Every year, thousands of large truck-oriented collisions lead to serious injuries and fatalities on America’s roads. May it be a big rig semi, a dump truck laden with rubble, a garbage collector, or a maintenance vehicle of some sort, truck crashes often lead to some of the most catastrophic events on the open road. While each incident is unique, reports show that certain large vehicle collisions occur far more often than others, with the following seven situations being the most common types of truck-related crashes. 1. Rollover crashes Rollover crashes happen when the truck flips onto its side or roof. This typically occurs when the truck is traveling at high speeds or when the truck driver makes a sudden maneuver.  Rollover incidents can be very dangerous and often result in serious injuries and fatalities. Truck drivers should ensure safe driving and avoid sudden maneuvers to avoid rollover accidents. CDL operators should always confirm that their insurance policy covers a rollover accident before hitting the highway. 2. Jackknife incidents Jackknife incidents commonly occur when the truck’s trailer swings away from the cab due to sudden hard braking, improper towing etiquette, bad weather or a trailer tire blowout. This form of crash can be quite serious, as the trailer might swing into oncoming traffic or even overturn.  Routine servicing and inspection of a truck’s trailer are crucial to preventing jackknife accidents. Truck drivers and fleet operators should be sure to have the brakes and tires on a trailer inspected and serviced regularly to help reduce mechanically influenced incidents. 3. Rear-end collisions Rear-end collisions are an all too common form of large truck crash and are oftentimes one that is completely avoidable. Rear-end collisions with large trucks are typically the result of a tailgating driver following too closely behind a truck.  Most people don’t realize how quickly a large truck can come to a complete stop once the driver hits the brakes. Brake failure on the truck’s end can also cause collisions, as a seized brake component can suddenly cause a big rig to slow down significantly. 4. Side-impact collisions Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone crashes, are especially dangerous when a large truck is involved. These collisions occur when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another automobile, and often occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right of way. Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings and prepared to yield when necessary. Hitting a large truck will almost always do more damage to a passenger vehicle than the big rig getting T-boned. 5. Underride and override incidents Underride incidents occur when small cars hit the back end of tractor-trailers and become wedged underneath, thus creating a very dangerous situation for the smaller vehicle’s occupants. Override crashes occur when a larger vehicle collides with a truck and ends up riding on top of the trailer or some other portion of the big rig. These kinds of collisions can also be very dangerous, especially when an occupant is ejected. 6. Roadway departures Tractor-trailers are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, thus posing a serious challenge when staying in one’s lane, especially on highways with higher speed limits.  A truck driver’s loss of control of a vehicle can lead to disastrous consequences. In most cases, a truck driver who veers off the road will do so because of fatigue, distraction, or even while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. If you are ever involved in a truck accident caused by a truck driver departing from their lane, you should file a claim against the trucking company. 7. Head-on collisions Due to the size and weight of tractor-trailers, head-on truck-related collisions are arguably the most dangerous form of roadway incident imaginable. These types of crashes typically occur when a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel or if they are distracted and veer into oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions can also occur when a truck driver is speeding and loses control of their rig. If you have been involved in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer, you may face serious injuries, including broken bones, internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries. Therefore, you will need extensive medical treatment and will likely incur significant medical bills. You may also be unable to work for a period, resulting in lost wages. A collision with a tractor-trailer can be a devastating event. If you have been involved in such a traumatic incident, you should contact an experienced truck crash attorney who can help you protect your rights and secure the compensation that you deserve.  For example, Fasig Brooks law firm has a proven track record of success in large truck-oriented cases and ensures their clients receive the full compensation they are entitled to. Don’t try to navigate the complex legal system alone. Let the experts from the firm fight for you. Conclusion As you can see, there are many different types of truck collisions. Some are more common than others, but all of them can be potentially devastating. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck crash, it is important to seek legal help immediately.  An experienced truck collision attorney can help you investigate the accident, gather evidence and fight for the compensation you deserve. Truck drivers should also be aware of the different types of collisions that can occur, and take all necessary steps to avoid these horrific circumstances.  

