Most motor vehicles have blind spots. These are areas that the driver can’t see, not even by looking in their mirrors. Semi-trucks have especially large blind spots. If you end up in one of these blind spots at the wrong time, you could be involved in a severe accident.
If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a crash, hiring a Florida blind spot accident lawyer can mean being able to hold the liable parties responsible. At Shaked Law Firm, P.A., our legal team in Florida can assist you as you begin your claim. Contact our law office at (305) 937-0191 to schedule a free consultation.
How Shaked Law Firm, P.A. Can Help After A Blind Spot Accident Caused by a Truck Driver In Florida
Commercial truck accidents in Florida can be devastating for everyone involved. The sheer size of these vehicles and the force they exert on impact make catastrophic injuries much more likely. That means dealing with medical bills, loss of regular income, and physical and emotional distress.
At Shaked Law Firm, P.A., our team of Florida truck accident attorneys can help. We offer these services to help you with your claim:
- Evaluating your claim during a free consultation
- Investigating the blind spot accident
- Collecting evidence to prove liability
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a settlement
- Representing you in court if a settlement isn’t possible
We have decades of experience helping the people of Florida through the most difficult times in their lives. We’re on your side if you have suffered injuries because of another party’s negligence.
Contact our Florida personal injury lawyers today to learn about your legal options for pursuing compensation. We offer a free consultation.
Identifying A Truck’s Blind Spots
A tractor-trailer has four main blind spots. The first is at the front of the truck. The size of this zone depends on the height of the vehicle and the length of the engine bay. Typically, tractor-trailer drivers cannot see anything within 20 feet of the front of the cab. This means they can overlook a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even a car that has suddenly stopped in front of them.
The truck also has a blind spot on the driver’s side. This zone begins immediately behind the cabin and extends toward the rear at a 45-degree angle. The blind spot on the passenger’s side has similar dimensions.
There is also a blind spot behind the truck. It might extend about 30 feet, but the exact length depends on the size of the trailer. This means a trucker might not know they’re being tailgated.
A good rule of thumb for drivers of passenger vehicles is that if you can’t see the trucker’s head or face in the cabin’s mirrors, the trucker probably can’t see you, either.
Common Causes Of Blind Spot Accidents
All licensed truck drivers receive training that addresses the problem of these blind spots. Still, accidents occur, often for the following reasons.
Distracted Driving
Truckers spend hours driving, which can get monotonous. That could lead their mind to wander or could prompt them to reach for their cell phones.
Any time that a driver takes their attention away from the road, they put themselves and everyone around them in danger. That’s particularly problematic when driving a truck that requires time to come to a stop. If a trucker is distracted by the radio, their phone, or even their GPS, they can easily overlook a car slipping into their blind spot.
Fatigued Driving
Despite the many federal regulations that prevent truckers from drowsy driving, the problem persists. A truck driver who wants to reach their destination sooner or who is pressured by their employer to work better hours can drive without enough rest.
Tired drivers tend to have poorer coordination and slower reflexes. That makes them dangerous to everyone on the road. They might not notice vehicles in their blind spots and could try maneuvers without checking thoroughly.
Insufficient Training
Truckers who lack the necessary experience or training can forget to check their blind spots. If this is the case, the trucking company and the driver could be liable for their negligent hiring practices.
Reckless Driving
A trucker who speeds, changes lanes without checking for other vehicles, or does anything that wantonly puts the safety of others at risk is driving recklessly. Any of these behaviors can result in blind spot accidents.
Contact Our Florida Blind Spot Accident Attorneys For A Free Consultation
If you have suffered a serious injury in a blind spot trucking accident, you may have the right to file a claim against the liable parties, which could be the trucker and the trucking company. At Shaked Law Firm, P.A., our team of Florida truck accident lawyers can help. Contact us for a free consultation.