Posted on Friday, September 15th, 2017 at 4:53 am    

Tailgating is dangerous regardless of the vehicles involved.  However, when you are tailgating a commercial truck, you are increasing your risk of a deadly car crash. You may have seen signs on large trucks advising you to remain several hundred feet from the rear of the truck. You should take these warning very seriously and avoid following a truck too closely to reduce your risk of being severely injured in a large truck accident.

Consequences of Tailgating a Large Truck

According to information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were rear-ended by another vehicle nearly four times more often than a large truck rear-ending another vehicle in fatal crashes. When a large truck and another vehicle were involved in a fatal crash during 2015, 21 percent of the time the other vehicle rear ended the truck while only six percent of the accidents involved a large truck rear-ending the other vehicle.

Following a truck too closely can result in a deadly rear-end crash for the other vehicle. A large commercial truck driver is further away from the point of impact when another vehicle rear-ends the truck. The passengers in the other vehicle simply do not have sufficient protection when the vehicle rear ends a large truck. The force of the impact often causes severe or life-threatening injuries for the passengers in the vehicle that rear-ends the truck. It is a tragic lesson that some drivers learn far too late to save themselves or their passengers.

Safe Driving Tips for Following Large Trucks

The best way to prevent a deadly rear-end crash with a large truck is to avoid following the truck too closely and tailgating. You need to allow extra room between your vehicle and the large truck. A good rule to follow is that if you cannot see the driver in his side mirror, the driver cannot see you. It may be tempting to tailgate a truck that is going slowly; however, it is simply not worth the risk.  If the truck must stop quickly, you may not have time to avoid the collision because you cannot see what is ahead of the truck to anticipate when the truck driver must stop quickly.

In addition to allowing additional room between your vehicle and the large truck, you should also avoid driving in the truck’s blind spots. Large trucks have several large blind spots where the truck driver is unable to see other vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has information about blind spots and truck “No Zones” on its website. All drivers should review the “no zones” and avoid driving in these areas around large trucks.

Call a Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer

If you are injured in a truck accident, never assume that you are not entitled to compensation even if you were following too closely. You should always consult an experienced Sacramento truck accident attorney to learn about your rights and options related to an injury claim.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
Quote

From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Star Fire Testimonial
Quote

It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Maye Ly Testimonial
Quote

I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
Quote

Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
Quote

I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.