How Motorcycles Can Safely Share the Road with Large Trucks
I’m Ed Smith, an El Dorado Hills CA Motorcycle Accident Attorney. Large trucks pose a danger to vehicles of all sizes on the roads of California but they can be extremely dangerous for motorcycles. Here are some important tips for safely operating a motorcycle near a large truck.
Always Pass With Care
One of the most important safety tips you should follow when operating your motorcycle near a large truck is to always pass with care. It’s understandable how tempting it is to weave (lane splitting) around large trucks, especially on the highways, but this can quickly turn into a tragedy involving traumatic injuries. When you go to pass a truck, give it more room than you would normally provide a smaller vehicle. Be sure you can see the front of the truck before moving the motorcycle back into its lane. This ensures that the truck driver is not forced to perform any sudden maneuvers or braking.
Don’t Take Chances
You’ve likely heard it a million times over; never take chances when on your motorcycle. This is such an important rule to live by, especially when you are operating the bike near a large truck. If a truck doesn’t see you (which is highly likely) and begins to move into your lane, get out of its way immediately. Your first instinct might be to speed up and overtake the truck, but this could lead to a tragic motorcycle accident. Large trucks cannot stop as quickly as your motorcycle can, so be sure to take this into account.
Be Wary of Turns
Always be wary of turns when operating your motorcycle near a large truck. If you are riding next to a truck that is preparing to make a right turn, it might need to swing wide to the left in order to safely make the turn. If you try to pass the truck or squeeze between it and another vehicle, you could wind up colliding with the truck. You also need to be wary of turns when sitting at an intersection on your motorcycle. A truck approaching the intersection to make a right turn will need plenty of room to maneuver. Be sure to remain far enough behind the white line so the truck does not come too close to your bike, causing a truck accident.
Be Aware of Blind Spots
Blind spots are a big concern when it comes to operating your motorcycle near a large truck. A truck has a blind spot on all four sides but they are especially dangerous on the right and left sides of the truck. It’s bad enough that your motorcycle will be the smallest vehicle on the road. Don’t put yourself at a bigger disadvantage by driving in the truck’s blind spots. You are putting yourself and the truck driver in danger.
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El Dorado CA Hills Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, an Eldorado Hills CA Motorcycle Accident Attorney. Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident with a large truck? If so, you might be able to receive compensation for your injuries. If you suffered the loss of a loved one in such an accident you might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Do not wait a minute longer to call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. It is a toll-free call and all conversations remain confidential.
I have been representing clients in the El Dorado Hills area and all over California for more than three decades when it comes to personal injury cases.
If you would like to read reviews from previous clients, you can find them on Google, Yelp, and Avvo. You can review my prior cases by visiting my verdicts and settlements page.
I proudly call myself a member of the Million Dollar Forum, which recognizes top trial attorneys across the country who have secured settlements or awards of a million dollars or more for their clients.
More information is available on my website, autoaccident.com.
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