Escamilla Law Group: Trucking Accidents in Arizona

From highways to residential streets, safe, defensive driving is key. But tips for defensive driving often leave out best practices for driving near large trucks. Collisions involving these oversized trucks and smaller passenger vehicles can have tragic consequences, so it’s important to be prepared.

One particularly devastating situation that is possible when a tractor-trailer vehicle is traveling is known as jackknifing. This occurs when the tractor (cab) of the truck and the trailer it is hauling become split in differing directions that could appear similar to that of an acute angle of a collapsible pocket knife. If a vehicle towing a trailer slides, the trailer can suddenly shift until it is stuck at an off-setting angle such as at 45 degrees. Another way of describing this occurrence is when the tractor and the trailer are out of sync and begin moving in opposite directions. Some of the potential ending results are that one or both flip over, or the trailer becomes dislodged.

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix auto accident attorneys at ELG Law. Our team of auto accident lawyers is here to help. While not all auto accidents with trucks can be avoided, there are a few ways you can stay safe next time you hit the road. Here are five tips to keep in mind when you’re driving near oversized vehicles.

Causes of Jackknife Incidents

While traveling atop very wet or icy roads, such as in a winter-weather event.
When the operator of the vehicle brakes abruptly, causing the trailer with tremendous weight and momentum to begin shift off-course.
It can occur when the driver makes an abrupt action at a high rate of speed with a trailer containing a very light load that is much more likely to be volatile.
Resulting from improperly loaded cargo in the trailer, when all of the weight is on one side making it very unstable.
When the cargo within the trailer is not properly secured and can suddenly shift in one direction in response to a turn.
Studies have shown that the likelihood of occurrence is much greater when the vehicle encounters curves and is traveling downhill at excessive speeds.

Stay Mindful of Trucks

Keeping enough space around your vehicle is essential, especially when you’re traveling next to large trucks. To drive safely near trucks, it’s important to know that they need more space. Make sure you always drive at least five seconds behind a truck to give yourself enough time to react. Though you can’t control other drivers’ actions, you can increase your reaction time and awareness of other vehicles.

You should always avoid other drivers’ blind spots on the road, but when it comes to large trucks, this rule is especially important. Large trucks have more blind spots, blocking a larger amount of space. Avoid the spaces 20 feet ahead of the truck and 30 feet behind the truck, as well as the area adjacent to the driver’s side.

Follow Traffic Laws

Wearing your seatbelt at all times is one of the easiest ways to avoid auto accidents. And in Arizona, drivers and front-seat passengers, as well as passengers under age 16, are required to wear seatbelts by law. Seatbelts will protect you in the event of a collision and reduce your risk of injury or death after an auto accident.

Always remember to adjust your headlights. Bright headlights could affect truck drivers’ sight because they reflect off trucks’ rearview mirrors easily. When headlights impair a truck driver’s vision, it may affect their ability to operate their truck safely.

Be cognizant of your headlights at all times, especially when you’re using your high beams. Lower your high beams when you see an oncoming truck or vehicle on the roadway.

Truck Accident Attorney in Arizona

Trucking Accidents in Arizona When you keep these five tips for driving safely in mind, you’ll be well-prepared on the road. But even the best drivers can’t always avoid auto accidents. If you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in an auto accident, contact our Phoenix auto accident attorneys at ELG Law. Call us at (623) 562-3838 for a free consultation and legal representation today.