If you thought learning how to drive, memorizing road safety rules, researching vehicle safety ratings and obtaining a driver’s license were the only things required prior to purchasing your first truck or SUV, think again. Take car insurance as a prime example. Young drivers tend to have the toughest time obtaining good coverage, especially when a parent or guardian is not able to extend their coverage plan. Not having any credit, or a bad credit record almost always translates to heftier car insurance rates. Today, we’re going to discuss how to get better car insurance rates even if you are just beginning to build credit or are an experienced driver with bad credit. Why is car insurance mandatory? All states in the U.S., save for the insurance-exempt state of New Hampshire, require car insurance. All over the country, active car insurance policies must be placed every time there is a new-vehicle purchase. So, no, it’s not optional (except in N.H.). And yes, there’s a really good reason why the government requires this kind of coverage. Driving comes with risks no matter how careful of a driver you may be, for not all incidents are avoidable. Extensive knowledge of road safety isn’t a guarantee either, and accident-related damages tend to cost a pretty penny. That’s where car insurance comes in. Liability insurance provides funding to cover damages in case your car is involved in an accident, with the amount of car insurance required varying per state. Other factors that must be taken into consideration are the form of car ownership, as leasing and owning a vehicle can incur different insurance policies with varying costs. Credit rating impacts car insurance rates Records of speeding tickets, accidents and DUIs can all impact your car insurance rates, too. If you’ve been involved in any of these, a higher premium will likely be implemented. But did you know that your insurance rates could increase by up to 76% per year if you have a bad credit rating? Bad credit incurs a heavier impact on your insurance rates than a speeding ticket, accident or even a DUI. To provide some perspective, insurance rates go up only by 21% if you have been penalized with a speeding ticket. It rises all the way up to 41% after you’ve been involved in a road accident in which you are at fault. And finally, if you’ve been found guilty of DUI, insurance rates go up by up to 74%. That’s a full 2% below a poor credit rating score! But what does bad credit have to do with driving? Well, according to some studies, drivers with bad credit are more likely to file claims than drivers with good credit history. Therefore, they tend to be considered high-risk. This explains why insurance companies prefer to impose heftier premiums on these individuals. How to get cheaper car insurance if you have bad credit Credit history is just one of the factors that auto insurance companies consider when calculating their quotation. But there are steps you can take to obtain a cheaper premium. Additionally, for those who desperately need coverage right away and are concerned about funding, taking the safe route, and opting to apply with CreditNinja online for a personal loan might be the best way forward. Improve your credit rating While this may help lower insurance rates, improving one’s credit rating tends to take additional steps. For example, you can set up automatic payments on many bills so that you never miss due dates. Paying bills well ahead of a deadline can improve a credit score in impressive increments. This is because you are demonstrating your determination to fulfill financial obligations, and are working toward achieving a credit score of at least 670. Typically the higher that credit score, the cheaper the car insurance rates will become over time. Check eligibility for discounts It doesn’t hurt to ask an insurance broker or a customer service representative at the company itself whether you are eligible for discounts. For instance, some companies that commit to supporting sustainable practices may offer discounts to clients who opt for paperless transactions. If you make a one-time full payment, you may be eligible for discounts as well. So, inquiring about all-in-one insurance package offerings, like home and car insurance bundle is never a bad idea. Bundles like this usually come with long-term savings. Remove unnecessary features in your current policy Take the time to review your current insurance policy. Does it cover your basic needs? If it does, then that’s typically more than enough. But if there are excess add-ons, you may just be overpaying. Prove your credibility as a driver Did you know that you can sign up for a usage-based auto insurance program? When you sign up for usage-based auto insurance, the company will consistently review your driving capabilities and routine usage of the vehicle in question. Your driving score will determine what your coverage costs will entail. The better the score, the bigger the discount on that premium. Car insurance companies will even offer incentives that crest 40% in the discount department for those who can prove that they are excellent drivers. Compare rates from several trustworthy auto insurance companies Just like shopping for new tires, you can always compare your available package options from different auto insurance companies to see what suits you and your needs best. Take advantage of tough competition among the many car insurance companies, as they will always aim to gain ground with new clients. So take your time, and create a list of options that can help you compare rates on an in-depth level. Additionally, if you cross-research insurance companies that don’t review credit scores on a traditional level, it may be easy to find the right one for your specific needs. You can obtain good auto insurance rates with bad credit Most car insurance companies review credit scores when deciding what a particular premium will run. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to obtain better rates, even with […]

