side view of a semi-truck

If you have driven in Gwinnett County, you have undoubtedly seen large commercial vehicles like semis or tanker trucks hauling their cargo down the interstate or highway. These vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and are capable of causing extremely serious damage when they are involved in accidents. For this reason, it is important to drive as safely as possible around semis and other large trucks. This starts with making sure that you give truck drivers plenty of room.

What are the “No Zones” Around a Semi-Truck?

Semis and other large commercial trucks are constructed much differently than the passenger cars that most of us drive each day. One main difference is that they are larger and bulkier, which makes it more difficult for truck drivers to see the area around their vehicles, forces them to make wider turns, and increases stopping distances. For this reason, the areas directly in front of the truck, to either side of its trailer, and directly behind the vehicle are considered “no zones,” and drivers should try their best to stay out of these areas as much as possible.

Source: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/large-blind-spots

What Should You Do if You Are Injured in a Serious Accident with a Semi-Truck?

Unfortunately, you cannot completely eliminate your risk of getting into a crash with a large truck, and every year thousands of people are involved in wrecks that result in serious injuries. Because of these accidents, victims are often legally entitled to compensation for the losses they have sustained, including their medical expenses, lost income, property damage, loss of quality of life, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. Some things you can do after an accident may ensure that your rights are protected:

  • Be Polite—but Don’t Apologize – After an accident, exchange information with the other drivers involved, but do not apologize. In some cases, an apology could be construed as an admission of fault.
  • Collect Information – If you can, take pictures of the aftermath of the accident and make note of any identifying marking on the vehicles involved in the crash.
  • See Your Doctor – It is extremely important to see a physician after involvement in a crash, even if you do not think you are seriously hurt. Doing so can help prove the severity of your injuries to the insurance company and generate documentation that connects your injuries to the wreck.
  • Call a Lawyer – Retaining an attorney will help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full value of your claim.

Call Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Gwinnett County Truck Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving large commercial trucks have the potential to leave victims with devastating losses. If you have been hurt in a wreck with a semi-truck, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, we are dedicated to representing the rights of the injured and treat every case with the same level of care and tenacity. To schedule a free case evaluation with Gwinnett County personal injury attorney David Brauns, call our office today at 404-418-8244 or send us an email through our online contact form.

I am the founding partner of Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. I only represent plaintiffs in injury cases and only handle personal injury claims. This allows me to focus solely on personal injury litigation and devote myself to helping injured residents in Georgia recover fair compensation for their damages.