Large trucks, such as 18-wheelers, are intimidating, and collisions with them can leave you traumatized and with severe injuries leading to permanent disabilities or death. One typical reason accidents happen is because the trucker fails to check their blind spots before switching lanes.
Truckers receive extensive training, and when traffic incidents occur because of carelessness, personal injury laws could allow you to collect a settlement. Speak with an attorney seasoned in blind-spot truck accidents in Clermont if you need help with a case.
Failure to Check Blind Spots
The massive size of commercial trucks gives them more blind spots that truckers must be aware of at all times. There are areas the trucker cannot see by using the vehicle’s side mirrors. They must take extra care to watch cars around them moving in and out of the areas, especially when changing lanes or making other maneuvers.
When they fail to follow the safety procedures they learn during training for their commercial driver’s license (CDL), the civil court could hold them liable for the damages. A Clermont attorney could help gather the essential evidence to establish fault and liability in civil court after a blind-spot truck crash.
Motorists Can Help Keep Themselves Safe on Highways
It ultimately comes down to the CDL trucker to ensure they check blind spots regularly to watch for cars around them. However, motorists can also help keep themselves safe. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration advises that motorists should avoid riding in the truck’s no-zones on the front, back, and sides of large trucks. When drivers cannot see the trucker in their side mirrors, they should assume the truck driver cannot see them either. Speeding up or slowing down to ensure visibility can help avoid severe blind-spot semi-truck crashes with catastrophic consequences in Clermont.
Where Are the Blind Spots Around a Truck?
Semi-trucks have four substantial no-zones around the vehicle. In the front of the 18-wheeler, the blind spot starts at the hood and reaches 20 to 30 feet. Behind the truck, the no-zone starts at the trailer and reaches back approximately 30 feet. There are also blind spots on both sides of the truck. The one on the left side stretches over for about one lane, while the one on the right covers approximately two lanes.
Speak to a Clermont Attorney Skilled With Blind-Spot Truck Accident Claims
Operating a massive commercial truck is challenging and requires the trucker to complete extensive training before they get behind the wheel. Their training involves learning about the four significant blind spots and how they must constantly watch for cars entering and leaving the areas.
While it is primarily their responsibility, you can also keep yourself safe by avoiding travel in those places. You could be eligible for compensation if a negligent trucker caused a collision. A lawyer seasoned with handling cases involving blind-spot truck accidents in Clermont understands the stresses you face and could help guide you throughout the process and recover a fair award for damages. Reach out now to discuss your case with our team.
