Five Ways to Prevent Truck Accidents

With all the traffic moving through Cincinnati and down into northern Kentucky cities like Louisville and Lexington, there are a lot of semi-trucks on the road in our area. While the number of cars in the region is much higher than the number of 18-wheelers, trucks tend to cause more severe injuries and more deaths than other vehicles. The size and weight of a semi-truck mean that if one hits you, you are likely in serious trouble.

There is no way to fully protect yourself from a truck accident while you are driving in Cincinnati, but taking certain precautions can help you avoid being involved in an accident. The truck accident lawyers at Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC have seen too many people’s lives ruined after a truck accident, and we want to help you stay safe on the road. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do to prevent yourself from being involved in a truck crash.

Tips to Help Prevent a Truck Accident

You cannot control what truckers do on the road, but there are some simple steps you can follow to reduce your chance of being involved in a semi-truck accident, such as:

• Make sure you are visible – Semi-trucks have large blind spots directly behind them, directly in front of them, and extending from the cabin back toward the trailer on either side. If you cannot see the truck driver in their mirrors, chances are they cannot see you, making it more likely the truck will hit you if the driver moves to change lanes, exit a highway, etc.
• Be careful when passing – It takes longer to pass a truck because of how long they are, so you need to make sure to give yourself plenty of time and space when you move to overtake one. Furthermore, keep your time in the truck’s blind spots to a minimum, as you are much more likely to be involved in an accident if the truck driver cannot see you.
• Never cut off an 18-wheeler – Trucks weigh 10-20 times more than passenger cars and take much longer to slow down. That means if you cut off a truck and the truck driver has to slam on their brakes, there is a good chance the truck will not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting you. And when the truck hits you, it is likely to inflict catastrophic injuries because of how heavy it is.
• Anticipate what the truck is likely to do – The best way to avoid a truck accident is to stay out of the truck’s way. If there is an intersection coming up, you do not want to attempt to pass the truck because it may make a wide turn and hit you. And if the truck is likely to slow down, back up and give it some space so you do not slam into the truck’s rear-end when the truck driver hits the brakes.
• Be patient – In general, give trucks a wide berth on the road and avoid making any sudden maneuvers around them. Being cautious may not get you to your destination quickly but doing so makes you more likely to arrive in one piece.

Local Truck Accident Statistics

Data from officials in Ohio and Kentucky shows that truck accidents are quite common in our area. The most recent information from the Ohio Department of Transportation shows there were 584 serious injuries and 169 deaths from truck accidents in 2019. Across state lines, the Kentucky Department of Transportation reports there were 1,319 truck accidents involving at least one injury in 2019, along with 98 fatal collisions.

When to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you are lucky, you might walk away from a truck accident with minor injuries (though you should always see a doctor after a collision to check for internal injuries). However, most truck accident victims sustain significant injuries or property damage, and you should definitely speak to a lawyer right away if:

• You or someone else involved in the accident has significant injuries
• It is not clear who is at fault for the crash
• It is not clear whether the truck driver’s insurance company will cover your injuries
• The accident occurred in a school zone or work zone
• The accident causes you to miss work for a significant period
• You are having trouble getting your car repaired or replaced
• Your insurance is not enough to cover your injuries or property damage

Contact Us

If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky that was someone else’s fault, our team is ready to help you fight for maximum compensation. Call (513) 351-5997 or visit our contact page for a free consultation with a Cincinnati personal injury attorney.