Whether you want to slog through the swamps of the Everglades in a 4×4 or tow your boat to the marina, having a driver’s permit is required in the state of Florida. But getting your driver’s license for the first time in the Sunshine State requires some additional consideration and perhaps a dash of guidance. Whether you’re a teen seeking to get your learner’s permit or a full-grown adult getting a license for the first time, Florida’s requirements and restrictions must be carefully considered and adhered to when out on the road. To help make this process as painless as possible, here’s a step-by-step guide explaining what getting your driver’s license in Florida entails. Step 1: Complete your DATA course Drug alcohol traffic awareness (DATA) courses are mandatory for all new drivers in the state of Florida, regardless of age. Courses are about as self-explanatory as it gets, too, with the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol being reiterated for a plethora of controlled substances and adult beverages. To prove that you have what it takes to abstain from drugs and alcohol while driving, you must first complete this 4-hour course and pass a 40-question test. Adults can complete the course online, whereas learner’s-permit-seeking teens must attend class in person. Step 2: Take the permit test The Florida permit test is a written examination that all new drivers must take. While teens can take this test online, adults have to visit their local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to wrap this one up. We recommend using the Florida Driver’s Handbook and online guides to prepare for this test. Some local high schools include this test as a part of their driver’s education program, so teens might be able to complete the exam while on campus. The test has 50 questions, including discussion over driving regulations and road signs. You must answer at least 40 of the 50 questions accurately to pass the test. Step 3: Get your learner’s permit (for teens) If you are a teen, you can apply for a learner’s permit at the local DMV. While there, you must pass a simple hearing and vision test along with the application. If you use glasses and/or contact lenses, you must notify the DMV, and wear them during the examination for accuracy’s sake. For those who do not pass the hearing test, a hearing aid may be required while driving. Failure to pass the vision test typically results in a state-issued note for an optometrist evaluation. Inability to amend your visual impairment with contacts or glasses will result in the rejection of your eligibility to operate a motorized vehicle. Step 4: Complete the Florida driving test Commonly referred to as the “Class E Driving Skills Test,” this hands-on driving test requires a trained instructor to ride along with you and takes notes of your capabilities while behind the wheel. Unlike other parts of the country, where a state vehicle is provided, Florida requires that a privately owned, properly insured vehicle with a valid license plate be utilized. The vehicle must also pass a safety inspection while on site, or be recently inspected with adequate documentation proving this point. If registration needs to be renewed, the Florida registration renewal process must be implemented as well. Step 5: Get Your Driver’s License After all exams are passed, you simply have to pay the $48 test fee as well as provide your ID and social security card, then that coveted driver’s license is yours! However, if you are under 18, you will need to provide parental consent forms, and a temporary license will be supplied. A permanent copy will arrive via mail in a few days. Teens must remember the rules of the road After successfully passing all of the mandatory tests, the Florida DMV will issue a learner’s driving permit. However, first-time permit holders must adhere to a few rules: In order to obtain your Class E driver’s license, you should continue driving with a learner’s permit for a year, or until you turn 18. Whichever comes first. For the first 90 days, you can only operate your vehicle during daylight hours. After 90 days (without incident), you are allowed to drive until 10 p.m. You must log a minimum of 50 hours of driving practice with a parent or caretaker prior to applying for a normal driver’s permit. At least 10 hours of night driving must be logged. Conclusion Now that you (finally) have your driver’s license, it’s time to drive defensively, obey all traffic rules and start modifying that truck or SUV of yours. Just note that safely and successfully operating a 4×4 both on and off-road requires great care and a fair deal of practice. So, please drive safe and enjoy!  

