What to Do When Driving Next to a Truck
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. The immense size and weight of commercial trucks make collisions with passenger vehicles catastrophic, often resulting in severe injuries or the tragic loss of life.
The legal process for recovering compensation after a truck accident is complex, requiring a thorough investigation, in-depth knowledge of trucking regulations, and aggressive advocacy. Insurance companies and trucking companies often fight hard to minimize payouts, making it crucial to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, we are committed to helping truck accident victims in New Jersey and New York get the justice they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
How to Be Safe Driving Around Big Trucks
Driving near a semi-truck requires caution and awareness of the truck’s blind spots and maneuvering limitations. Whether you’re on a highway or a local road, understanding the safest ways to drive around these large vehicles can help avoid crashes and reduce the risk of serious accidents.
When Passing a Truck, Drivers Should …
- Always pass on the left side, where the truck driver has better visibility.
- Avoid lingering in the truck’s blind spots, especially along the right lane and directly behind the trailer.
- Maintain a safe distance after passing—cutting in too closely could lead to a collision if the truck driver needs to brake suddenly.
When Being Passed by a Large Truck, Drivers Should …
- Maintain a steady speed and stay in their lane.
- Be cautious if a truck moves into their lane, as wind pressure from large trucks can affect smaller vehicles.
- Avoid sudden braking, as trucks require a longer stopping distance.
When Driving Behind a Large Truck, Drivers Should …
- Stay at least 30 feet behind the truck to ensure visibility.
- Use bright lights carefully at night—high beams can reflect in truck mirrors, momentarily blinding the driver.
When Driving in Front of a Large Truck, Drivers Should …
- Ensure the truck’s front end is completely visible in their rearview mirror before merging in front of it.
- Maintain a safe distance—trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles.
What to Do If You Are in an Accident with a Large Truck
Even when you follow all the safety guidelines, truck accidents can still happen due to truck driver negligence, mechanical failures, or improper cargo loading. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can strengthen your injury claim.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries may appear later.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Get Witness Contact Information – Eyewitness testimony can support your claim.
- Do Not Admit Fault – Statements made at the scene can be used against you later.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer – An attorney can protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You
Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than standard car accidents. A skilled truck accident lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the crash – Collecting evidence such as police reports, truck driver logs, and black box data to determine fault.
- Identifying liable parties – Liability may extend beyond the semi-truck driver to include the trucking company, manufacturers, or cargo loaders.
- Handling insurance companies – Insurers often try to reduce payouts, but an attorney can negotiate for maximum compensation.
- Proving damages – A lawyer will assess medical records, lost wages, and pain and suffering to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can take the case to court.
How Do I Prove the Truck Driver Was At Fault?
Commercial drivers must complete education and training before they can operate a big rig. As such, you might expect truck drivers to exercise greater caution than other motorists when driving around other vehicles. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
To recover compensation, you must prove that the negligence of one or more parties caused the accident. In the vast majority of cases, truck accident victims will be too seriously injured to start documenting the crash at the scene. When you hire a lawyer, you can rest assured that crucial evidence will be documented and preserved.
Some of the most important pieces of evidence in a truck accident claim include:
- Pictures of the accident scene; photos can show the positioning of the vehicles, marks on the road, and other details that could indicate who caused the accident
- Eyewitness statements that establish the carelessness of the truck driver
- Video from traffic cameras and other devices that capture footage of the accident
A truck accident attorney can also obtain the truck driver’s logs and trucking company records. Careful examination may reveal negligence on the part of the driver and his or her employer, such as violations of the hours of service rules, failure to inspect the rig before driving, and other issues that may have contributed to the accident.
It is also necessary to consider all of the additional parties that may be liable for the truck accident. Assessment of the semi-truck, for instance, could reveal a defective part, negligent maintenance, improper loading, and other factors that made the truck a danger to you and other people on the road.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Today
Liability is a complex issue in truck accident claims, with multiple parties often at fault. The negligence of the truck driver behind the wheel may be the primary cause of the crash, but you do not want to overlook other parties that may be liable for your injuries and damages.
If you or someone you love was in an accident with a semi-truck, you should take legal action as soon as possible. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi can review your case for free and advise you of your options for pursuing compensation.
Please call (201) 585-9111 today. Our truck accident attorneys serve clients throughout New Jersey and New York.
