Override Truck Accidents in Waco

An override truck accident occurs when a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle, and the truck’s front end runs over the smaller vehicle, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. When this happens, a Waco injury attorney from Craft Law Firm can help with your injury claim.

Common Causes of Override Accidents

Override truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Speeding

A truck driver may not be able to stop the truck in time to avoid colliding with a smaller vehicle if they are speeding.

Brake Failure

If the truck’s brakes fail, the driver may be unable to slow down or stop the truck in time to avoid a collision.

Following Too Closely

If a truck driver is following a smaller vehicle too closely, they may not have enough time to stop the truck if the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue can impair a truck driver’s judgment and reaction time.

Distracted Driving

If the truck driver is distracted, they may not see a smaller vehicle in time to avoid an override accident.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

If the cargo is not properly secured or distributed, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable, and the driver may lose control.

Poor Maintenance

If the truck is not properly maintained, its brakes, tires, or other systems may fail, increasing the risk of an override accident.

Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers

If a truck driver does not know how to safely operate the vehicle, they may be more likely to cause an override accident.

How to Avoid an Override Truck Accident

If you are driving a smaller vehicle, there are several steps you can take to help avoid an override accident with a larger truck:

• Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots: Large trucks have blind spots on all sides, so it is important to stay out of these areas whenever possible. A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirrors, they cannot see you.
• Give trucks plenty of space: Trucks require more time and distance to stop than smaller vehicles, so avoiding following too closely or making sudden stops in front of a truck can help prevent an accident.
• Be aware of a truck’s turning radius: Trucks have a larger turning radius than smaller vehicles, so they must be given plenty of room when they are turning.
• Stay visible: Make sure your vehicle is visible to the truck driver by using headlights and turn signals as needed.
• Be alert and attentive: Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions like cell phones or other devices. Be prepared to react quickly if a truck driver appears to be behaving erratically.

If you are involved in an override accident in Waco, liability will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. However, in general, the truck driver and/or trucking company may be liable if they were negligent in their operation of the vehicle. Contact a Waco trucking accident lawyer today to discuss your legal options.