Do you know why passing an 18-wheeler on the right side is dangerous?
Motorcyclist Hospitalized With Life-Threatening Injuries After Hitting 18-Wheeler Making a Right Turn
According to a KSAT News report, a motorcyclist is in the hospital following a serious crash with an 18-wheeler last week.
Police reported the accident occurred at around 8:15 p.m. on the 13600 block of Applewhite Road on May 3rd, on the South Side. A motorcycle was initially following behind a white semi-truck on this road when the semi-truck began to make a wide right turn into a warehouse located on that street. That’s when the motorcycle attempted to pass the semi-truck on the right-hand side, slamming into it. The motorcyclist, a 35-year-old male, was hospitalized in critical condition. Investigators said no criminal elements were involved in this crash, and no charges are expected to be filed.
Did You Know?
Failing to yield during a left turn caused 30,741 accidents in Texas in 2015.
Why Shouldn’t You Pass an 18-Wheeler on the Right? Tips for Safely Passing a Semi-Truck in San Antonio
We’ve all been stuck behind an 18-wheeler going way too slow to be in the left lane.
It’s frustrating, and it’s very tempting to try to go around them in the right lane. Of course, you’ve heard that you should never pass a big rig on the right, but what’s the big deal anyway?
In this scenario, the other driver is in the wrong, not you. However, passing on the right is only legal in specific circumstances in Texas because it is more dangerous than passing on the left. Just because you’re in the right doesn’t mean you should risk your life.
Why Passing an 18-Wheeler on the Right Is Dangerous
While passing on the right is not illegal in all circumstances, it should not be done, especially if you’re trying to pass a big rig. Passing on the right is dangerous because:
- It congests traffic — Vehicles trying to enter the highway will be competing for lane space, slowing traffic significantly.
- It forces unnecessary lane changes — Every time you make a lane change, you increase your risk of an accident.
- 18-wheeler blind spots are larger on the right — 18-Wheelers have much larger blind spots on the right of the rig, making it even more difficult for the driver to know that you’re there.
- 18-Wheelers make wide right turns — If the big rig needs to make a turn, you’ll get clipped if you’re next to them in the right lane.
To keep yourself safe, pass on the left quickly at a consistent speed, making predictable movements. The further away you are from a semi-truck, the better. Especially if you’re on a motorcycle, never assume the driver can see you.
There are lots of reckless 18-wheeler operators out there. You can do everything right and still be injured in an 18-wheeler accident in San Antonio. You should never have to pay for someone else’s reckless mistake.
Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident in San Antonio? Call Carabin Shaw
18-wheeler accidents are becoming increasingly common in San Antonio. If you were hurt in an 18-wheeler accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to significant compensation for:
- Ambulance Costs,
- Medical Bills,
- Disfigurement,
- TBI/Spinal Cord Injury,
- Severe Burn Injury,
- Missed Work or Lost Benefits,
- Loss of Earning Capacity,
- Wrongful Death,
- and More.
We can help you find out if your case qualifies for free.
Call Carabin Shaw’s 18-wheeler accident attorneys in San Antonio at 800-862-1260, or use the live chat today to schedule your free case evaluation. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with our firm.