But, did you know, licensed truck drivers, are supposed to be trained to be cautious around us! That’s right: truck drivers are told to do everything they can to help you avoid THEM. When you think about it for a minute, it makes sense. By definition, a truck begins at 10,000 lbs. and can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. To drive something that big, truck drivers must pass a special driving test. They have a separate manual, a separate set of rules, and a separate license altogether.

What are some of these rules they must know? Well, do you ever see a truck swing to the left in order to make a right turn? They aren’t supposed to do that! According to their driving manual, they must keep the rear of their truck as close to the curb as possible so drivers behind them (drivers like you and me) do not make the mistake of thinking the truck is turning left and try to get around the right side.

How about this: ever see a truck pulled off to the side of the road with 3 cones spaced 5 feet apart from each other? That’s wrong, too! According to their manual, their cones need to be spaced out at 10 feet, 100 feet and 200 feet from the rear of the truck if stopped on the side of a divided highway.

Truckers are trained, or at least are supposed to be trained, to communicate their presence and their intentions AT ALL TIMES! They are told numerous times in their manual to ASSUME OTHERS DO NOT SEE THEM! They are told to avoid backing up or, if they have no choice but to back up, to use the assistance of a spotter.

There are many more rules truck drivers must follow to ensure our safety and theirs. They have state rules, federal rules, and rules within their own companies that need to be followed. With all this in mind, you can see a crash with a truck is NOT THE SAME as a crash with an automobile. Trucking companies will always say that YOU were at fault because YOU did not look out for their truck. At Q Auto & Injury Attorneys, we know even if they’re pointing the finger at you, to investigate the trucking company’s actions, training, and background to find out what THEY should have been doing to prevent the crash.

If you’ve been involved in a collision with a truck, give us a call! We can help! 1-800-332-1992.