On February 14th, attorney Chad McLain of Graves McLain appeared on Good Day Tulsa to discuss how motorists can safely share the roads with large commercial vehicles. Good Day Tulsa airs locally on KTUL ABC 8. Watch the segment:

In 2016, there were approximately 475,000 tractor-trailer crashes in the United States—with 3,864 of those accidents resulting in fatal injuries. Closer to home, the State of Oklahoma Highway Safety Office says Oklahoma saw 5,051 tractor-trailer accidents that same year. Of those, 106 were fatal.

Dangerous Facts About Big Rigs

Tractor-trailers can weigh 20 to 30 times as much as a passenger vehicle—increasing the force they can deliver in a collision. Their taller overall height and greater ground clearance often allow other vehicles to pass under them in an accident.

Even worse, a loaded tractor-trailer has a stopping distance of 20% to 40% greater than that of a passenger car—made worse on wet or slippery roads.

Share the Road Safely

Though it is impossible to eliminate traffic accidents entirely, drivers who understand how to share the road with trucks enjoy a strong safety advantage. The following tips can help keep you safe:

  • Be Aware of Blind Spots: Tractor-trailers have much larger blind spots than passenger cars. Allow four car lengths or more between vehicles.
  • Avoid Traveling Alongside Trucks: A trucker who cannot see you can easily force your vehicle off the road. Give them space.
  • Never Drive Between Trucks: Two trucks unaware of your presence can easily leave you in a bind. Pass quickly when you can.
  • Use Care When Changing Lanes: Trucks cannot respond quickly. Use signals, avoid sudden changes and stay out of blind spots.

In the Event of an Accident

Under Oklahoma law, an operator must contact the police before leaving an accident that has resulted in injury or significant property damage. If you are involved in an accident, call 911 right away.

It is also wise to always seek medical help, even if you do not believe you have been injured.

We Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle through no fault of your own, call Graves McLain right away at 918-359-6600. When you call one of our experienced Tulsa, Oklahoma Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys, we will speak with you for FREE and determine the best course of action.

We review every detail of your situation at no cost to you—and fight hard to protect your rights.

Trust our team, we are here to help.

At Graves McLain, you will never pay an attorney’s fee upfront—and you owe us nothing until we win your case. At Graves McLain, we don’t get paid until you do.

Graves McLain, Serious Lawyers for Serious Injuries

When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.

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    Robert S.

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