Category Archives: Truck Accidents Atlanta

When an 18 wheeler collides with a car, major damage often ensues. Put a small car against an 80,000 pound tractor-trailer truck and the results can all too often be fatal. There are several common types of automobile accidents involving trucks and cars, each with its own causes and complications. Here are a few of the more common types of truck vs. car accidents.

 

Blind Spots

 

Trucks have much larger blind spots than cars, due in part to the size of the vehicle and in part to the height at which drivers have to sit. Known as the “No Zones,” truck blind spots include both sides, the rear, the front, and the space created when a truck tries to make a right turn. The general rule for the side No Zone is that if you can’t see the driver’s face in his rear view mirror, he can’t see you. Many truck vs. car accidents happen when a driver tries to switch lanes and doesn’t see a car in his blind spot.

 

The truck’s rear No Zone takes up as much as 100 feet behind the truck, which explains the warnings painted on the back of many trucks. The problem with tailgating tractor-trailer trucks is that you run the risk of the truck’s driver braking suddenly, causing a rear collision accident  that can do far more damage to the front end of your car than a traditional rear-end collision.

 

The front No Zone of a truck simply reiterates the importance of not pulling too sharply in front of a truck. It’s important to understand that large trucks take quite a while to brake, which means you could find yourself rear-ended by a truck if you pull in front of one and come to a sudden stop.

 

The final No Zone, involving the wide space trucks need for right turns, tells drivers not to try to squeeze in to the side of a truck when a driver is attempting one of these tricky turns. The driver can’t see to the right or left side of him at that point, which creates another accident danger zone and can cause a side impact accident.

 

Overloaded Trucks

 

When a truck is carrying more weight than it is supposed to carry, it’s a recipe for disaster. A too-heavy load can increase a truck’s momentum, especially when going downhill, making it harder for the truck to stop. It also throws the truck off balance on curves, which can make it more likely to tip over.

 

Most states have weight limits for trucks, so when a truck is involved in an accident due to overloading, the authorities will generally determine the weight to see if the driver is in violation. Weigh stations are generally set up along Interstates to help prevent these potentially fatal accidents.

 

The driver isn’t the only one responsible for ensuring loads are appropriate for the roads they will be traversing. In fact, the trucking company may share in the liability if an accident happens due to overloading. It’s important for trucking companies as well as drivers to understand the dangers of carrying heavy loads.

 

Contact Aaron Marks of the Marks Law Group Today. Our experienced truck accident attorneys will fight for your rights. Call us today for a free consultation