What Can I Do to Avoid a Connecticut Truck Accident?

The number of trucking accidents has increased by 20 percent over the last two decades. This is despite newer trucking regulations and safety features.

Connecticut truck accidents are unfortunately common. Whether you are traveling along I95, I84 or a local highway, truck accidents can occur at any time. These tractor-trailer accidents are often catastrophic and can result in serious injury.

Large commercial trucks are difficult to maneuver due to their size and weight. In fact, a fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. A small passenger car weighs just 3,000 pounds. Due to these size and weight discrepancies, passenger vehicle occupants suffer the majority of the injuries during a crash.

Here at Walsh Woodard LLC we know the damage a truck collision can cause and we want to help. While you cannot avoid all truck accidents, there are ways to reduce the chances of getting into a serious Connecticut truck accident. If you follow these steps, you may be able to reduce the risk of getting into a life-altering truck crash.

Steps to Avoid a Truck Accident in Connecticut

Of course, when driving on the road, it is always important to remain alert and vigilant. Keeping these safe driving practices in mind will help you to avoid what can be a life-altering event:

• Maintain a safe distance. Large commercial trucks need more time to respond to dangerous situations. A truck can use up to 90 percent more space to stop than other vehicles. That’s why passenger vehicles need to give trucks extra stopping distance when traveling in front of them. If a truck is behind you, be sure that there is enough distance between you so the driver can respond safely. If you are following a truck and you are too close, you may not be able to respond if the truck driver suddenly brakes. Give the truck some more room to help avoid a crash.
• Maintain visibility. Trucks have large blind spots. Car drivers need to be aware of these blind spots and avoid them whenever possible. Truck drivers cannot avoid what they cannot see. Never drive directly behind a truck or in the adjacent lanes by the cab doors. If you cannot see the truck driver’s face, you are likely driving in a blind spot. Either slow down or speed up so that you are not alongside the truck for any extended distance.
• Anticipate turns. Large tractor-trailers need more space when navigating turns. At intersections, truck drivers often need to swing their trucks through multiple lanes to turn. Do not pass a truck while it is turning. Anticipate when a truck is going to turn and give it some extra room to turn safely.

Contact Our Hartford Truck Accident Lawyers

If you suffered an injury in a truck accident on I95 or anywhere in Connecticut, contact our Hartford truck accident lawyer immediately. At Walsh Woodard LLC, our lawyers have successfully represented individuals injured by reckless truck drivers. We know that the injured need help quickly. That’s why we work aggressively for them. Call us today at 860 -549-8440 or fill out our confidential contact form for more information. We offer free initial consultations so you can seek justice after a catastrophic trucking accident. Call us today!