Truck accidents are a serious problem in the United States. Not only do these crashes cause severe damage to the victims' lives - they also cost our economy about billions of dollars every year.

Unfortunately for drivers on the roadways today, avoiding truck accidents is not as easy as it sounds. So let's take a look at some essential tips for avoiding these dangerous wrecks.

#1: Maintain Your Distance

Keeping a safe distance away from trucks on the road is one of the best ways to avoid collisions. Not only will this provide you with ample space in case something does go wrong, but it will also actually help you avoid an accident altogether.

Tailgating can lead to some dangerous consequences. For example, if you get too close to a truck and the driver needs to make an abrupt stop, you could be rear-ended by another car. To avoid these kinds of accidents, it is always essential to keep your distance from trucks on the roadways.

#2: Stay Visible

Not only is it essential to be visible to trucks, but you also have to make sure they can see you. Staying visible is crucial because it allows truck drivers to make decisions about their driving in advance - instead of reacting to your vehicle.

In addition, the more visible you are, the less likely that other vehicles on the road will not notice you. The last thing you want is for a truck driver to strike your car as they change lanes or merge into traffic ahead of you. When it comes to being visible and avoiding collisions with trucks on roadways today, several things can help:

• Use headlight bulbs that provide bright light so that you can be seen from a distance - as well as taillights and brake lights.
• Be sure all of these features work correctly so that they can display when needed.

#3: Drive Predictably

It's also essential to drive predictably. This means you should slow down if your car is about to come up behind a truck. It also means that you need to avoid weaving in and out of traffic, as this could cause an accident between two vehicles if they're driving too close together.

The same thing applies when approaching a truck from the rear: pick one lane and stick with it. This will make it easier for trucks around you to predict where they can pass safely without running into your car.

#4: Avoid Distractions

It is essential to avoid driving distracted. Distracted drivers cause a high number of accidents each year.

For example, many truck accidents result from distractions after long commutes behind the wheel, or they are related to eating and drinking while driving. To avoid these kinds of crashes on the roadways today, you have to pay attention to what's going on around your vehicle at all times - so that you can react in time if something goes wrong.

#5: Watch Out for Blind Spots

The blind spots of trucks can be a huge problem for drivers around them. Because of a truck's large size, it is easy to get lost within these blind spots. In addition, if another driver switches lanes or merges directly into your car, there could be an accident on the road. 

To avoid these kinds of collisions, keep at least three seconds between you and the truck ahead so that other drivers have enough time to react before they hit your vehicle.

#6: Be Patient

Not only is patience important when approaching a truck, but it's also essential to avoid getting angry. When another driver cuts you off or gets too close to your car without room for you to pass, do not carry on the road rage - even if they're in a big vehicle and you feel like they're at fault. 

You never know what could happen: If things get heated between two drivers on the roadway today, a collision may be caused by them acting aggressively toward one another.

#7: Stay in Your Lane

Finally, it would be best if you watched out when changing lanes. If you're in the middle of a lane and another driver turns into your car, there could be an accident on the road today - especially if both cars collide while they are moving. Unfortunately, this kind of collision is more common than most people realize.

To avoid this type of collision, make sure that you do not move into other lanes or cut someone off unless absolutely necessary - and never do it when you can't see clearly the trucks around you.

What should you do if you've been involved in a truck accident?

If possible after the accident, make sure to get the names and contact information for the driver, passengers and other witnesses to the accident. Even if the accident seems minor, call the police so they can create and file a police report.. Some injuries and symptoms may be slow to appear but make sure to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Lastly, contact a truck accident lawyer about your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options. At Brandon J Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in compassion and empathy and want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success, we can get you the justice you deserve.