Avoiding Blind Spots On A Tractor-Trailer
Tractor-trailers are among the largest vehicles on Florida roads at any given moment. Because of their size and weight – even when not fully loaded – it is incumbent on car and SUV drivers to exercise caution when driving nearby. Tractor-trailers require greater stopping and turning distances, and even the most conscientious tractor-trailer driver may be at a disadvantage when navigating the road compared to smaller and quicker vehicles. If you are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, it may be because you were in one of the vehicle’s blind spots, which makes the driver unable to see you until it is too late.
Much Larger Than You Think
In general, a tractor-trailer has four main blind spots: one in the back and the front of the vehicle (in the front, the cab’s height can obscure drivers immediately in front of the truck), one on the left extending about one lane outward, and one on the right extending outward about two lanes’ distance. Many drivers are simply not aware of these, and many who are do not realize how far out they extend. A tractor-trailer driver simply cannot see anyone in these areas.
A good tip to keep in mind is that if you cannot see a tractor-trailer’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Obviously, one cannot usually avoid being in a truck’s blind spots completely, but it is possible for a driver of a smaller vehicle to move in and out of blind spots more quickly than a tractor-trailer can maneuver. A failure to do so is not necessarily counted against a car driver if an accident occurs, but it is still nonetheless a good tip to keep in mind.
Seeking Compensation
If you are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer in these circumstances, it can be difficult – though not impossible – to seek compensation from the part of the driver simply because failing to see someone in their vehicle’s blind spot is not considered negligent behavior. Negligence happens when a person breaches their duty to exercise reasonable care toward a certain person or class of people. Committing an impossible act is not considered a breach of duty.
That said, you still may be able to establish negligence in your case. The most common method is by filing suit against the driver’s employer, as well as the driver, under a theory of what is known as vicarious liability. Vicarious liability is when an employer is held liable for the torts (essentially, civil crimes) of their employees, and this may occur as long as it can be shown that the employee was acting within the scope of their employment. Every case is different, and the right attorney can make all the difference.
Contact A Tampa Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney
Being involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer is a frightening event that can lead to your sustaining serious, even life-threatening injury. You do not have to navigate the legal process alone – a Tampa tractor-trailer accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can offer compassionate and knowledgeable representation during what can be an overwhelming time in your life. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/truck-infographics
