Can Trucks Drive in the Left Lane in Florida?
Tractor-trailers are a common sight on Florida highways. They transport goods and freight around the state, often headed to distant locations like North Dakota or even Maine. Anyone struck by a tractor trailer can suffer life-changing injuries, including paralysis and severe brain damage.
Florida recognizes that trucks are dangerous, and the state has limited where they can drive on a multi-lane highway. Contact our law firm if you were involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler. We can determine whether to seek compensation from a negligent truck driver and their employer.
When Can Trucks Drive in the Left-Hand Lane?
Like other vehicles, tractor-trailers are supposed to stay in the right-hand lane unless they are passing slower traffic. This rule helps maintain an orderly flow of traffic. A truck should never hang out in the left-hand lane for no reason.
However, the state prohibits trucks from driving in the farthest left-hand lane on many highways that have three or more lanes. These multi-lane highways include portions of I-4, I-95, and I-75.
If there are three or more lanes going in one direction, then the state usually posts signs saying “Trucks Use Two Right Lanes” or words to that effect. The law prohibits a truck from using the farthest left lane.
There are good reasons for this prohibition. Tractor-trailers have the largest blind spot on the right-hand (passenger) side. This spot usually spans two full lanes of highway. That means that vehicles in the blind spot are at risk of getting run over if a trucker was to pull into lanes to their right. To prevent this from happening, the state simply keeps trucks out of the left lane on stretches of certain highways.
Handling a Blind Spot Accident
If you were struck by a tractor-trailer on the highway, then you might have an injury claim. We can point out whether the truck was driving in a left-hand lane in violation of state law. That would make the trucker liable for an accident. Violations of safety rules like these almost always mean a trucker is negligent.
Even if the truck is on a two-lane highway, a trucker must use caution when passing. For example, truckers might need to crane their necks to check a blind spot or simply choose not to pass if traffic is congested. Truck drivers must always use reasonable care when out on the road, and they owe a duty to other motorists near them.
Highway accidents involving semi-trucks tend to be devastating. We recommend contacting Pita Weber Del Prado as soon as possible so we can begin gathering evidence. You might obtain compensation from a truck driver or their employer.
Ask for a Free Consultation with a Miami Truck Accident Lawyer
Pita Weber Del Prado is a prominent law firm with a long roster of satisfied clients. Our Miami truck accident lawyers can explain your rights in a free, no risk consultation if you call. We will do everything in our power to obtain a fair settlement after a crash.
Source:
fdot.gov/traffic/traf-incident/truck-lane-restrictions
