Truck Blind Spots

Riding alongside an 18-wheeler or other large commercial vehicles is part of everyday travel for many Florida motorists. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware of the large blind spots these vehicles have. One of the worst mistakes a driver can make is not being aware of riding in a truck’s blind spot. This often leads to dangerous accidents in which the passenger car experiences the brunt of the damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by riding in a truck’s blind spot, we encourage you to contact an attorney who has experience investigating these types of claims. You may be able to recover losses from the wreck, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages incurred in the collision.

Tips to Avoid a Truck’s Blind Spot

By keeping the following tips in mind, Florida drivers are less likely to be involved in a car vs. truck accident caused by riding in a truck’s blind spot:

• Know where the truck’s blind spots are located. A blind spot is defined as a spot where the driver loses sight of other vehicles. By knowing where these spots are located, you can avoid riding in them for extended periods of time. There is a blind spot directly behind the truck and on each side of the truck that can span for several lanes. Additionally, there is a blind spot in front of the truck which encompasses the lane the truck is in and one lane to the right, as well as a blind spot beside the truck’s right door.
• Be patient. It is important to realize the limitations trucks have in emergency situations. Being patient when sharing a road with a large truck is just as important as knowing where blind spots are located.
• Do not tailgate. The largest blind spot that a truck has is directly behind the vehicle. If a truck driver is unaware of your presence and makes a sudden stop or maneuver, you are at risk of rear-ending into the truck. Experts recommend that you leave about 20 to 25 car lengths between your car and the rear of the truck. In poor weather conditions, this space should be even longer.
• Keep both the left and right truck mirrors in your sights when traveling behind a truck. If you are able to see a driver’s face in his or her mirrors, then they can probably see you. If you are unable to see them, you are most likely riding in their blind spot.
• Leave plenty of room when driving in front of a truck. When changing lanes in front of a truck, make sure that there is enough room.
• Take care when passing a truck. It is important that you do not pass a truck on the right-hand side of the vehicle as a truck’s blind spot on the right runs down the length of the trailer and extends out three lanes. Signal your intentions early on and pass quickly to stay out of the truck’s blind spots. Remember that you may be subjected to some turbulence when pulling out from behind the truck.
• Avoid cutting in too soon after passing at truck. Make sure that you can see the entire grill of a truck before changing lanes in front of it. A truck requires twice the amount of time and space to brake when compared to the average passenger vehicle.
• Do not drive along a truck’s right-hand side when the truck is turning right. When making a turn, a truck may require additional lanes in order to clear it. The truck driver cannot see any vehicles to the right of the truck when making a right-hand turn. Never attempt to slip past on the right of a truck while it is turning or stopped at an intersection.
• Pay attention to a truck’s brake lights and turn signals. A truck’s lights may be the only indication that the truck driver cannot see you. If a truck is about to turn or change lanes, be patient.

Contact a Knowledgeable Truck Accident Lawyer Today

At Gordon & Partners, we offer free legal consultations to Florida truck accident victims. During your consultation, one of our lawyers will review the details and merits of your claim and recommend the best course of legal action to pursue compensation and justice for your condition.

To make sure that our clients are able to afford proper representation in their pursuit for justice, our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that if you choose to hire our firm, there is never any cost to you until we are able to successfully obtain a favorable outcome for your claim. If we fail to do this, you do not owe us any fees.

For more information on the legal rights which may be available to Florida truck crash victims and their families or to schedule a confidential, no-obligation case evaluation with a member of our legal team , contact us today by completing the Free Case Evaluation form or calling 1 (855) 722-2552.