You’re probably noticing more trucks on the road as Christmas gets closer, with large commercial trucks delivering products day and night to stores for the holiday season.
Beyond that, UPS, FedEx, mail trucks and Amazon Prime trucks and vans seem to be everywhere. These delivery drivers are often under enormous pressure to deliver a large number of packages each day. That’s only going to increase as the 25th draws nearer.
While Kentucky’s winters aren’t as brutal as those in many states, the weather can be unpredictable this time of year. This can make the roads extremely hazardous.
There are things that we can do to avoid getting involved in a crash with a truck.
If you’re behind a truck, leave plenty of space. A rear-end crash under any circumstances can cause serious injuries. Crashing into a truck can be devastating. If you’re following closely, it’s also less likely the truck driver can see you.
Truck drivers also have large blind spots (also called “no zones”) on each side — particularly on the right. To avoid getting in one of these blind spots, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you can see the driver in their side-view mirror.
If you need to pass a truck, do so very carefully. Wait until there’s little or no traffic, and be sure the road is plenty wide enough for you to pass. Don’t go too fast, but don’t spend too long alongside the truck, either.
Patience is essential. Driving around large trucks often means going slower than you’d like, but this cautiousness can keep you safe. Don’t make the trucker feel like you’re trying to race them or they’re annoying you. You don’t know who they are, how tired they might be and how much pressure they may be under. A little courtesy can go a long way.
If you or a loved one is injured in a crash caused by a truck driver or a problem with the truck, you may have multiple options for seeking compensation. The company that owns the truck and employs the driver, the truck manufacturer and/or the company that maintains the vehicle may bear some responsibility.
These cases can be complicated, and you can expect that a large company will fight to pay as little as possible. Therefore, it’s wise to seek the guidance of an attorney experienced in handling these cases.