Tractor-trailers have significantly larger blind spots than other vehicles, making them much more susceptible to blind-spot crashes. As a result, blind-spot truck accidents in Largo almost always have devastating consequences. These collisions can cause severe damage to the other vehicle involved, leaving it crushed or pushed into other lanes of traffic, posing a significant risk to public safety.
When you or a loved one are injured in this type of wreck, you should seek guidance from an experienced tractor-trailer collision attorney at Distasio Law Firm.
18-Wheelers Are Especially Prone to Blind-Spot Collisions
All drivers have blind spots that cannot be seen simply by looking, so drivers must depend on mirrors and their positioning to ensure they can safely change lanes and be aware of their surroundings. While smaller cars can typically position their mirrors and see all around the vehicle, this is not true with large tractor-trailers. Despite having large mirrors and positioning them properly, these vehicles have larger blind spots, particularly behind them, that are challenging for truckers to see.
Truck drivers must rely on their training, maintain a safe distance, and exercise extra caution when changing lanes due to these challenges. Unfortunately, many truckers fail to do so, leading to an increased frequency of blind-spot accidents involving large tractor-trailer trucks in Largo.
Can an Injured Party Be At-Fault for a Blind-Spot Truck Wreck?
In Florida, truck accidents involving blind spots are subject to state comparative negligence laws. If a trucker wants to change lanes and there is a car in their blind spot, it is the responsibility of the truck driver to make sure that the vehicle is not present before changing lanes. However, if the trucker uses their turn signal and the driver of the car ignores it and does not get out of the way, the court may assign the driver of the passenger vehicle some of the blame for the crash. Though, generally, when the car is properly in its lane and moving forward, most jurors would not attribute comparative negligence to the driver of the passenger vehicle if it is hit by a truck changing lanes.
Common Damages Following a Blind-Spot Semi-Truck Crash
The damages that result from a blind-spot truck accident case can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the crash. However, typical damages in personal injury claims can apply to blind-spot cases involving truck, including
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Lost future earning capacity
- Past and future medical expenses
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and disfigurement
The extent and severity of these losses will depend on the specifics of the accident and the resulting injuries.
Technologies to Help Truckers Avoid Blind-Spot Accidents
In modern times, truck drivers have access to various technologies to help them safely navigate blind spots. The mirrors in 18-wheelers are an important technology, with large rectangular mirrors and smaller oval mirrors, which can help the truck driver see most places around the vehicle if positioned properly. Still, there are still some blind spots associated with driving a tractor-trailer.
Most trucks being built today have advanced computers and driver-assist technology, including sensors that can detect cars around them. These sensors can beep to alert a trucker when their vehicle is starting to change lanes, when a car is too close, or when something is in their blind spot. Some highly advanced trucks even have cameras installed to allow drivers to see in their blind spots.
Therefore, this is no excuse for a truck driver to cause a crash because someone is in their blind spot. When such an accident occurs, it is often because the trucker is not paying attention. An aggressive Largo blind-spot truck accident attorney like Scott Distasio works to hold negligent truck drivers accountable for their careless actions.
Contact a Largo Blind-Spot Truck Accident Attorney
The aftermath of blind-spot truck accidents in Largo is often catastrophic for those who sustain injuries. Victims may struggle with extensive medical bills and face long-term disabilities that prevent them from working. However, an injured person and their family could seek financial recovery through a personal injury lawsuit.
If you were hurt in a blind-spot truck collision, a dedicated lawyer specializing in such cases can take care of the legal process while you focus on your recovery. Call Distasio Law Firm today to learn more about your legal options.
