We have all driven on the road next to large trucks. Given their size, weight, and cargo, a collision with a large truck can lead to greater injury than other types of auto accidents. Following are some points to remember when sharing the road with these large vehicles so you can help avoid harm and accident. Additionally, speaking to an accident attorney in Atlanta can help you understand how to recover compensation in the event that you have sustained serious injuries.

Mind the weather – Understand that large trucks may be affected by the weather in ways that your vehicle is not. When roads are slick or icy, large trucks will need extra room for stopping and slowing down, much more than needed by a smaller vehicle. Also note that the trailer of a truck–with its large, flat sides–can act much like a sail in windy weather. Although trucks are heavy, the large surface area can cause them to be pushed around in windy conditions, sometimes even causing them to topple over.

Watch for blowouts – A large semi truck can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. That weight puts considerable wear and tear on truck tires. It is not an unusual occurrence for a semi truck’s tires to blow out, causing the truck to swerve back and forth. In fact, you may have seen the remnants of such blowouts–large pieces of rubber sitting along the freeway. You should watch out and prepare for such events.

Note the cargo – Although there are many rules and regulations about the type of cargo a truck can carry and how that cargo should be secured, the truth is that not all truck drivers are as diligent as they could be about safely transporting their cargo. Watch for any items that appear to be poorly stored. Note if ties or ropes appear frayed or broken. Watch for warning signs indicating that the contents of truck’s cargo are dangerous. You may want to give yourself an extra amount of space between you and such vehicles.

Understand their goals – For most drivers, our goal is to reach our destination as quickly and comfortably as possible. For many of us, this may cause us to zip in and out of traffic, alter our route due to congestion, or stop for a break. Understand that although a truck driver would also like to reach their destination safely, they also have the goal of getting their affordably. Thus, they may be required to stick to a specific route or limit their speed to save on fuel. Constantly slowing down and speeding up can cause these trucks to consume gallons of fuel. Semi truck drivers may make strange driving choices (like clogging up the left-hand lane in order to pass another, slightly slower truck) in order to maintain a constant speed.

What To Do When You Have Been Injured in an Accident Involving a Large Truck

Although most truck drivers safely navigate the road, some may drive negligently or recklessly. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident involving a large truck it is essential that you contact a skilled Atlanta car accident attorney right away. If you have questions about who may be at fault for your injuries, how to deal with claims adjusters, or whether you may recover for your damages, the personal injury attorneys at Goldstein and Hayes, P.C., can answer your questions and assess your case. We have years of experience helping personal injury victims navigate the Georgia legal system to hold those responsible for their injuries accountable. Contact us today.