Decatur Truck Accident Lawyer
Commercial trucks can be commonly seen cruising on highways all across America. While these vehicles are quite essential to the economy, they can inflict significant damage if an accident were to occur. These hefty trucks can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds when fully stocked. In comparison, the average four door car may weigh a measly 3,000 pounds. If these two very different sized vehicles were to plow into each other, the results could be tragic for both drivers. However, in most cases it is the passenger car driver who suffers the worst injuries, due to being encased in a substantially smaller vehicle.
What can I do to prevent from getting hit by a commercial truck?
Being proactive and aware at all times while sharing the road with these large trucks can help lessen the chances of being part of such a tragedy. While a driver cannot eliminate the likelihood of being struck by a commercial truck completely, there are ways to help stay out of harm’s way:
- Avoid driving within the truck blind spots (sometimes referred to as “no zones” which are at the back left and right sides of the truck)
- Keep your distance (trucks need more room than the average car and need more time to stop)
- Obey rules of the road (maintain a safe speed and never cut off a truck that is moving slowly)
- Do not pass trucks that are making wide turns (you may get squashed if you try to make the turn faster than the truck)
What are signs that I should go to the emergency room?
It is not necessary but highly encouraged that anyone hit by a commercial trucks gets medical attention. While you may not feel the extent of your injuries right away, they could slowly start to surface within the days to follow. If you went home without getting examined by a doctor, here are a few signs that may mean you should go to the emergency room right away:
- Nausea and vomiting excessively
- Severe abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Cuts that have not stopped bleeding
- Unrelenting headache
- Dizziness, confusion
- Slurred speech
- Blood in stool and/or vomit
Can a passenger car driver be compensated for the accident?
If a car driver was to get hit by a commercial truck, they may be able to recover expenses for losses due to the collision. Things like medical bills, vehicle repairs, loss of wage and future treatments may be covered by the truck driver or trucking company. As you can imagine, these types of accidents can be particularly complicated. A car driver may not know whether to sue the driver, the trucking company or both. The parties involved in the lawsuit may depend on exactly how the crash happened.
How can I be more prepared for my consultation?
When meeting with a Decatur truck accident lawyer, bring along any expenses related to your accident injuries in which you had to pay out of your own pocket. Take with you any evidence of the crash as well, including the police report, photographs of the scene and even witness contacts.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight personal injury and truck accidents.
