Maryland Truck Accident Attorneys

As our nation’s population density grows and the commercial trucking industry thrives, America’s roadways are becoming increasingly congested. Many highways were not built to accommodate the large volume of truck traffic we see today. Despite the extensive safety regulations established by the FMCSA, devastating truck accidents still occur, many of them due to the negligence of drivers and trucking companies.

Unfortunately, Maryland motorists fail to realize that their own inappropriate driving behavior can also contribute to the risk of truck accidents. By learning how to drive carefully around tractor-trailers, you can help make the road a safer place for everyone.

Avoiding Truck Accidents

If you are driving near a tractor-trailer, you can reduce the odds of a serious truck accident occurring by taking several important precautions:

• Avoid the truck’s blind spot – Tractor-trailers have much larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. Drivers cannot see directly behind their truck, and they have significantly limited vision on both the right and left sides of the trailer. If you cannot see the driver in a truck’s side view mirrors, they most likely cannot see you either.
• Do not tailgate – Following too closely behind a truck limits your own sphere of vision and increases the odds of an override / underride truck accident. Leave at least 20 car lengths between you and the truck so you can see clearly past the truck and anticipate any upcoming road conditions.
• Pass carefully – You should never drive alongside a truck for an extended period of time. Either pass the truck quickly, or else slow down and follow at a safe distance. If you must pass, always pass on the left, where the driver’s blind spot is smaller.
• Watch for brake lights – Pay close attention to a truck’s brake lights and turn signals. These will help you anticipate the truck’s next actions and react accordingly.
• Avoid getting “squeezed” – Trucks have a very wide turn radius. When a truck turns right, it often needs to swing partially into the left lane to complete the turn successfully. If you are driving alongside the truck, you are in danger of getting “squeezed” into the guardrail or curb.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Maryland truck accident, the experienced truck accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.