs adequate time and space to take the exit safely.


If you are involved in a truck accident, you will need an experienced, aggressive truck accident lawyer on your side. Please contact one in your area today to schedule a no-cost, confidential consultation to explore your legal options.

In recent years trains have been used less for transporting goods and trucks have been used more. Everyone has probably noticed the increase of these thundering big rigs on our roads and highways.

When a passenger car or motorcycle is in an accident with an 18-wheeler, it’s clear who has the advantage. Big trucks can run right over many small automobiles without the truck driver even realizing it. The disparity in size and weight is in the thousands of pounds, as the typical passenger vehicle weighs two to three tons (something over 4,000 pounds) whereas a big rig can weigh up to 40 tons (80,000 pounds).

Trucking Regulations

The trucking industry is highly regulated, making for a complex maze of rules and requirements. A few examples of aspects of trucking which are regulated:

· Noise emission

· Drug and alcohol use and testing

· Handling of hazardous materials

· Financial responsibilities of trucking companies

· Driver qualifications

· Driving hours

· Truck inspection, maintenance and repair

· Load safety

In spite of all the regulations, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that more than 400,000 of these big trucks are involved each year in accidents.

Driver Fatigue

A large contributing factor to truck accidents is the tight delivery schedules that truck drivers are asked to meet. If something delays the trucker such as bad weather, traffic congestion or a problem with his load, he must drive faster to meet his deadline.

Although the number of consecutive hours spent driving is regulated, truckers typically work long hours. Each driver keeps a log of driving hours and rest time, but the entries can be falsified.

To deal with that possibility, some trucks are outfitted with digital communication systems which keep the driver in touch with his head office. Some are monitored by the trucking office through a GPS system. Some newer trucks have two drivers and a living area like an RV behind the driving cabin. One driver can sleep or eat while the other drives.

But most truck drivers are alone and can often become overtired and stressed from long driving hours and late deliveries. This makes for less careful driving and increased danger for vehicles in the vicinity.

If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, it’s imperative you contact an aggressive truck accident lawyer immediately so that he/she may hear the details of your case and advise you on how to proceed.