Free Consultation
No Fees Unless You Collect
Call Us Today (214) 305-8277
FREE CASE REVIEW
x
FREE CASE REVIEW
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win Your Case!
EASY. QUICK. CONFIDENTIAL.

    FREE CASE EVALUATION

    EASY. QUICK. CONFIDENTIAL.

    First Name

    Last Name

    Phone

    Comment

    Euless Improper Passing Truck Accident Lawyer

    Euless Improper Passing Truck Accident Lawyer

    Large trucks are an important part of the economy. According to one estimate, there are approximately 2 million tractor-trailers on the road in the United States. Every day, these vehicles transport food, consumer goods, and raw materials to cities like Euless. Without large trucks, many businesses would struggle.

    Despite their benefits, large trucks like tractor-trailers also pose a danger to society. Each year, tractor-trailers and other large trucks are involved in many deadly accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatal accidents involving large trucks increased nationwide by 1% in 2019. Although 1% may sound low, any increase in deadly collisions is still alarming.

    Why do fatal truck accidents happen? Many crashes involving trucks occur due to improper passing. When drivers pass improperly, they may collide with another vehicle. Large trucks also cause improper passing accidents when they change lanes and smash into another vehicle in their blind spot.

    If you or someone you love has been involved in an improper passing accident with a truck, help is available. Dial (469) 998-4069 today for a free consultation with a Euless, TX truck accident lawyer. Consultations are completely free and confidential. We won’t charge for our services unless we help you win your case.

    Causes of Improper Passing Accidents

    Like any collision, multiple factors can contribute to an improper passing accident involving a truck. The truck driver may or may not be able to control these factors. However, by understanding what causes an improper passing accident, you can defend your rights in an accident. The causes of an improper passing accident may play a role in determining liability.

    Common causes of improper passing accidents include:

    Blind Spots

    A blind spot is any area that a driver cannot see around their vehicle. Due to their large size, tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks have significant blind spots. A commercial truck driver cannot see 20 feet in front of their vehicle, 30 feet behind their vehicle, one lane to their left, and two lanes to their right.

    When passing a large truck, it’s vital to avoid these blind spots. If a car lingers where the truck driver can’t see them, they may be struck when the truck driver changes lanes or turns. These accidents may involve multiple cars. In some scenarios, the truck can send the first car into another lane, where it may collide with another vehicle or cause a pile-up.

    Reckless Driving

    Many improper passing accidents involving trucks occur on multi-lane highways during rush hour. Because trucks drive at slower speeds, other drivers may become impatient and wish to pass them. They may speed or weave in and out of traffic. Unfortunately, this reckless driving behavior can contribute to improper passing accidents.

    Driving Under the Influence

    Proper passing requires drivers to be alert and physically capable of controlling their vehicle. They must also be able to correctly judge their speed and distance to other cars on the road. If you’re driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you won’t be able to follow these safety measures.

    If a truck driver is drinking or using drugs, the results can be fatal. A truck driver who is under the influence may cause an improper passing accident because they don’t see the other car. They may also cause an accident if they lose control of their vehicle and begin drifting.

    If you ever notice a large truck driving erratically and suspect the driver may be using drugs or alcohol, call 911 right away to report them.

    Fatigued Driving

    Improper passing accidents can also happen due to driver fatigue. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving with a 0.08% blood alcohol level. Truck drivers who haven’t had enough sleep may lose control of their vehicles and cause an accident while passing. They may also misjudge their speed or proximity to other vehicles.

    Slippery Road Surfaces

    Finally, improper passing accidents can occur due to slippery road surfaces. If a road becomes slippery due to ice, rain, loose gravel, or other factors, a truck driver may not be able to control their vehicle. Slippery road surfaces could cause their vehicle to swerve into another lane, resulting in a severe accident. If you encounter bad weather or hazardous road conditions, be sure to give large trucks extra space.

    How to Avoid an Improper Passing Accident

    If you’re concerned about being involved in an improper passing accident with a large truck, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and help avoid a collision. Do your part to prevent improper passing accidents by doing the following:

    Obey the Texas State Passing Laws

    First, learn traffic laws about passing. In Texas, many highways have a designated passing lane. Always use this lane if it’s available.

    If there is no passing lane, you must always pass on the left. Don’t linger in a truck driver’s blind spots. Keep left until you can see the truck’s headlights in your rearview mirror. This ensures that you have enough distance to safely return to your original lane.

    Don’t pass unless it’s safe to do so. Make sure you have enough room to pass without speeding or breaking other traffic laws.

    Use Your Turn Signal

    Second, always use your car’s turn signal when you change lanes and pass another vehicle. Begin signaling before you pass. This will alert the truck driver of your intentions. If your car’s turn signals are broken, lower your window and signal manually with your arm. By signaling, other drivers will be able to create space for you to pass without causing an accident.

    Always Check Blind Spots

    Finally, make sure you check your blind spots whenever you pass a car or truck on the highway. Look into your rear-view and side-view mirrors, then glance over your shoulder towards the lane where you intend to merge. If your car is equipped with electronic blind-spot warning signals, make sure this feature is enabled. By checking your blind spots, you can help avoid an improper passing accident.

    What to Do After an Improper Passing Accident

    If you’re involved in a collision with a truck due to improper passing, call (469) 998-4069 now or go online for a free consultation with a Euless, TX truck accident lawyer.

    Call (214) 305-8277 for your free consultation.
    Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    - A +
    (214) 305-8277 Email
    FREE CASE REVIEW