Why Passing A Commercial Truck Is So Dangerous

Posted on: 6 January 2021

Commercial vehicles can seem like they take up a lot of space and you might want to pass a commercial vehicle as soon as you can. However, when a commercial truck doesn't see you because you're in a blind spot, this can lead to the truck making a sudden lane change and colliding with your vehicle. 

Avoiding an Accident With a Commercial Truck

When you are passing a commercial truck, you are always better off doing so on the left-hand side of the truck. The right-hand side of the truck takes up more lanes of traffic. However, even if you are on the left-hand side of the commercial truck, the driver might still choose to change lanes and hit you.

You will also want to pass the commercial truck with enough space between you and the truck. If you have to stop suddenly, the truck might not have enough time to stop and avoid striking your vehicle because the mass of the commercial truck leads to it taking longer to stop. 

You will want to give the vehicle at least 30 feet of space behind and 20 feet in front to reduce the risk of an accident. But even when you do everything right, you may be unable to avoid the accident. If the other driver is responsible for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, you'll need help from a truck accident lawyer to prove this.

Responding to an Accident With a Negligent Driver

You might wonder how a driver might be negligent and carelessly crash into your car when you're in the driver's blind spot. However, it's important to understand that some employers are negligent when hiring their employees. A driver is expected to obtain a special commercial license and receive the necessary training. However, some employers are negligent when hiring drivers.

However, you will likely not know that the employer was negligent when hiring the driver without consulting with an experienced attorney who can track down evidence that the employer was negligent when hiring the driver. The employer can be held vicariously liable for the actions of the driver and you may be able to seek further damages.

Seeking Compensation for Punitive Damages

You may be able to seek compensation for punitive damages if you discover that the employer was negligent when hiring the driver. These are damages you may receive on top of economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages.

Reach out to a commercial vehicle accident attorney to get help with your case. 

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