When you take to the roads of Illinois, you know there will be times when you’re in close proximity to large tractor trailers (and other commercial vehicles).
While some people don’t think twice about this, others realize that it increases the likelihood of an accident.
There are many things you can do to avoid trouble on the road, such as understanding the most common causes of truck accidents. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Inadequate training, such as that related to defense driving and technique
- Compensating truck drivers for reaching their destination early, as this can lead to reckless driving
- Unrealistic schedules
- All forms of reckless driving, such as speeding and neglecting to signal when changing lanes
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving, which can include texting, talking on a cellphone, and eating, among others
- Improper loading
These are some of the most common causes of truck accidents, but there are many other things that could come into play when you’re on the road. The best thing you can do is control what’s going on inside your vehicle, while also watching what’s happening around you.
If a trucker strikes your vehicle, the size difference alone puts you at a disadvantage. The most important thing you can do at this point is call 911 so that police and an ambulance arrive at the scene as soon as possible.
Once you receive treatment and speak with your medical team about your injuries and long-term prognosis, you can get a better idea of what the future will bring.
Depending on the details of the accident and your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver and/or the trucking company. If this is something you want to consider, it’s important to learn more about your legal rights and the way the court system will treat your case. This will put you in position to make the right decisions at the right time.