Commercial trucks tend to be larger and harder to maneuver on the road. Therefore, passenger car motorists on North Carolina highways need to be careful when driving in close proximity to them. Even a small mistake such as not signaling when attempting to change lanes could result in an accident. Drivers of passenger vehicles should not drive behind or right beside a commercial truck.
These are referred to as “no-zones” and are places where a truck driver has difficulty seeing other vehicles. It is also not a good idea to move to the right of a truck making a right turn or making a left turn in front of a truck at an intersection. Drivers of passenger vehicles are also urged not to drive between trucks or take any action that may force a commercial truck driver to brake or slow suddenly.
There are scenarios in which the commercial truck driver may be at fault. For instance, a driver who is not properly trained or is in a hurry to keep up with a demanding schedule could be at a higher risk of getting into an accident. Commercial drivers are urged to avoid taking risks such as driving more hours in a row than they should simply to make more money.
There are a variety of other causes of semi truck accidents, including improper or negligent truck maintenance or truck drivers who are driving too fast for weather or road conditions or who get behind the wheel after having had too much to drink. Occupants of other vehicles who have been injured in such a collision may want to meet with an attorney in order to determine the party or parties that should bear financial responsibility for their losses.