What Can You Do to Protect Yourself on the Road?

In a collision with a large commercial vehicle, the odds are against the occupants of a car or small truck. The loss of property, and more importantly, to human life, can be catastrophic from these types of collisions. If you have been injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, contact our firm to learn more about your legal options.

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Driver error was the cause or a contributing factor in many automobile accidents according to a spokesperson of the Office of Safety Research and Development, a department of the Federal Highway Administration. For that reason alone, each driver must take into account their actions on the road to avoid motor vehicle accidents and protect themselves in case of a crash.

You do your best to protect yourself and your family while driving, but if you were involved in a serious car accident, a personal injury attorney from The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. in Saint Louis, MO, can advise you on your options.

Simple Steps to Prevent Highway Collisions

Fortunately, every driver can take simple steps to avoid vehicle collisions and lessen the severity of injury in accidents. Seat belt use and the effects of drunken driving laws have lowered the rates of vehicle collisions over time. Motorists should allow time for travel to avoid speeding and aggressive driving. The law requires drivers to slow down in work or construction zones. Drivers should properly maintain vehicles by monitoring fuel, oil and fluid levels, checking for proper tire pressure and knowing of any other problems that may arise with their vehicles so that they are not stranded on the side of the road. Bicyclists and motorcyclists must obey traffic laws and wear helmets. These cautionary measures can increase safety on the highway.

Avoid Talking and Text Messaging on Mobile Phones

Since the 1980s, when consumers began using cellular phones on a larger scale, the distraction of phone calls while driving has been a concern. In fact, researchers from various agencies and universities have recently targeted cell phone usage as a cause or contributor to vehicle collisions, vehicle collision near misses, and increased travel time. While the convenience of having a cellular phone in a vehicle cannot be understated, the risk of crashes or injury, and in some states, criminal penalties indicate that drivers should consider waiting to call or type a text message until they are off the roads and highways.

Watch Blind Spots and No-Go Zones for Large Trucks

Large commercial vehicles share streets and highways with cars and trucks that are a small fraction of their size. When collisions occur with semis and tractor-trailers, the likelihood of fatal injuries is high. For this reason alone, cars sharing the roads with big rigs need to give deference. Drivers should allow plenty of space in the no-go zone when following large trucks and plenty of space when changing lanes in front of a semi to avoid serious rear impacts. Drivers should not stay in a large truck's blind spot; if a driver cannot see the truck driver's side mirror, the truck driver cannot see the driver.

Conclusion

Driver error may play a large role in most accidents, but drivers can lower their risk for accidents and severe injuries through simple protective measures. Help prevent accidents and losses by practicing safe driving habits.

If you were injured or lost a family member in a highway accident, a personal injury attorney from The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. in Saint Louis, MO, can work with you to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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