Orlando, FL Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyers

Skilled Lawyers Helping Victims Injured by Negligent Truck Drivers in Orlando, Florida

Commercial trucks are essential to the economy in Florida and the United States, but they also pose a significant threat to others on the road. When truck drivers fail to operate their vehicles with the proper level of caution, they can cause dangerous or deadly truck accidents. One of the most overlooked dangers of sharing the road with large trucks is the presence of blind spots. These are large areas around a truck where the driver has little or no visibility. When a truck driver fails to check their blind spots before changing lanes, making turns, or performing other maneuvers, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Blind spot-related truck accidents can be especially dangerous in high-traffic areas throughout Orlando. At The Doan Law Firm, we represent victims who have been harmed due to truck driver negligence. Our lawyers work tirelessly to secure compensation for our clients that will address their injuries and financial losses.

Where Are a Truck's Blind Spots?

Unlike passenger vehicles, commercial trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. These blind spots are areas where a driver's mirrors do not provide visibility. They include:

  • Front Blind Spot: This area may extend up to 20 feet in front of the truck's cab.
  • Rear Blind Spot: A truck driver will be unable to view vehicles up to 30 feet behind their trailer.
  • Right Side Blind Spot: This runs the full length of the trailer and extends several lanes to the side.
  • Left Side Blind Spot: While this area is typically smaller than the blind spot on the right side of a truck, it can still be large enough to hide a vehicle.

When other vehicles are in these blind spots, they may be completely invisible to the truck driver. If the driver fails to perform necessary checks before changing lanes or turning, they may collide with one or more vehicles.

Accidents Caused by Failure to Check Blind Spots

Truck drivers are trained to account for blind spots, and they are expected to remain alert and cautious at all times. However, when a driver fails to properly check these areas, serious accidents can occur, including:

  • Sideswipe Collisions: When merging or changing lanes, a truck may collide with a vehicle traveling beside it, causing significant damage.
  • Run-Off-Road Accidents: Passenger vehicles may be forced off the road when a truck veers into their lane.
  • Underride Accidents: A smaller car may slide underneath a truck's trailer, which could lead to severe or fatal injuries.
  • Rear-End Collisions: A truck driver may not see a vehicle that is directly in front of them, and they may collide with that vehicle from the rear. Because of the massive size of commercial trucks, these accidents can cause a great deal of damage to other vehicles and inflict serious injuries on drivers or passengers.
  • Turning Accidents: A wide turn accident may occur if a driver makes a turn without checking their blind spot. This type of accident can trap or crush a car next to the trailer, causing serious harm to people in the vehicle.

Causes of Blind Spot Accidents: Negligence Behind the Wheel

Because of the dangers of blind spots, truck drivers are required to follow the correct procedures and take care to avoid colliding with other vehicles. Accidents can occur when drivers fail to act with the appropriate level of caution. Common forms of negligence that can contribute to these accidents include:

  • Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or interacting with in-cab systems can distract a truck driver from monitoring their mirrors and checking their blind spots.
  • Driver Fatigue: Truckers often work long hours under demanding schedules. Fatigue can impair a driver's judgment and reaction time, and they will be more likely to miss important details such as the vehicles around their truck and trailer.
  • Inadequate Training: Inexperienced drivers may not fully understand the dangers of blind spots, or they may fail to properly check their mirrors and surroundings when changing lanes, merging, or making turns.
  • Improper Mirror Adjustment: If a truck driver does not properly adjust their mirrors before a trip, this may limit their visibility and increase the risk of missing a vehicle in a blind spot.
  • Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Sudden lane changes or aggressive maneuvers by truck drivers will leave them with little time to check their blind spots or react to the movements of other vehicles.
  • Failure to Use Turn Signals: Not signaling a lane change or turn can prevent nearby drivers from taking evasive action in time.

Truck drivers and their employers have a legal duty to operate commercial vehicles safely. When this duty is breached, and others are harmed as a result, truck drivers or trucking companies may be held liable for causing injuries.

Contact Our Orlando, Florida Truck Blind Spot Accident Lawyers

When a truck driver fails to check their blind spots, their negligence can cause serious harm to others. In these situations, the attorneys at The Doan Law Firm can help victims understand their rights and explore their legal options. We will fight to recover the compensation victims need to heal and move forward. Contact our Orlando truck accident attorneys today by calling 407-289-0000 to arrange a free consultation.

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