A crash involving an Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office inmate transport van and an 18 wheeler left five people injured, including one deputy and four inmates. According to Myarklamiss.com, the accident happened in Monroe near Millhaven Road and I-20.
Law enforcement officials reported that the semi-truck rear-ended the transport van. All five victims were transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The truck driver was cited for careless operation.
Although the victims in this accident were lucky enough to survive, truck wrecks cause an alarming number of deaths every year in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large truck accidents killed 3,964 people and injured 95,000 in 2013.
If you sustained an injury in a commercial truck crash, then you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and non-economic damages. If your family member died in a large truck wreck, then you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
A Monroe personal-injury lawyer from Morris Bart, LLC will evaluate your case and explain your legal options. We strive to provide all of our clients with the attention, compassion and respect they deserve.
Our legal team has been representing the injured for more than 30 years. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 800-537-8185.
3 Tips to Help Passenger-Vehicle Drivers Avoid Truck Accidents
The recent crash involving an 18 wheeler and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office inmate transport van demonstrates that large trucks require a longer distance to stop safely. These vehicles also have higher centers of gravity, and they require a wider turning angle than passenger vehicles.
Because large trucks handle differently than passenger cars, it is important that motorists understand how to adjust their driving when they encounter commercial vehicles. Here are three tips to keep in mind:
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Maintain a Safe Following Distance
If you tailgate an 18 wheeler, then you will not be able to see vehicles and hazards ahead. You should extend your following distance so you can spot approaching dangers in time to brake safely.
If a semi-truck is following your vehicle too closely, then change lanes and let it pass. If you need to brake suddenly, then there’s a good chance the truck will rear-end your vehicle because it will need plenty of braking distance to stop.
Give Truckers Plenty of Space When Turning
Large trucks have a wider turning radius than small cars. As such, they often need to enter adjacent lanes to execute a turn. If you approach an intersection and a trucker appears to be turning, then expect the vehicle to enter your lane.
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Avoid Their Blind Spots
It is easy for a small vehicle to disappear in a large truck’s blind spot. You should minimize the time you spend driving in these blind spots to avoid side-swipe accidents.
Unfortunately, even the safest motorists are not immune to accidents. If you were injured by a negligent truck driver in Louisiana, turn to Morris Bart, LLC. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free consultation with a personal-injury lawyer in Monroe.
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