Traffic crashes can result in life-changing injuries or even death. Accidents involving semi trucks are more dangerous than any other type of auto accident. According to CBSNews, heavy trucks and buses were responsible for 14,000 fatal accidents between 2009 and 2013. Whenever someone loses his or her life in one of these tragic accidents, it is important that we remember what we can do to try to keep ourselves safe on the road.
Mother Killed by Runaway Semi Truck
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that a Cartersville couple that was on furlough from their mission work in Italy were struck by a runaway tractor-trailer on their way home. A 30-year-old mother of two died at the scene of the accident, while her husband and two young children were injured. The driver of the tractor trailer was outside of his vehicle performing a safety inspection when it began to roll. The parking break either had not been set or failed. The driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, according to police.
What You Can Do to Keep Yourself Safe From Tractor Trailer Accidents
Sometimes, like in the case of this young family, there is very little that can be done to prevent an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. When you are hurt because of another driver’s actions you should consult with a personal injury attorney like the lawyers at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC.
While you can never eliminate the risk, there are a few things you can do to make you and your family safer on the roads:
Treat tractor trailers like the dangers they are. A truck’s size and weight make it inherently more dangerous on the road, regardless of the skill and experience of its driver. Treat these large vehicles like the dangers they are. Keep a safe distance between you and the truck at all times. If you have to pass a truck, do so as quickly and safely as possible and pay full attention to the road. Avoid driving next to trucks for extended periods of time.
Make sure the truck driver can see you. Every vehicle has its blind spots, and trucks have larger blind spots than most. If you cannot see either the driver or his or her mirrors, then the driver likely cannot see you. If you notice a truck’s turn signal is on, be particularly careful as the truck driver may not be able to see you while turning or merging.
In an emergency, pull completely off the road. Typically, when people pull over due to car trouble they pull over onto the shoulder of the road. Doing this may lead to a truck hitting your parked car at full highway speed. Instead, pull as far off the road as possible and be sure to use your emergency flashers.
Contact Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to an accident with a semi truck or any other vehicle, the experienced attorneys at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC are here to help you with your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.