Snuggly stowing valuables in a vehicle can be a risky and challenging endeavor — no matter what size the vehicle may be. Despite its hulking size, the Jeep Gladiator suffers from this same affliction, making for a common gripe amongst daily drivers and 4X4 enthusiasts alike. If only there were a way to lock up goods beneath the rear bench. Enter the mighty Jeep Gladiator Compact Underseat Lockbox from Tuffy. This locking, stealthily hidden storage box offers a perfect set of solutions for when stowing expensive and potentially dangerous gear is in the cards. Here are a few reasons why this rugged stow-away solution retains its spot as the top contender when it comes to seeking rear under-seat storage solutions for the 2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator. Designed with security, durability and easy access in mind One of the greatest things about this clever hideaway locker (outside of it being designed and built in North America) is its accessibility strengths. Rear seats lifted, Gladiator owners can easily access the contents of the lockbox, thanks to an exclusive “Pin-Lock” hinging system that’s been added for secure closure. With the lid fully extended open, users are rewarded with 42 7/8-inch by 7 ¼-inch accessible stow space and a strong all-around seal once closed. From a security standpoint, the closure of this all-steel structure comes reinforced with Tuffy’s own line of locking mechanisms. Affixed with dual 10 tumbler, and double-bitted security locks with built-in weather seals, the locking side of this under-seat stow container are top-tier in every way. There’s also Tuffy’s signature “Pry-Guard Locking System,” just in case someone decides to give your Gladiator the old “pry-n-pray” approach. “Our new full-width Underseat Lockbox for the Jeep Gladiator delivers secure storage for a wide range of items, keeping them organized and out of sight,” said Chip Olson, marketing manager, Tuffy Security Products. “The long dimension of this lockbox provides extra useful storage space in a design that doesn’t interfere with the Gladiator’s passenger foot room. The lockbox is an innovative product that will add to the enjoyment of this popular vehicle by keeping gear and other valuables close at hand, yet concealed from prying eyes.” Designed and produced in North America, Tuffy Security Products have been a leader in safeguarding valuable gear for decades, you can rest assured in knowing that all of the bases are covered so you can stow at ease and fear not for missing valuables.  Lock it like its hot Stamped out of sturdy steel and measuring 43 3/8” long, 9” 3/8” wide, and 6 1/2” tall on the outside, this security lockbox encapsulates 2,000 cubic inches of storage volume. Discreetly stuffed beneath the rear seat, the OEM styling of the Jeep Gladiator is given ample room to be itself. Installation is made easy with supplied hardware and easy-to-follow assembly instructions, and due to merely requiring the use of a wrench, requires zero drilling or bracketry tomfoolery. Finished in a textured black powder coat finish, Tuffy Compact Underseat Lockbox for the Jeep Gladiator (Model 387-01) remains impervious to scuffs, mud, daily abuse, and even the occasional spilled juice box. There’s even a compact version of the Jeep Gladiator Lockbox (pictured below), which features many of the same performance and security perks, but with a far smaller footprint. Just note that the full-size storage version of this product from Tuffy Security Products is not compatible with Jeep’s OEM plastic under-seat fence, as it must be secure to the OEM Jeep Gladiator mounting points beneath the rear bench.

