Bicyclist Killed After Being Struck By Tanker Truck in Fort Lauderdale
On September 21st, 2024, the Miami Herald reported that a bicyclist was killed in a tragic collision with a tanker truck. The incident happened in Fort Lauderdale. It is still under a more comprehensive investigation by local police. Within this article, our Miami semi-truck accident attorney explains what we know about this tragic crash and highlights the danger that large trucks pose to bicyclists in Florida.
Tanker Truck Strikes Bicyclist in Morning Commute Crash in Fort Lauderdale
The Miami Herald confirmed that a tragic fatal bicyclist accident was reported on the morning of September 20th, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale. The crash—which happened at the intersection of East Las Olas Boulevard and Seabreeze Boulevard—involved a tanker truck and a bicyclist. The trucker is reportedly cooperating with law enforcement and the crash is still under investigation.
Large Trucks Pose a Serious Safety Risk to Bicyclists
Unfortunately, far too many cyclists in Florida are hurt or killed in traffic collisions each year. Large trucks present an especially serious safety risk to bicyclists. A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Other large trucks, including tanker trucks, are often tens of thousands of pounds. Another challenge is that trucks/bicycle collisions can happen at a higher rate. Here are some of the most common reasons why truckers strike bicyclists in Florida:
- Blind Spots: Large trucks have large blind spots. It can make it extremely difficult for drivers to see bicyclists riding near them. These blind spots—especially on the right and rear sides of the truck—are often large enough to completely hide a bicycle from a trucker’s view. A truck is responsible for managing his or her blind spots.
- Wide Turns: Trucks often require extra room to make turns, particularly right turns. Bicyclists may not anticipate how much space a truck needs and find themselves trapped between the truck and the curb, or hit by the rear end of the truck as it completes its turn.
- Stopping Distances: Large trucks require a longer distance to come to a full stop compared to smaller vehicles. If a truck driver fails to notice a bicyclist in time, the truck’s extended stopping distance can lead to severe accidents—even if the driver attempts to brake suddenly. It could result in a catastrophic rear-end collision.
- Roadway Obstructions: Large trucks can inadvertently push or drop debris, rocks, and other hazards from the road. In some cases, these roadway obstructions can end up directly into the path of bicyclists. They can cause catastrophic bicycle accidents.
Consult With Our Miami Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami wrongful death attorneys represent grieving families in fatal truck accident cases. If you lost a close loved one to a semi-truck, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case evaluation. From our offices in Miami and West Palm Beach, we handle truck accident wrongful death cases throughout South Florida.
Source:
miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article292800294.html
