Blind Spot Truck Accidents: Who is to Blame?
Due to their design, tractor-trailers have massive blind spots on all four sides. When a smaller car or pickup is in a blind spot, they are invisible to the trucker. Tragedy can strike, especially when the trucker makes a lane change and crashes into or sometimes rides over a smaller vehicle. Ideally, truck manufacturers will begin installing cameras so truckers can see someone in a blind spot and avoid any action that would result in a crash. Unfortunately, few manufacturers have taken this step.
Call Pita Weber Del Prado to discuss any collision with a tractor-trailer in the Miami area. Although blind spots are impossible to eliminate, truckers still must use reasonable care when on the road. You might have a right to seek financial compensation for bodily injuries and damage to your car.
How to Prevent Blind Spot Accidents
A semi-truck has blind spots on each side:
- Front: The blind spot extends approximately 20 feet directly in front of the truck. This means a car a few feet from the truck’s front bumper is invisible.
- Back: The blind spot in the rear is even larger, usually around 30 feet.
- Left-hand: The left-hand side of a tractor-trailer has a blind spot which extends one lane across the highway.
- Right-hand: The blind spot on the right-hand side is the largest, sweeping across two whole lanes on a multi-lane highway.
Although a trucker cannot see a smaller vehicle trapped in the blind spot, truckers must drive reasonably. That means always being aware of when vehicles enter the blind spot. If a trucker sees a pickup enter the left-hand blind spot, the trucker shouldn’t immediately change lanes. In fact, they shouldn’t change lanes until they see the pickup emerge out of the blind spot.
Sometimes a trucker can crane their neck and seek into a blind spot. They should do that whenever possible to reduce the risk of a collision.
A trucker should also avoid driving in the left-hand lane on a multi-lane highway. Because the blind spot on the right covers two lanes, the trucker could easily mow down a car whenever changing lanes. Some Florida highways prevent trucks from driving the farthest lane to the left. But even where not prohibited, it is dangerous to drive in this manner.
Reach Out to Our Miami Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking companies often blame motorists for contributing to these accidents. They might allege you hung out in a blind spot or refused to use your horn to notify a trucker of your location. The company’s allegations are strategic. They are trying to minimize the compensation they need to pay to injured claimants.
Hire an experienced Miami truck accident lawyer from Pita Weber Del Prado to represent you in negotiations with a trucking company for a blind spot accident. We know how to prove how the accident happened and why you are not to blame. Any comparative negligence could take a bite out of a settlement or, even worse, result in your inability to sue. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We demand accountability.