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the dangers of slow trucks on the highway. And, no, we aren’t just talking about that rusty relic of a recalled pickup truck hobbling down the interstate with a filthy sofa and a treadmill poking out the back. We’re talking about the boss hogs of the highway here. Tractor-trailer semis with big old blind spots and a tendency to blow sideways during a sudden wind gust. Some say they are a major contributor to crashes, while others claim truck drivers are just being scapegoated due to being such an easy target. So, who is right? Both sides have a point, it just primarily depends upon the following factors. Why do trucks move so slowly? Trucks will often move slower than the posted speed limit due to carrying heavy loads, as well as the limitations of truck diesel engines. Occasionally, the law will even require trucks to drive below the speed limit when carrying a certain type of cargo, or a particular size. This can make it difficult for other drivers to pass and can cause traffic buildups behind slower semi-trailers, dump trucks, and other large transit vehicles. These traffic jams often lead to distracted driving and road rage, both of which are notorious for causing collisions. Impatient drivers will also attempt to maneuver around the trucks by weaving in and out of traffic. A dangerous driving act that tends to make everyone on the highway nervous. Dangers of trucks moving slower Slow trucks can be dangerous, especially when in the left lane in the U.S. As far as moving on the left lane goes, large trucks can make it difficult for emergency vehicles to get through. Additionally, slow trucks can make it difficult for drivers to see what lies ahead, which over the years has been linked to a large number of crashes. Situations such as these are especially disconcerting when white-out snow storms and torrential rains impede vision and tire traction. Larger box trailers cast an even bigger shadow, as they form blind spots for drivers on both sides when cruising down the center of a multi-lane interstate. Why do trucks move more slowly than other vehicles? In most states, laws require that truck drivers maintain a certain distance between their vehicle and the automobile or motorcycle in front of them. This is because trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles and therefore require more time to stop. Laws such as these also help reduce the risk of sudden truck braking, which in turn provides merging traffic and vehicles behind the truck an additional window of response time. Truck drivers also can’t afford to have the points on their license deducted, so they opt to drive slower than the posted speed limit. If truckers lose points on their licenses in a certain state, they may be required to take a defensive driving course. These courses are about as unexciting as it gets, as they are intended to provide CDL license holders with the basics of big rig operation all over again. Furthermore, combustion engines tend to consume a lot more fuel when speeds are increased, so operating a large rig while driving slowly can help save money if done properly. Kinds of crashes that can be caused by slow-moving trucks However, arguing that all large trucks should be required to drive slower than passenger vehicles to reduce collisions is a bit misaligned. Large trucks are involved in a very small percentage of crashes when compared to the number of crashes caused by passenger vehicles or road obstacles. That’s not to say that big rigs aren’t still at fault for certain kinds of crashes. Some of the common forms of large truck-related traffic incidents include: Rear-end collisions Sideswipe situations Low-speed passing crashes Rear-end collisions are of particular concern, as they can be particularly hazardous if a vehicle is pushed underneath the trailer of a truck. To avoid any of these dangerous scenarios, always leave plenty of space between you and any large trucks around you when possible. Remember, trucks and trailers are required to have a “Mansfield Bar” in the rear for a reason. These collision braces do not cover the sides though, so be wary of this fact. Speaking of which — in a sideswipe situation, a truck changing lanes can cause a vehicle in its blind spot to get stuffed underneath or squashed. Sideswipe crashes can be very dangerous because they can cause the smaller vehicle to spin out of control, and trailer trucks to jackknife. If you ever get involved in this kind of collision or any other crash listed here, be sure to contact a team of truck accident lawyers to help with your case. Finally, the large trucks are prone to flipping onto their side, which is technically considered a rollover incident. These situations are often caused by a sudden swerve or a truck hitting a large pothole or an obstacle in the road. Rollover crashes can be particularly dangerous if occupants are ejected from the vehicle. Conclusion While slow-moving trucks can be annoying, it is important to remember they are driving in such a manner for a reason. To avoid truck run-ins, it is vital to give trucks plenty of space and remain aware of their blind spots. In closing, it is important to avoid driving behind a slow-moving truck whenever possible to avoid being involved in a rear-end collision. If you are ever involved in a crash with a slow-moving truck, reaching out to an experienced investigative truck collision lawyer can spell the difference between fair compensation and pay for hospital bills.