Commercial semi-trucks are designed to haul tons of cargo across the country. Because of this ability, these vehicles are longer and bigger than normal passenger cars. Although the difference in size allows these vehicles to carry a payload, it also creates larger blind spots and a higher risk of colliding with other vehicles on the highway, causing serious damage and injuries to everyone involved.
Our team of attorneys at Rue & Ziffra has decades of experience handling blind-spot truck accidents in Port Orange. If you or a loved one has been hurt in one of these crashes, an experienced truck accident lawyer could help you go through the process of seeking financial compensation for your injuries.
In its simplest definition, a blind spot is an area that someone cannot see because of an obstruction. Every type of vehicle has several of these around it because a part of the interior blocks the driver’s view when facing forward, so they are located at the front, the back, and along the sides.
Trucks have them in the same locations, but they are larger and longer due to the larger cab, the longer trailer, and the lack of a rear window. While big rigs have specialized side mirrors that give operators a better view of the area along the trailer, other drivers should be aware of a truck’s blind spots while traveling next to one.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the Department of Transportation, suggests maintaining at least 30 feet behind and 20 feet in front of the semi-truck. Additionally, the agency recommends keeping one full lane between a car and an 18-wheeler on the driver’s side, and two lanes on the passenger side.
Avoiding these “no-go zones” could help prevent a collision with the truck in Port Orange. However, it is ultimately the truck operator’s responsibility to pay attention and check for other vehicles in these zones before turning or making a lane change.
Safely driving a significantly larger and heavier commercial vehicle requires greater skill to maintain control than driving a regular passenger car. That is why truckers must go through training and earn their commercial driver’s license to legally operate one of these vehicles. Ideally, the training teaches them when and how to properly check their blind spots. Drivers could be at fault for causing an accident if they fail to do so.
Trucking companies could also be responsible for their employees’ actions while on duty. For instance, if a driver gets distracted by using their cell phone improperly or gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, the company could be held liable if it leads to a collision. Similarly, the company needs to implement effective hiring practices to ensure its employees are fully trained and qualified, and it could be liable to injured Port Orange victims if an inexperienced truck driver causes a crash by failing to check their blind spot.
While blind-spot truck accidents in Port Orange can often be avoided, unfortunately, there is still the risk of crashes and devastating injuries. If this has happened to you, enlist the help of a lawyer at Rue & Ziffra.
Our attorneys could help you seek compensation for your medical treatment, emotional toll, and other damages. Call now to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
Rue & Ziffra – Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers
N/a
