Truck Accidents in Intersections
The majority of all motor vehicle accidents occur at intersections, accounting for about 40 percent of all car accidents. Trucking accidents are no exception. We have represented many victims of truck accidents in intersections. These accidents occur at these sites for a number of reasons:
- Running a red light
- Failing to stop at stop sign
- Failure to yield
- Brake failure
- Failure to clear intersection when turning
- Error in calculating stopping distance
- Failure to notice pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists
- Poor driver training
- Driver fatigue
- Impaired or distracted driving
- Changing lanes when approaching or entering the intersection
Truck drivers are subject to state and federal laws regarding the number of hours to be driven in a day and week, to undergo drug and alcohol testing, and to regularly inspect their vehicles and cargo for any safety hazards. Having to stop suddenly at an intersection or colliding with another vehicle can cause loads to become loose and to spill onto the roadway or onto other vehicles.
Consult with an 18-wheeler attorney or changing lanes attorney in a car crash incident. The factors involved in a truck accident will require the services of an attorney who is thoroughly familiar with the issues peculiar to any kind of motor vehicle accident involving a truck.
Changing Lanes at an Intersection
When approaching an intersection, a truck changing lanes becomes especially hazardous. The dangers are compounded if the driver has been drinking, is fatigued, distracted or under the influence of drugs.
Changing lanes without signals or trying to do it quickly while approaching or driving through an intersection can be a dangerous practice. It is natural to speed up when changing lanes and because a truck has a significantly longer stopping distance than a passenger vehicle, failing to properly judge the distance can have disastrous consequences.
Illegally changing lanes at an intersection occurs when there is insufficient space between vehicles to safely merge. There should be at least a 4-second gap, which is probably not available when an intersection is suddenly within view.
How to Avoid Intersection Accidents
When approaching an intersection, there are commonsense steps to take:
- Slow down gradually
- Look behind you to see if a truck or other vehicle is tailgating you
- Be on the lookout for trucks or other vehicles racing through yellow lights or ignoring the red traffic signal
- Look for pedestrians or bicyclists crossing the street, even after the light has changed for you to proceed
- If you want to change lanes, use all your mirrors and look behind you at the lane you wish to enter and check the speed and distance of vehicles behind you
It is illegal to enter an intersection unless there is space to get completely across. Do not start to cross if there are cars blocking you.
Truck Accident Injuries and Damages
Because of their immense size and weight, a collision with a truck can result in catastrophic injuries including:
- Paralysis
- Head injuries including traumatic brain injuries
- Crush injuries including broken limbs, joints, rib fractures and internal injuries
- Burns
- Disfigurement
Once liability has been established, you are entitled to compensatory damages for your injuries including medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity and pain and suffering.
In a wrongful death case, you and the decedent’s estate in a survival action can collect various damages including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs
- Financial losses for dependent beneficiaries
- Pain and suffering of the decedent if he or she lived for a time before passing away from injuries
- Loss of love, moral support and companionship
Retain Trucking Accident Lawyers Neil Burns & Roshan Jain
A truck accident injury claim, or wrongful death claim, should be handled by an attorney with a proven record of success in handling these complex cases. Neil Burns and Roshan Jain have the experience, knowledge and resources you will need to obtain justice and compensation for you or a loved one injured or killed by the negligence of a truck driver.