In many auto collisions, liability isn't clear-cut, and it isn't easy to say that one person was wholly responsible for the accident.  This means even if you are "sure" the other motorist caused the crash, there is always the chance that the judge, jury, insurers, or investigators may find that you also contributed to it. 

Apart from your health and the health of other road users, this is another incentive to help you avoid accidents at all costs. Since big cars present unique dangers to small cars, you have the responsibility of identifying and avoiding such dangers. Understanding these three things will help you avoid collisions with big trucks:  

Big Trucks Need More Time to Stop or Change Lanes

Some commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Stopping such a huge momentum takes more time than an average private car takes to stop. Don't forget this every time you are driving behind a truck or approaching a turn such an awareness will enable you to allow adequate space between your automobile and the big truck to allow the later change lanes or stop safely in case of an emergency.

Big Trucks Have Large Blind Spots

It is easy to assume that truck drivers can see all road users because they are perched high above the road, but this isn't the case. Large trucks have blind spots on each of their sides; these are spots that the driver cannot see even with properly-positioned side mirrors. This can lead to an accident, for example, if you are in the blind spot and the truck driver attempts to change lanes.

The rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck's mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you, too. Here is a good illustration of a large truck's blind spots. Therefore, avoid mistakes that can place you too long on any of the blind spots and cause an accident. Such mistakes include following the truck too closely, lingering alongside it when overtaking or cutting in front of the truck. 

Big Trucks Creates Serious Air Turbulence

Lastly, you should know that these big trucks create considerable air turbulence (erratic disturbance) around them due to the non-aerodynamic shapes of the trucks (you can read more about turbulence and aerodynamics here). The turbulence can destabilize your can and make you lose control. If there is some space on the road, then you can reduce the effect of the turbulence on your car by increasing the space between it and the truck.

As explained in the introduction, liability in these crashes isn't always black and white. Therefore, if you have been injured in a crash with a large truck, consult an accident attorney (such as one from Welsh & Welsh PC LLO) to see if you can get compensation for your damages and injuries.    

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