Perhaps you visited Kentucky recently and had an unfortunate run-in with a heavy truck. You sustained injuries, and you want to build a case against the at-fault party. Could you bear the blame for what happened?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers tips for sharing the road with large trucks. Determine whether you did everything possible to avoid a truck accident.
Make space
Because of their size and weight, large trucks need more space and time to stop. Motor vehicle drivers should not make sudden stops in front of heavy trucks. Motorists should also ensure they give signals before changing lanes or turning. Another scenario in which trucks need a wide berth is while pulling out into intersections.
Get out of the way
Motor vehicle drivers must make themselves visible to truck drivers. One way to do this is for car drivers to ensure they see the truck’s mirrors. If they see the truck’s mirrors, the truck driver has a better chance of seeing them. While driving behind a truck, motorists should leave plenty of space between their vehicle and the truck. Motor vehicle drivers should also drive closer to the left side of a lane, to make it easier for truck drivers to see them.
As car drivers maneuver around trucks, they should do so quickly. Lingering next to a truck may put a car in a blind spot. While driving down hills, heavy trucks gain speed, so cars should not pass them at the top of an incline.
Trucking companies may fight tooth and nail to avoid blame for truck accident damages. When drivers know they took every precaution to avoid a collision, they may feel better about their case.