Safety Tips Around Tractor Trailers

Anyone that has driven on a highway in New Jersey has had the unnerving experience of being right next to the wheels of a tractor trailer, in traffic, at 60 miles per hour. The size is frightening – and becomes even more frightening when you think that the only thing keeping you from being devoured by those wheels is the driver seated 50 feet away, who may or may not see you.

In many ways, motorists are at the mercy of these tractor-trailer drivers as they control the vehicle that will most likely prevail in any accident. However, there are things that motorists can do to keep themselves safe and give drivers of these tractor trailers every opportunity to be safe and successful.

Tractor Trailer Safety Tips

When driving on New Jersey’s highways, taking the following steps can increase your chances of arriving at your destination safely:

• Give tractor trailers plenty of room. It may seem obvious, but being conscious of how close you are to a tractor trailer can make a big difference. It allows the truck driver to execute any last-minute maneuvers in the clear, and will ensure that you avoid rear-ending the trailer. Also, trucks need to make wide turns – give way!
• Be conscious of the increased braking distance of tractor trailers. Avoid cutting off these trucks while passing and avoid aggressive maneuvers around them. Tractor trailers will not stop as quickly as other cars.
• Be aware of the truck’s blind spots. You have probably seen the stickers on the backs of trailers that say “Avoid the No-Zone.” The stickers highlight the places where a truck driver’s blind spots are located, and encourage drivers to avoid those areas. All drivers should heed that advice – those blind spots are the places where even the most cautious truck driver cannot see you. Avoiding these zones will decrease the likelihood that you will be involved in a collision.

What to Do if You Are Hit by a Tractor Trailer in New Jersey

Unfortunately, even the safest drivers on the road can still be involved in accidents with tractor trailers. If you are one of the unlucky ones, however, there are steps you can take to ensure that your rights are protected:

• Call the police. Even if the accident is minor, having a police report that outlines the accident and the conditions at the time, along with the parties involved, can be a huge benefit in making a claim for damages and injury.
• Make your own notes regarding the incident. What do you recall about what happened? Does it differ from the police report? These contemporaneous recollections can be critical in challenging the positions of the other parties.
• Gather contact information for any available witnesses. Having the opportunity to question other drivers about what they saw at the time of the incident can provide additional evidence that can be used in making a case for compensation.

Contact a Newark Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Truck Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a commercial truck accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of a motor vehicle accident in Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, Clifton, Trenton and throughout NJ. Call (732) 442-5900 or email us to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market Street Perth Amboy, NJ 08861.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.