Commercial Trucks and Blind Spots Accidents

A fully loaded tractor trailer in South Florida is typically 72 feet long and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. These vehicles have significantly larger blind spots than passenger cars—and that makes them an inherent safety hazard. Given the inherent risk, it is imperative the motorists in Florida know how to navigate a truck’s blind spots. Here, our West Palm Beach tractor trailer accident attorney provides an overview of blind spots, blind spot risks, and your options after a wreck.

Commercial Trucks Have Large Blind Spots 

Due to their size and structure, commercial trucks have large blind spots. The challenge is that these blind spots can “hide” smaller vehicles. It is crucial that all motorists in Florida are aware of these blind spots. These are blind spots are often referred to as the truck’s “no-zones.” A truck that is equipped with the proper mirrors will have relatively smaller blind spots, but the blind spots will still be far larger than passenger vehicles.

Safety Tip: Proactively Avoid a Tractor Trailer’s Blind Spots 

As explained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the number one safety tip for navigating around large commercial trucks is to remember that “if you can’t see the driver in the truck’s side mirror, assume that the driver can’t see you.” By staying clear of a tractor trailer’s blind spots, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a catastrophic crash.

 A Trucker in Florida is Responsible for Managing Blinds Spots 

While drivers should proactively avoid a truck’s “no zones”, it is important to remember that truckers are absolutely responsible for managing their own blind spots. By carefully monitoring and adjusting mirrors, a trucker in Florida can help to avoid crashes. If a trucker causes a serious crash because of the failure to monitor their blind spot, they can be held liable for the resulting damages.

 Truck Accident Victims Need Compensation to Pay Bills and Support Their Family 

A tractor trailer crash in Florida can cause devastating harm. Victims need compensation to pay their bills and support their loved ones. Unfortunately, truck companies and their insurance carriers can make the process very hard for ordinary people. Along with other types of damages, truck accident victims may be entitled to recover compensatory damages for:

• Vehicle repairs and other property damage;
• Ambulance transportation and emergency room care;
• Hospital bills and other health care costs;
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation;
• Loss of wages and diminished earning power;
• Pain and suffering & mental trauma;
• Disability, disfigurement, and physical impairment; and
• Wrongful death of a family member.

 Contact Our West Palm Beach, FL Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, we are strong advocates for victims and families. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash involving a large truck’s blind spot, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Initial consultations are free and completely confidential. From our West Palm Beach office, we handle truck accident cases in Palm Beach County and throughout the wider region in South Florida.

Source:

fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/ourroads/80251/driving-safely-around-cmvs.pdf