Blind Spot Accidents Involving Semi-Trucks in Brevard County
The damage done by large truck accidents can be devastating. Many lose their lives or are injured every year due to collisions with tractor-trailers. Thankfully, the people of Melbourne, FL can rely on our auto accident lawyers for legal aid. We have years of experience advocating for the victims of auto collisions that involve semi-trucks.
All vehicles have a blind spot, though the blind spots on large trucks are much more pronounced than passenger vehicles. Let’s cover some of the basics about late truck blind spots and what motorists can do to be safe on the road.
Blind Spots of a Semi-Truck
When it comes to semi-trucks, there are three major blind spots. These blind spots are as follows:
- Directly Behind the Truck/Trailer - When a vehicle is immediately behind a large truck, the driver has no way of seeing it. Driving that close to a large truck is simply not advisable, especially as motorists increase their risk of rear-ending the trailer.
- To the Left or Right of the Truck/Trailer - A truck driver has only a limited view of the sides of the trailer. Even with large side mirrors, there are portions along the side of the tractor-trailer that are simply out of view.
- Directly In Front of the Truck - The height of a large truck can obscure the vision of the driver when it comes to vehicles that are directly in front of them.
The Dangers of Remaining in a Blind Spot
If you remain in the blind spot of a large truck for an extended amount of time, the risks of a collision occurring are much greater. The risk of a single-car accident occurring also increases as you may swerve to avoid a crash but get clipped by the trailer or truck.
The Responsibility of Truck Drivers
Given the dangers that are posed to other motorists, large truck drivers need to be extra responsible while they are operating their vehicles. They must abide by the poster speed limits and traffic signs, use their blinkers before turning or changing lanes/merging, and they have to check mirrors regularly. If a truck driver fails to be attentive and law abiding while behind the wheel, this can result in serious injuries to others on the road.
How Motorists Can Stay Safe
As a motorist, you best option for staying safe is to use common sense.
- Do not drive too close to the rear of a tractor-trailer. Instead, leave several car lengths between you and the truck so the driver can see you in a side mirror.
- On the highway, never remain at the side of a large truck for a long period of time. Instead, pass the large truck on the side and proceed ahead of it.
- When changing lanes, try not to do so directly in front of the large truck. Instead, change lanes at a safer distance so your vehicle is seen.
- Abide by the rules of the road, and make sure you are not being reckless behind the wheel at any time.
Speak with Brevard County Trucking Accident Attorneys
To learn more about truck accidents and your legal rights following such collisions, it’s important that you contact a skilled Brevard County Trucking Attorney. The lawyers at Charpentier Law Firm are here to offer its insight and support regarding your legal situation.
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