While big lorry accidents are rare, when they do occur, they can be deadly. You can see why when a fully loaded 18-wheel lorry can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds.
When a crash takes place with a big lorry, there will be severe injuries or sometimes even fatalities. This is especially so when cars or SUVs are part of the collision. While the weight and sheer size of these lorries are the main dangers to other road users involved in a collision with a truck, the lorries involved will sometimes be carrying a hazardous load, such as fuel.
It’s not uncommon for a 18-wheel truck to carry three hundred gallons of diesel fuel. If the crash is a big one, and the tank of the truck becomes compromised, the diesel can leak onto the roadway and cause a fire. When these fires start, they can be almost impossible to extinguish, and will burn very hot.
It is important to note that there are laws that govern what locations truck drivers can drive. If these truck drivers don’t adhere to these local laws, they will most likely be fined. If they are found to be driving in a restricted area and were involved in a crash, the driver will likely be found of behaving negligently and could be prosecuted, especially if there are injuries or fatalities.
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Drivers Must Acknowledge the Dangers
Drivers must acknowledge and recognize the dangers of sharing the road with big lorries carrying hazardous materials. If you find yourself driving close to a big 18 wheeled lorry, we would recommend that you keep a safe distance from these trucks. The more room that you can keep between the lorry and yourself, the safer you will be. Make sure you take measures to signal correctly and not to speed up around a truck if you wish to pass it. It is important that you never under any circumstances cut off a lorry.
For those of you who have been involved in a crash with a lorry, we would recommend that you contact Texas truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner. He will take a look at your case and offer you a no obligation consultation.
