With more and more semi-trucks on the road, getting injured in a truck accident has become a very real risk for other motorists. There are, however, steps that drivers can take to help prevent these kinds of accidents. Unfortunately, even the most careful of motorists could end up injured in a truck accident, so if you were hurt by a negligent truck driver, consider reaching out to an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer for help.
Watch for Blind Spots
Clocking in at around 70 feet long, semi-trucks are nearly five times longer than the average passenger car. This means that they have much larger blind spots that can make it difficult, if not impossible, to see approaching vehicles. It’s important for other drivers to keep an eye out for these blind spots, also known as “No Zones” which are located:
- Up to 20 feet in front of the truck;
- Up to 30 feet directly behind the truck;
- In the left lane extending from the driver’s side door, diagonally to about half of the trailer’s length; and
- In the two lanes to the right of the truck, also extending diagonally to around half of the trailer’s length.
One good rule of thumb is to remember that if you cannot see yourself in a semi-truck’s side-view mirror, then it’s safe to assume that the driver cannot see you either.
Keep a Safe Following Distance
Another important thing to remember when sharing the road with a semi-truck is the importance of keeping a safe following distance. Large commercial vehicles need a lot more space to maneuver safely, so by increasing your following distance, you can give yourself more time if the truck brakes suddenly. Most experts agree that it’s best to leave at least a four-second space between yourself and a semi-truck.
Anticipate Wide Turns
Most semi-trucks have a very wide turning radius, which significantly reduces the amount of space available to other motorists. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a semi-truck to block multiple lanes when turning, so if you are driving near a semi-truck that is attempting to turn, remember to refrain from passing on the same side.
Use Care When Passing
When attempting to drive around a semi-truck, you should always do so as cautiously as possible. For instance, be sure that you can see the truck’s driver in your mirror and use your turn signal to alert the driver of your intent to change lanes. You should also try to pass the truck quickly, so as to minimize the amount of time that you’re in the driver’s blind spot. Finally, always check that the truck is visible in your rearview mirror before pulling in front.
Reach Out to Our Team of Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents tend to have devastating consequences for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Frustratingly, trucking companies are also often unwilling to pay out the full value of a claim to an injured party, which is why it’s so important to have an experienced Florida truck accident attorney on your side. Contact Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein today to learn more about how our legal team can help.