Many West Virginia motorists get nervous when they are sharing the road with large trucks. Due to their size, 18-wheelers could potentially do a lot of damage to smaller vehicles on the road. However, car drivers can take actions that may help them to avoid dangerous accidents.

Driving a large truck can be more challenging than driving a passenger vehicle. During their training, commercial truck drivers are taught to operate vehicles that have a lot of blind spots and require a long stopping distance. Passenger car drivers who share the road with commercial trucks may want to be aware of these factors.

Another hazard that drivers may face while sharing the road with large trucks is water splash. During rainy, snowy or muddy conditions, large trucks may splash the windshields of other vehicles that are driving beside them. Drivers can keep themselves safer around trucks by giving trucks as much space as possible. While passing a large truck on the road, drivers should remember to get far enough away from the truck before returning to the truck’s lane.

Sometimes big rig accidents occur because a truck driver commits a dangerous traffic violation. If a drowsy or intoxicated truck driver causes an accident, both the truck driver and the truck driver’s employer may be liable for injuries to occupants of other vehicles. People who are injured in such a collision often need extensive and costly medical care and treatment, during which they are unable to return to work. They might find it advisable to have a lawyer’s assistance when attempting to seek compensation from the at-fault party or parties.