Semi Truck Accidents Lawyer in Alabama

The Tuscaloosa trucking accident attorneys at Prince, Glover & Hayes discuss semi truck safety precautions in Alabama and how safe operating habits can avoid costly lawsuits and litigation.

Because of their great size and weight and the potential risks associated with sharing the road with other drivers, truck drivers have a higher level of responsibility to protect the safety of others.  All commercial trucks that engage in interstate travel must follow the safety laws of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration.  These laws encompass issues such as driver training, installation and use of safety equipment, proper maintenance and loading of the trucks, size and weight limits, and limits on continuous operation time without rest.

Many semi truck accidents are caused by other motorists who share the road with trucks. Passenger car drivers may be unaware of the performance limitations associated with acceleration, braking, and visibility that a truck driver must contend with. Passenger car drivers can take the following precautions to avoid accidents with semi trucks and the personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits associated with semi truck accidents.

Because of the weight of a semi truck, any action by another vehicle in the truck’s vicinity that would cause a truck to maneuver or brake quickly could cause an accident. Specifically:

• Driving in the ""No-Zones” which are the areas behind and beside an 18 wheeler where the truck driver’s visibility is limited or non-existent.
• Changing lanes abruptly in front of an 18 wheeler or passing without allowing adequate space between vehicles.
• Failure to slow down or speed up when a tractor trailer is changing lanes or merging without accelerating sufficiently.
• Driving between 18 wheelers or passing on the right.
• Failure to move a disabled vehicle completely out of moving traffic.

By understanding the limitations of large vehicles like 18 wheelers, we can share the road more safely.  Truckers and other motorists can minimize the risk of semi truck accidents and the serious injuries associated with them by obeying traffic laws and by adopting safe driving practices. Call the Alabama vehicle accident collision law firm, Prince, Glover & Hayes, at 877.793.4216 to find out how we can help with your highway accident lawsuit, or complete our quick contact web form.