Commercial vehicle drivers may not see smaller cars or may struggle to navigate around them safely, leading to accidents. Recent data shows that trucks are involved in thousands of fatal accidents each year. These fatal accidents may occur more frequently during daytime hours and on non-interstate roadways. Those involved in such accidents may suffer from broken bones, internal injuries, and brain or spinal damage.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a large commercial vehicle, it’s important to keep evidence of the accident so that you’re able to present your case in court if you file a civil lawsuit against the owner or driver of the vehicle. This evidence should include photos of both vehicles, when possible, photos of the scene, and police reports. Witness statements can also be helpful when presenting your case.
Ohio commercial drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their vehicles and following the laws to help prevent accidents. When a commercial driver is negligent, those injured in the accident can seek compensation through the civil court system. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a commercial driver, it’s important to speak to an attorney to understand your rights.
]]>Additional factors increase the level of danger on Ohio roads. For example, there are many construction sites, especially in high-traffic areas. Traffic flow often suddenly changes (slows) in these areas. If there’s an aggressive driver in the vicinity, this is a recipe for disaster. Another concerning factor is speed. There are numerous roads in Ohio where the posted speed limit is 65 or 70 miles per hour. Aggressive drivers often exceed posted speed limits, meaning you might be sharing the road with someone traveling 80 miles per hour or more.
You have no doubt heard the phrase “road rage” in conjunction with aggressive driving. If someone starts gesturing or screaming at you or trying to force you off the road, try to remain calm and place as much distance between your vehicle and theirs as you can. If needed, call the police. However, do not engage in a confrontation with another motorist. If you witness any of the behaviors shown in the following list, you’re sharing the road with an aggressive driver:
These are signs of an aggressive driver, which can cause a collision resulting in severe injuries. For example, if someone is tailgating, and you must step on your brake because traffic in front of you has come to a halt, another vehicle may hit you from behind. If you have a child or other passenger in the backseat, they could suffer severe injuries.
If you can, it’s best to try to get away from aggressive drivers. To do so safely, you might be able to take the nearest exit. While this might create a detour from your planned travel route, it’s better to leave the road than risk severe injuries if a collision occurs. If there are no exits nearby, you can look for an opening and conduct a safe lane change.
If you can’t change lanes, maybe you can drop back in the line of traffic, so the aggressive driver moves past you. If you feel like you’re in danger, you can find a place to pull over and call the police, who can dispatch traffic officers to investigate the situation. When car accidents occur because of aggressive drivers, those who suffer severe injuries may seek restitution for damages by filing a legal claim in civil court.
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