Sharing the Road

Because the results of a large truck accident can be catastrophic, and passenger vehicle drivers have no control on the actions of truck drivers, the car driver's best course of action is to practice defensive driving. The most favorable outcome for all involved is a reduction in Gainesville, Florida large truck accidents, but the drivers of automobiles must do their part to make the roads a safer place for all of us.

Have you been injured in a big truck accident? Contact Steven A. Bagen & Associates Gainesville, Florida big truck accident lawyers today. Our main office is located in Gainesville but we have successfully advocated for clients throughout Northern and Central Florida, including the major metropolitan areas of Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, and Daytona. Complete a FREE online consultation form or call us toll free at 1-800-800-2575.

Automobile drivers must recognize that large trucks behave very differently from cars and must drive accordingly. To minimize the chances of an impact involving a large truck, automobile drivers must avoid several risky driving behaviors:

Changing lanes abruptly around a truck
If a motorist abruptly moves in front of a large truck and has to brake suddenly, the truck will not be able to achieve your relatively short stopping distance. Anticipate the flow of traffic before moving in front of a large truck.

Speeding up
When a large truck is passing you, do not speed up. Slow down slightly and stay to the right to let the truck pass you. This will allow you to get away from the truck's dangerous side zone much quicker. Also be aware of the wind gusts created by a large truck, and keep both hands on the wheel to keep your vehicle from drifting while the truck is alongside you.

Passing improperly
Allow plenty of time and space to pass a large truck. At highway speeds this can take up to 30 seconds, pass the vehicle quickly and avoid pacing alongside the truck. Change lanes only when you can see the front of the truck clearly in your rearview mirror. And again, be aware of the wind gusts and drive accordingly.

Tailgating
If you are too close to the rear of a large truck when a braking emergency occurs, your first clue to the situation will be the brake lights of the truck, which may or may not give you enough time to stop. And hitting the rear of a truck may result in a seriously injurious underride accident.

Driving in the "no-zones"
"No-zones" are danger areas around large, long vehicles where accidents are more likely to occur. Every large truck has several blind spots or "no-zones" that passenger vehicle drivers should avoid because their vehicle disappears from view while they are driving in those areas:

• Side no-zone: If you can't see the driver's face in the side mirror, he can't see you.

• Rear no-zone: The truck driver can't see you behind the truck unless you are at least 200 feet behind them.

• Front no-zone: Look for the whole front of the truck in your rearview mirror before changing lanes in front of it, then don't slow down.

• Backing up no-zone: Don't cross behind a truck that is backing up; they have no rearview mirrors and can't see you.

• Right turn no-zone: Truck drivers must swing left before turning right in most places; don't squeeze between them and the curb, and give them plenty of room to turn.

Free Consultation!
Don't go it alone. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need an experienced Gainesville, Florida truck accident lawyer on your side. Contact Steven A. Bagen & Associates. Fill out a FREE Online Consultation Form or call us toll free at 1-800-800-2575.

Truck Accident Procedures
If you were involved in an auto accident with a large truck in Gainesville, Florida, would you know what to do? Truck accidents are more than just auto accidents involving larger vehicles. Learn more about the procedure to follow after a truck accident... [read more]

Truck Size
How big is too big? Too many large trucks travel our highways overloaded and with trailers larger than what laws allow, and the costs are greater than the resulting damage to the roads... [read more]

Underride Accidents
If you were in an accident with a large truck in Gainesville, Florida, how safe would you be? The structure of some large trucks makes them inherently deadly to occupants of passenger vehicles... [read more]

Driver Fatigue
The laws regulating how many hours a driver of a large truck can drive at a stretch have changed. How many hours has the truck driver next to you been driving? Is he too tired to be on the road... [read more]

Sharing the Road
Better than surviving a large truck accident is never being involved in one. There are ways that both you and the drivers of large trucks can make the highways safer for everyone... [read more]

Free Consultation Form
Have you been injured in a big truck accident? Contact Steven A. Bagen & Associates Gainesville, Florida big truck accident lawyers today. Click here to complete the big truck accident form online.