Eighteen-wheeler crash claims life of Louisiana truck passenger

June 05, 2013

Last month, two 18-wheeler trucks collided on a highway northwest of Lafayette, Louisiana, killing an Opelousas man who was a passenger in one of the trucks. A Freightliner driving on state highway 10 was cut-off by another truck as it entered the highway from a private drive. The 50-year-old passenger died at the scene of the accident.

According to the Highway Safety Research Group from the Louisiana State University, there have already been 13 fatalities in Lafayette Parish this year that were caused by motor vehicle accidents. In all of 2012, there were 29 wrongful deaths resulting from 27 fatal car accidents.

Truck drivers have a high responsibility to other drivers due to the size of their vehicles. There is seldom a "fender-bender" type accident when a large truck is involved. As a driver who shares a road with these big-rigs, it is important to follow some guidelines to help keep yourself safe.

Avoiding accidents with trucks

With millions of vehicles on the road each day in Louisiana, there are bound to be a number of truck accidents. America's Road Team Captains -- professional truck drivers who have logged millions of accident-free miles -- offer tips for those who share the roads with them. Their driving advice includes the following:
- Be courteous and pay attention to your surroundings as you drive
- Do not cut in too closely in front of large trucks as they cannot stop as quickly as other vehicles
- Avoid blind spots -- areas close behind or to the side of trucks
- Maintain a safety cushion around you, allowing for an escape route if something goes wrong
- Follow traffic rules, especially those regarding speed, seatbelt use and always use caution in construction zones
- Put down that cellphone -- taking and making calls or texting while driving is deadly
- Do not drive while fatigued or after consuming alcoholic beverages

According to the American Trucking Association, nearly a quarter of preventable collisions involve a vehicle that is backing up. Walk around your car to check that there are no obstacles in your way before proceeding and avoid backing up onto a busy street whenever possible. Parking lots can be especially tricky to maneuver with people walking by and other cars pulling out of parking spaces.

The best advice is to drive defensively and do not allow yourself to become distracted from the task at hand -- arrive alive. Safe driving is no accident, it is a conscious decision that you make every time you sit behind the wheel.

A lawyer can help

If you or a loved one suffers from an injury due to the negligence of another driver, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Article provided by Murphy Law Firm LLC
Visit us at www.lafayettepersonalinjuryattorney.com