What Happens When a Large Commercial Truck Pulls Out in Front of You?
Call a Fort Worth truck accident lawyer who holds negligent drivers accountable
Large commercial trucks keep goods moving across the country, but their sheer size and weight can create serious risks for drivers on the road. If a truck suddenly pulls out in front of you, it can feel like everything slows down while your mind races to figure out how to avoid a crash.
In many cases, a crash is unavoidable, and the consequences can be devastating, even fatal. When this happens, it’s important to understand your rights and options for seeking justice and compensation. An experienced Fort Worth truck accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you pursue a claim.
Why do large trucks pull out in front of cars?
It’s easy to feel frustrated when a truck unexpectedly pulls into your path, but several factors could be at play. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Misjudging speed and distance: Truck drivers may think they have more time than they actually do to complete a turn or merge, especially when dealing with smaller, faster-moving vehicles.
- Blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots on all sides, making it hard for drivers to see cars nearby, especially if you’re driving too close.
- Fatigued driving: Long hours behind the wheel can take a toll on truck drivers. Fatigue slows their reaction times and leads to mistakes in judgment.
- Mechanical problems: Slow acceleration or brake malfunctions can cause a truck to pull out slower than expected or stall in traffic.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medications can impair a truck driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
- Poor visual conditions: Rain, fog, darkness, or glare from the sun can reduce visibility. This makes it challenging for truck drivers to accurately judge distances and spot approaching vehicles.
What are the risks and dangers when a truck cuts in front of me?
When a large truck cuts in front of you, the risks can go beyond just a close call. Some of the most serious dangers include:
- Underride accidents: Trucks sit much higher off the ground than passenger vehicles, which means a smaller car can slide underneath the truck in a collision. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- Head-on collisions: If a truck pulls out unexpectedly and you swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid it, the impact of a head-on crash can be devastating. This often leads to severe injuries or loss of life.
- Chain-reaction crashes: Sudden braking to avoid a truck can lead to multi-vehicle pileups, especially in heavy traffic where drivers have little room to maneuver.
- Jackknife accidents: If the truck driver brakes too hard or too quickly, the trailer can swing out to form a dangerous “jackknife” position.
How can I protect myself if a truck pulls out in front of me?
Defensive driving is the best way to stay safe around large commercial trucks. You can avoid a crash by keeping a safe distance, staying out of blind spots, and giving trucks extra room to turn. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, a crash is unavoidable. In these cases, taking quick action can help minimize injuries and damage.
For example, keep both hands on the wheel and sit back against the seat to reduce the impact force. If possible, aim for a less dangerous area, such as a grassy shoulder instead of another vehicle. It’s important to avoid overcorrecting. Sharp steering movements can make the situation worse by causing your vehicle to spin out of control.
Who is at fault when a truck accident happens?
Figuring out who is responsible for a truck accident can be complicated. Several factors may determine fault, such as:
- Driver error: If the truck driver failed to yield, was distracted, or misjudged the situation, they could be held responsible.
- Trucking company liability: Companies must ensure their trucks are properly maintained and their drivers are well-trained. If they cut corners, they may share the blame.
- Other contributing factors: Road conditions, poor signage, or actions of other drivers can also influence who is at fault.
Establishing liability typically depends on the circumstances of the truck accident, evidence collected at the scene, and applicable traffic laws. For example, truck drivers must follow right-of-way laws when entering traffic. If they pull out when it’s unsafe, they may be held liable for causing the crash.
Additionally, if a mechanical issue, such as faulty brakes or acceleration problems, caused the truck to pull out unexpectedly, the trucking company or maintenance provider could bear some liability for failing to keep the vehicle in safe working condition.
In many cases, accident reconstruction experts analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and electronic logging devices to determine what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. Other evidence might include surveillance camera footage, witness statements, cellphone records, hours-of-service logs, maintenance records, and toxicology reports.
What legal steps should you take after a truck accident?
If a crash occurred because a truck driver pulled out in front of you, taking the right legal steps can protect your interests and help you get the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries can take time to appear. Seeing a doctor helps document any crash-related injuries for your case.
- Report the truck accident: Contact the police so they can file an official report, which may be a key piece of evidence if you pursue a claim.
- Collect evidence: Take photos of the truck accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact information and statements regarding what they saw.
- Contact your insurance provider: Inform your insurance company, but be cautious about what you say, as your statements could impact your claim.
- Seek help from a Texas truck accident lawyer: A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and work to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Get a trusted Fort Worth truck accident lawyer on your side
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in the Fort Worth area, pursuing compensation while recovering from injuries or the loss of a loved one can feel like an uphill battle. Trucking companies and their insurers often move quickly to reduce their liability. This can leave you overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps.
Attorney Coby L. Wooten knows the tricks trucking companies and their insurers use to keep their costs down. We fight tirelessly to ensure truck accident victims receive the compensation they deserve, whether through a settlement or a court verdict. Our firm has a proven track record of success, including a recent jury verdict in a North Texas county where our legal team secured a judgment of more than 50% of the pre-trial offer.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Our goal is to obtain full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future rehabilitation needs. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Click here for a printable PDF of this article, “What Happens When a Large Commercial Truck Pulls Out in Front of You?”