A Jonesboro Truck Accident Lawyer Provides the Details
Tractor-trailers are the biggest vehicles on Arkansas roads and are among the most dangerous simply because of their size. Add troubling statistics about truckers who drive distracted, and the risk to other motorists multiplies.
Tractor-trailer accidents are more common than you might think. Nationwide, about 500,000 crashes involving semis are reported each year, accounting for about 5,000 deaths.
One big reason? Distracted driving.
A study compiled by Omnitracs analyzed in‐cab video and observation data gathered over 29 billion driving miles. It found distracted truckers are talking on handheld mobile phones, texting, grooming, smoking, operating other mobile devices, eating, drinking, and conducting paperwork, among other tasks that take their attention off the road.
The study showed truckers identified as “most distracted:"
- Are twice as likely to be involved in collisions.
- Roll through stop signs and traffic lights more frequently.
- Drive 10 mph or more over the speed limit.
- Drift out of their lane more often.
Safety Tips for Other Drivers
Most truckers are responsible drivers and follow the rules of the road, but it only takes one negligent truck driver to cause a devastating crash that results in severe injury or death.
While commercial truckers have a responsibility to share the road, here are some steps you can take to avoid getting hit by a negligent truck driver:
- Know where large trucks are and give them room to operate. Do not cut too closely in front of them, tailgate behind them, drive alongside the large vehicles (instead, pass them quickly), and always give them sufficient space to make their wide turns.
- Watch out for tire blowouts. The debris poses a danger to your vehicle.
- Always give trucks the right of way. Never assume the driver can see you without making eye contact.
- Pay attention to their lights. A trucker flashing his or her lights is telling you it is okay to merge in front of them. High beams or multiple flashes, however, mean it is not safe.
- Watch for drifting trucks, especially in high winds.
- Drive courteously, just as you would in regular traffic. Use your turn signals while avoiding sudden maneuvers, including lane changes, sudden stops, and abrupt turns.
A Truck Accident Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights
If you were injured or a loved one died in a semi-truck crash caused by a negligent trucker, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. The problem is your injuries and other accident-related expenses are nothing more than numbers on a ledger to the trucking company and their insurance provider. They're only interested in looking out for their best interests, which is why you need someone in your corner to look out for yours.
At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, our Arkansas truck accident lawyers have more than 50 years of combined experience helping crash victims and their families obtain the justice and financial compensation they deserve. Located in Jonesboro, we proudly serve clients in Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Discover what our law firm can do for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
