In a fight with an 18-wheeler, the big rig will win.

In my decades of helping accident victims, it seems that people involved in these accidents are often the most severely injured. Not surprising, a semi weighs about 80,000 pounds and your car is about 3,000.

There are a few things I have learned over the years that may help you stay safe.

It doesn’t matter what you think is right, legal or moral. Give way to a big rig.

I cannot tell you how many cases I know of where the injured person said they were in the right. Being right and in a coma, will do you no good.

Trucks really do have blind spots.

My advice is that you need to help the truck driver see you. Be aware that if you cannot see their mirrors, they probably will have trouble seeing you.

Do not pull in front of a truck and slow down.

This often happens when a car driver is trying to make a quick turn or use an exit ramp. It takes a truck longer to stop resulting in it hitting you from behind.

Do not drive between two large rigs.

You can’t see, and they possibly can’t see you. In my experience, you are more likely to hit the rig in front when the truck has to put on its brakes.

If you have to pull over to the side of the road, make sure you are off the road.

Trucks are big and can often take most of the lane. Accidents where a semi clips a parked car are all too common.

If you suffer an injury, such as a traffic accident, slip and fall or injury from a faulty product, you can talk to us at the  Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie  for free. We want to help you get back on your feet.

Also join us on  NBC 15 LawCall  here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30 right after the news. We do a short show on tape during the football season but will take your calls live again after the first of the year.

Allen Ritchie

Alabama personal injury lawyer

The post Preventing an Accident with an 18-Wheeler first appeared on Steele Ritchie.