One of the scariest vehicles that use our San Antonio roads are large trucks. They’re often carrying heavy loads, and they’re much more difficult to stop than smaller vehicles. If you’re in an accident with a truck, you could be seriously injured or even killed.
That’s why it’s so important to know what to do if you’re involved in a trucking accident in San Antonio. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Many injuries, such as whiplash, can take days or even weeks to manifest.
Then, you should contact a San Antonio trucking accident law firm like the Law Offices of Troy A. Brookover. They can help you investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. If the truck driver was at fault, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against their employer.
Types of Trucks in San Antonio
There are many different types of trucks that use the roads in San Antonio. Some of the most common include:
18-wheelers
As you might have guessed by the sheer amount of wheels, 18-wheelers are the largest trucks on the road. They can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and they’re often carrying very heavy loads. They are used to transport everything from food to furniture.
Tractor-trailers
Tractor-trailers are similar to 18-wheelers, but they have a smaller trailer attached to the back. They’re not as long as 18-wheelers, but they can still weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Used to transport everything from cars to construction materials.
Flatbed trucks
These trucks have a large, flat surface on the back, which is used to transport large, bulky items. They often have a crane attached to the back, which is used to load and unload the items. You will often see them transporting construction materials or large pieces of machinery.
Dump trucks
Dump trucks have a large bed on the back that can be raised and tilted. They’re used to transport everything from sand to gravel. When the bed is raised, the materials can be dumped out. They can be particularly dangerous if the bed is not completely lowered before the truck starts moving again.
Garbage trucks
A vital part of keeping our city clean, garbage trucks pick up trash from homes and businesses. They have a large compactor on the back that crushes the trash so it takes up less space. If you see a garbage truck coming, it’s best to move out of the way.
Tanker trucks
Tanker trucks are used to transport liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and milk. They have a large tank on the back that holds the liquids. They can be very dangerous if they’re involved in an accident because the contents of the tank could leak out and cause an environmental disaster.
Delivery trucks
You see these trucks everywhere, as they’re used to deliver everything from packages to pizzas. They come in all different sizes, but the larger ones can be up to 26 feet long.
Each type of truck has its own dangers. For example, 18-wheelers are very long and can jackknife if they brake too quickly. Dump trucks carry heavy loads that can shift and cause the truck to overturn and garbage trucks often have blind spots where cars can disappear from the driver’s view where they are more likely to get hit.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in San Antonio
Trucking accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common include:
Driver error: The most common cause of trucking accidents is driver error. This can include anything from speeding to driving while intoxicated. Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to meet deadlines, and this can lead them to take risks on the road.
Mechanical issues: If a truck’s brakes fail or it has another mechanical issue, it can be very dangerous. These types of accidents are usually the fault of the truck’s maintenance crew.
Poor weather conditions: Bad weather, such as heavy rain or snow, can make it difficult for truck drivers to see the road. This can lead to accidents.
Road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes or debris, can also cause accidents.
Trucking accidents can be very dangerous, and they often result in serious injuries or even death. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, it’s important to get legal help right away. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Avoiding a Trucking Accident in San Antonio
The best way to avoid a trucking accident is to drive defensively and be aware of the risks posed by these large vehicles. Here are some tips:
Be aware of blind spots:
All trucks have blind spots, and it’s important to be aware of them. If you can’t see the truck driver in their mirrors, they can’t see you. So, don’t linger in a truck’s blind spot.
Give trucks space:
Trucks need a lot of space to stop, so give them plenty of room when you’re driving behind them.
Don’t cut trucks off:
Cutting off a truck is very dangerous. These vehicles are massive and need a lot of room to make turns. So, don’t cut them off or you could end up getting hit.
Don’t tailgate:
Tailgating is never a good idea, but it’s especially dangerous when you’re behind a truck. These vehicles have large blind spots, so if you can’t see the driver in their mirrors, they might not be able to see you.
Drive defensively:
The best way to avoid an accident is to drive defensively. This means being aware of the risks posed by trucks and always being on the lookout for potential hazards. If you see a truck making an unsafe maneuver, don’t hesitate to let them know or get out of the way.
Trucking Accidents Are Serious Business
They often result in serious injuries or even death. So, it’s important to be aware of the dangers posed by these large vehicles and take steps to avoid an accident. If you have been involved in a trucking accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. They will be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
