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Coy H. Browning has recovered millions of dollars for his clients in jury verdicts and settlements.

Accidents involving a truck are often due to the truck’s blind spots. Blind spots are areas around a vehicle that the driver can’t see with a side or rearview mirror. Truck drivers who fail to check their blind spots while changing lanes can collide with other vehicles and cause serious and often fatal truck accidents. Those injured in a blind spot truck accident have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages for their injuries or loss. Blinds spots around semi-trucks

Truck Accidents Due to Blind Spots

The term “blind spot” gets its name because a driver is unable to see a motorcycle, car, or other vehicle in that space. Trucks have large blind spots that are so big, a car can practically vanish from the driver’s view. This makes truck blind spots significantly more dangerous than those around a passenger car. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an estimated one-third of all accidents between cars and large trucks occur in a blind spot.

Although the location and size of a truck’s blind spots depend on the size of the truck, there are four main blind spots on a semi-truck. 

Blind Spots Around a Semi-Truck

  • The blind spot on the driver’s side starts below the window and continues toward the back end of the trailer.
  • The blind spot on the passenger side begins below the window and continues back nearly the full length of the trailer, across two lanes of traffic.
  • The blind spot at the front of the truck stretches forward from the cab approximately 20 feet.
  • The blind spot at the rear of the truck starts at the trailer and continues back about 30 feet.

Truck drivers have the responsibility to use care when driving, especially when switching lanes or making a turn, and this means checking all blind spots. A truck driver involved in an injury accident may argue that the crash was the other driver’s fault because the vehicle was in their blind spot. However, the truck driver is responsible for checking their blind spots and may be found negligent for not doing so.

When You’re Injured in a Florida Blind Spot Truck Crash

If you suffered injuries in a blind spot truck accident, there are several steps to take that can help protect your legal rights and potential compensation.

Steps to Take After a Florida Blind Spot Truck Accident

  • Call 911, and file a police report.
  • Seek immediate medical help for any injuries you may have suffered, even if they seem minor.
  • If possible, gather evidence from the accident scene such as witness contact information and photos.
  • Avoid talking with insurance companies or accepting a quick settlement.
  • Contact a truck accident lawyer to discuss your case.

Recovering Damages

A skilled truck accident attorney can help establish liability to recover damages for your injuries and loss. If a loved one was killed due to a negligent truck driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. There are certain time limits to file a claim, and an attorney will make sure you meet all deadlines.

Potential Compensation

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Lost income and wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death

Contact a Florida Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a blind spot truck accident, contact Browning Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation. There are never any legal fees unless we win your case. To schedule an appointment, fill out our online contact form, or call us at 850-344-1736

 

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