Truck Accidents in San Antonio
Texas sees a lot of semi-trucks. These drivers have a lot of responsibility as they travel throughout the state making deliveries. These trucks are large, though, with many weighing up to 80,000 pounds. Compared to a typical passenger vehicle of just 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, there is a huge difference in size, which can be seen when an accident takes place.
Truck accidents do take place often, for various reasons. In many cases, the truck driver or their trucking company is at fault. They may not follow rules and regulations, leading to various driver errors that can cause crashes.
One of the most common issues is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often drive for more than 11 hours a day, which is not allowed under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) hours of service laws. Drivers are pushing their limits in order to meet deadlines, often leading to serious crashes.
Other Trucking Issues
Driving a large truck comes with many more issues, including the following:
- Blind spots. Truck drivers must deal with extensive blind spots in the areas around the truck. Smaller vehicles become invisible, so a passenger car driving next to a truck may go unnoticed by the truck driver, leading to accidents during lane changes.
- Possible rollovers. Semi-trucks have a higher risk of rolling over during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. Rollover accidents can cause cargo to spill all over the roadway. Plus, the truck could land on smaller vehicles, causing significant damage and injury.
- Spilled cargo. Improperly secured cargo can lead to spillage, especially when going around sharp turns or braking suddenly. In the event of an accident, spilled cargo on the road can pose a threat to other vehicles. If the cargo includes chemicals, a spillage could increase the risk of environmental hazards.
Preventing Truck Accidents
As a driver of a passenger vehicle, you can do your part to prevent an accident with a large semi-truck. Here are some things you can do to stay safe:
- Keep extra space between you and the truck. Do not follow a truck too closely, as you cannot clearly see what is in front of them and the driver may have to slam on the brakes, possibly causing a rear-end accident. When passing a truck, make sure there is plenty of room.
- Stay out of blind spots. Look at the truck’s side mirrors. If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in the mirror, they can’t see you. Stay out of blind spots and try to pass on the driver’s side, where they can better see you.
- Stay away from trucks if possible. Given the huge blind spots as well as the risk of tire blowouts and rollovers, you should pass a truck as quickly as possible. Avoid lingering next to a truck for a long period of time.
Contact a San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Thousands of people die in truck accidents every year. Many more are catastrophically injured.
Truck accidents can be caused by many factors, but in many cases, the truck driver is at fault. . If you have been injured in a crash, count on The Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C. to effectively handle your case Fill out the online form or call (210) 510-1111 to schedule a free consultation.