A blind spot is the area that a driver cannot see using a vehicle’s mirrors. Drivers must visually check their blind spots before maneuvering their cars, trucks, or motorcycles; otherwise, they may collide with another vehicle. Blind-spot truck accidents in Lake County are especially dangerous because large commercial trucks have significant blind spots that can obscure smaller vehicles, increasing the risk of serious collisions.
If you have been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, a dedicated truck accident attorney could help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?
The larger the vehicle, the greater the blind spots or no zones. Drivers are tested as part of the state’s licensing to ensure they visually check the blind spots on either side of their vehicles. Because trucks sit higher, their drivers also have front and rear no zones. If truckers fail to check their blind spots, they can collide with another vehicle. A trucker’s blind spots are:
- In front of the truck: Because trucks have longer hoods and sit higher off the road, truck drivers cannot see directly in front of them. They may not be aware of a car that rides between the truck and the first visible car and fail to adjust their braking accordingly.
- Behind the truck: Semi drivers cannot see vehicles directly behind them as the trailer blocks their view. Unless they have rear-view cameras, truckers have no knowledge of how close another vehicle may be.
- Both sides of the truck: Like passenger cars, trucks have blind spots on both sides of the vehicle. However, a truck’s no zone is much larger than that of a passenger car. A truck’s blind spot runs diagonally from the cab to the back of the trailer on either side. If cars ride in a trucker’s side blind spot, they risk a possible collision as the truck moves into their lane.
Lake County car and motorcycle drivers should avoid riding in a truck’s blind spot to minimize the risk of a blind spot truck accident. A general rule suggests that if drivers cannot see a truck driver, it is likely that the trucker cannot see them.
Who Is at Fault in a Blind Spot Truck Accident?
Florida is a no-fault accident state, meaning that drivers must file a claim with their insurance company for compensation. However, individuals injured in an accident could file a personal injury claim if the crash resulted from someone else’s negligence. To receive compensation, they must prove that the at-fault party was negligent.
In blind spot truck accidents in Lake County, truck drivers may become distracted or too fatigued to notice a vehicle moving in and out of a blind spot, leading to a rear-end or sideswipe collision. Trucking companies may share liability if they fail to properly train and monitor their drivers. They are responsible for ensuring that drivers have the necessary licensing to operate large rigs and receive proper training on how to prevent blind spot collisions.
What Compensation is Available?
Injured parties can receive economic and noneconomic compensation for accident-related injuries. They can recover damages for current and future losses if the injuries prevent them from returning to work or require long-term medical care. They can also receive compensation for emotional and physical pain and suffering associated with an injury after a blind spot truck accident in Lake County.
Noneconomic Compensation
Lake County blind spot truck accidents can be traumatizing. If the injuries force accident victims to change their way of life, the emotional toll can be devastating. Noneconomic compensation addresses the impact of life-altering injuries on the physical and emotional well-being of injured parties.
Economic Compensation
Medical expenses fall under economic compensation. Bills for hospital stays, physical therapy, and doctor’s appointments are quantifiable costs that victims can recover. They may also receive compensation for lost wages. The compensation includes current and future costs.
Contact a Lake County Blind-Spot Truck Accident Lawyer For Help With Your Case.
Individuals involved in blind-spot truck accidents in Lake County should contact knowledgeable attorneys to discuss their legal options. Experienced truck accident lawyers could help clients gather evidence, meet filing deadlines, and pursue compensation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
