Motorists in Denver and elsewhere in Colorado encounter large commercial vehicles whenever they take to the roads. Whether they drive to the corner store or navigate the highways, the risk of being a victim of a truck accident is real. The weight difference between cars and trucks is massive, and when they collide, passenger car occupants typically suffer the most severe injuries, many of which are catastrophic or even fatal. A significant percentage of car vs. truck accidents happen because cars are where truck drivers cannot see them.
Blind spots
Passenger vehicle drivers who position their cars directly behind large trucks or linger on either side of a big rig often find themselves in the truck operator’s blind spots. The safest way is to pass trucks instead of remaining in the lanes alongside them while the truckers are unaware of their presence. Drivers of smaller vehicles can check the truck mirrors. If they cannot see the reflection of the truck driver’s face, it is fair to assume the truck driver can also not see them.
Pass safely
Motorists often misjudge the length of tractor-trailers when passing. It takes much longer to pass an 18-wheeler than a passenger vehicle. It is crucial to ensure enough time to pass the truck and return to the driving lane safely when facing oncoming traffic.
Cutting directly into the truck’s lane to avoid crashing head-on with an oncoming vehicle could be deadly. Large trucks with heavy cargo loads need a considerable distance to come to a halt, and while the motorist avoids the head-on collision with another car, they might not avoid being struck by the big rig from behind.
Occupants of passenger vehicles in Colorado will always be vulnerable. Those who suffer serious injuries in car vs. truck accidents might have viable personal injury claims to take to a civil court. However, such lawsuits can only provide financial relief if negligence on the truck driver’s part can be established.
