How to Stay Safe Around Delivery Trucks this Holiday Season

There’s obviously no good time to be involved in an accident with a truck, but it’s even worse when it happens during the holidays. This is supposed to be a fun, festive time of year, not one to have to deal with excruciating pain and a mountain of medical bills. Unfortunately, this happens far too often, not only in Florida but the rest of the country as well. Delivery trucks are often the reason these kinds of collisions take place. It’s important to know how to stay safe around delivery trucks to keep yourself out of harm’s way.

An attorney with the Jones Law Group is standing by to help if you’ve suffered an injury in a delivery truck accident that wasn’t your fault. We’ll help you avoid some of the mistakes that accident victims sometimes make. We’ll also work incredibly hard to help you obtain every penny that you’re entitled to receive.

Get in touch with us for a free consultation by contacting us online or giving us a call at (727) 571-1333.

The Holidays Lead to an Increase in Delivery Trucks on the Road

The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas has always been extremely busy for delivery trucks, of course. But recent years have seen a significant uptick in the numbers of these trucks on the road – and that’s probably not going to change any time soon.

Online shopping has exploded in recent years, and that trend is expected to continue. That means even more merchandise that has to get to distribution centers – and more trucks to transport that merchandise. The drivers who operate those rigs are under tighter deadlines and have to work longer hours.

Types of Accidents Caused by Delivery Trucks

The more trucks that are on the road, of course, the higher the chances of accidents taking place. The weather can always be an issue during the holidays, but there are plenty of other reasons delivery truck accidents occur. Here are just a few.

• Trucks making sudden stops and turns – There’s a serious shortage of truck drivers – it’s so bad, in fact, that trucking companies are desperate to hire people. They will often turn to people who really have no business trying to operate these complex machines. Delivery trucks often make sudden stops, but the risk is even higher when the driver isn’t familiar with their route. They might turn out of nowhere or slam on their brakes, leading to a devastating rear-end collision.
• Distracted driving – A delivery driver is just as prone to being distracted as anyone else on the road. They might be calling a dispatcher because they’re lost, or they might simply be checking a text or an email. Losing their focus on the road for just a few seconds can be catastrophic.
• Negligent loading – Huge trucks obviously carry huge loads. When they’re not properly secured in the trailer, they can come loose. This will often lead to a shift in the distribution of weight and a corresponding loss of control as a result.

Tips to Stay Safe Around Delivery Trucks

While it’s never fun to be on the same road with a delivery truck – or any other type of commercial truck, for that matter – there are a few common-sense tips you can follow in order to stay as safe as possible. Keep the following in mind to stay safe around delivery trucks.

Be Aware of Their Blind Spots

A truck is a lot larger than a passenger car, of course – so is the truck’s blind spot. These are actually known as “no-zones” because they’re so dangerous. Large trucks usually have a blind spot located 20 feet in front of the driver and 30 feet in the back of the trailer. The blind spot on the right side is particularly extensive – it usually stretches from the front all the way to the back.

This is one of many reasons you have to be careful when you’re close to a delivery truck. If you can’t see the driver in their side-view mirror, they more than likely can’t see you, either.

Don’t Follow too Closely

You really need to give a truck as much leeway as possible – especially a delivery truck. As we covered earlier, delivery trucks make a lot of stops along a route. If you’re behind one of these vehicles in city traffic, you’ll run a huge risk of slamming into the back if you’re too close.

Pay Close Attention When Passing

Since a truck’s blind spot is vast on the right side, you should never pass on that side. When you have to pass, you should always do so on the left side. If you’re in the right lane and the driver has no idea you’re there, they could easily hit the side of your vehicle and send it off the road.

What to Do if You’re Hit by a Delivery Truck

If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered an injury, immediately call 911 to report the accident and summon medical assistance – not only for you but also anyone else who may have been hurt.

The aftermath of this kind of accident can be horrible – and confusing. But if you can keep your head, you could greatly increase the chances of obtaining fair compensation. If your physical condition allows, and it’s completely safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene. This includes not only the vehicles involved but also any skid marks on the road.

Once you’ve received medical attention, get in touch with an attorney as soon as you can so an investigation can begin. This investigation will determine who was at fault and who will face liability as a result.

Contact Jones Law Group ASAP After a Truck Accident to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

Please don’t hesitate to speak with an attorney. The sooner you hire legal representation, the earlier the critically important investigation can get started. A Jones Law Group attorney is standing by to help. Contact us online or call (727) 571-1333 for a free case evaluation.