West Palm Beach Blind Spot Truck Accident Attorney
Tractor-trailers and other large trucks have blind spots on all four sides, and some of them extend for hundreds of feet. When a driver is caught in a blind spot, the trucker cannot see them using only their mirrors. That means the trucker could start to change lanes even though a smaller vehicle is already beside it. Preventable accidents happen due to these blind spots, with some motorists requiring emergency medical treatment. Contact Pike & Lustig to speak with a West Palm Beach blind spot truck accident attorney. You might have an opportunity to file an injury claim for financial compensation after a crash.
How Large Are the Blind Spots on a Big Rig?
A tractor-trailer has blind spots on each side:
- Because the truck sits so high up off the road, it has a blind spot in front of about 20 feet. A small car could be in the blind spot, which means it could get run over by a tractor-trailer.
- The blind spot in the back extends about 30 feet. Truckers cannot see pedestrians or warehouse workers as they move behind the truck, which can lead to backing-up accidents.
- Right-hand side. The largest blind spot is on the right-hand side and extends for two full lanes of traffic. A trucker who is switching lanes cannot see any vehicle in this huge blind spot.
- Left-hand side. Although smaller, this blind spot typically extends one full lane of traffic. A trucker pulling into the left-hand lane to pass could easily run over a car.
Given the dimensions of a truck, blind spots are unavoidable. Still, truckers must use reasonable care when driving. That could mean using a camera in the back of the truck when backing up. This camera should show a pedestrian or warehouse worker crossing behind the truck.
When out on the road, truckers must follow all Florida laws, including the law which restricts a trucker’s ability to use the left-hand lane on multi-lane highways.
A trucker might need to crane their neck or look out the window before making a lane change to ensure there is no vehicle in the blind spot. Relying solely on mirrors could be negligent depending on road conditions. Truckers should also be sufficiently attentive to know when a car has slipped into the spot and is trying to pass.
Were You Injured in a Blind Spot Accident? Contact Our West Palm Beach Blind Spot Truck Accident Attorneys
Motorists must use reasonable care when passing any big rig on the road. Instead of lagging in a blind spot, accelerate to pass as quickly as possible and don’t hesitate to use your horn if the trucker starts to change lanes. If you are still injured in a crash, reach out to Pike & Lustig. A West Palm Beach blind spot truck accident attorney can review the facts and identify what other evidence is helpful. Florida has shortened the deadlines for personal injury cases, so we encourage you to contact us as soon as you can.
