A truck accident can result in devastating injuries and extensive property damage. Due to their large size and weight, when truck accidents happen they usually leave multiple injured victims and are especially dangerous. One cause of truck accidents is driver error. Whether it’s distracted, reckless driving, or ignorance of the law, a truck driver is at fault if they fail to drive safely. Here are some of the most common examples of driver error that result in accidents.
Sleepiness and Fatigue
Long hours of driving and few hours of sleep are challenges that truck drivers experience on a daily basis. Unfortunately, this can cause many truck drivers to become fatigued. Lack of adequate sleep can result in poor hand-eye coordination, reduced reaction times, microsleep, and can cause drivers to become more prone to aggressive driving.
Failing to Yield
Sharing the road is a key aspect of safe driving and accident prevention. Drivers must yield to other drivers or pedestrians when they are approaching an intersection, sidewalk, or busy street. Failing to yield the right of way correctly can result in miscommunication that can lead to an accident where one vehicle strikes the vehicle that fails to yield. To avoid these types of accidents, you should pay attention to vehicles arriving at an intersection. If necessary, make eye contact with other drivers so that you can see their hand signals as well.
Not Checking Blind Spots
Forgetting to check blind spots or not checking them properly is a common cause of truck accidents. Trucks have larger blind spots, so truck drivers and other drivers must be especially cautious whenever they are near a truck. Drivers should give trucks enough room so that they are not occupying their blind spot.
Misjudging Left Turns
Left turn collisions are another common cause of truck accidents. These accidents are caused when drivers fail to yield or look out for oncoming vehicles when they are about to make an unprotected left turn. When trucks are turning at an intersection, they make wide turns and must make the turn more slowly. If a truck driver mistimes their turn, an approaching vehicle can strike the truck, leading to an accident.
If you have sustained an injury as a result of a truck accident, it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer about what your legal options are. A truck accident lawyer such as one from Park Chenaur & Associates, Inc., P.S., can assist you if you wish to file a claim against a negligent driver. Don’ wait to receive legal assistance and contact a top truck accident lawyer today.