Winter Weather May Have Contributed to 18-Wheeler Rollover Crash That Injured 3
Three people were rushed to the hospital on Christmas Day after a semi-truck crossed the median on I-80 and collided with an SUV travelling in the opposite direction. According to 10/11 News, the truck rolled and came to rest on its side in a ditch. Authorities say poor weather may have been a factor in the crash.
Truck accidents are up to 30 times heavier than passenger vehicles, so even a slow-speed collision is likely to cause injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 3,852 people died in large truck crashes in 2015, and 69 percent of those victims were occupants in passenger vehicles.
If you were injured in a crash with a negligent truck driver, contact an Omaha injury lawyer from Rensch & Rensch Law. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, time off work and other losses.
Our attorneys have litigated more than 100 jury trials. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation.
8 Essential Tips to Help CDL Drivers Avoid Accidents
Driving a commercial truck is a dangerous way to make a living. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 745 tractor-trailer drivers died in work-related accidents in 2015 – the most fatalities of any occupation.
Commercial truckers undergo extensive training before they get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, 18-wheeler wrecks still happen – and they often have tragic consequences.
If you drive a semi-truck, these eight tips will help you avoid accidents and injuries:
- Stay Alert: Survey the road ahead of the vehicle in front of you. The sooner you can spot hazards and potentially dangerous situations, the more time you will have to react.
- Check the Weather Forecast: In the winter, ice and snow can prevent your truck’s wheels from gripping the road’s surface. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with the appropriate tires for the conditions, and avoid driving in adverse weather.
- Avoid Traffic: Try to avoid gridlock by driving at off-peak times. More vehicles on the road invariably means there is a higher risk of crashing.
- Be Cautious at Night: Lower visibility, more drunk drivers – there is a myriad of reasons to avoid driving at night. If you must drive after sunset, then reduce your speed so you have more time to spot potential hazards.
- Leave Some Room in Front: Commercial trucks require a longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles. You should leave plenty of space between your truck and the leading car to avoid rear-end collisions.
- Pick a Lane: Trucks have large blind spots, and it is easy for a small car, bicyclist or motorcyclist to disappear inside them. You can prevent side-swipe accidents by sticking to one lane.
- Slow Down: Speeding reduces the amount of time you have to react to a hazard in the road, and it increases the impact if an accident happens.
- Take a Break: Fatigue is a primary cause of commercial truck accidents. You should never violate the FMCSA’s Hours of Service Regulations, and don’t hesitate to pull over if you feel drowsy.
If you were injured in a truck crash that another driver caused, contact a Nebraska truck accident attorney from Rensch & Rensch Law. With more than 45 years of combined experience, our legal team has the knowledge and resources to help you recover the maximum compensation. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation with an injury lawyer in Omaha.
