Tampa Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer
The Tampa region is a major hub of commercial trucking activity. You are unlikely to travel for more than a couple of miles on I-4 or I-75 before seeing an 18-wheeler hauling cargo. Unfortunately, these big trucks come with large blind spots, so if a trucker fails to maintain constant awareness of their surroundings, the result is likely to be a catastrophic accident.
The Tampa blind spot truck accident lawyer at Anderson & Anderson represents victims and their families in seeking compensation from negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. We know a commercial trucking accident is not something that “just happens” for no reason. Our team will investigate every aspect of your crash and determine whether or not a truck driver’s failure to keep an eye on their blind spots led to a preventable crash.
How Blind Spots Cause Truck Accidents in Tampa
Anyone who has seen a large commercial truck can understand the problem of blind spots. A tractor-trailer or semi-truck is much larger and heavier than the average passenger vehicle. The size and weight of these vehicles, combined with the design of the truck cab itself, creates significant blind spots that are not common with other types of motor vehicles. Indeed, by some estimates the average commercial truck has blind spots extending up to 20 feet on either side of the driver’s cab, and up to 10 feet in front and 40 feet behind.
Of course, the mere existence of these large blind spots does not make an accident inevitable. Truck drivers must be properly trained on how to keep an eye out for traffic and obstructions that may be in their blind spots at all times. So when a blind spot truck accident does occur, the first thing our team looks at is whether the driver was negligent in performing that duty. Among the factors we look at:
- Fatigue: A tired driver is far more likely to forget about their blind spots. Interstate trucking regulations limit how many continuous drivers a truck driver can spend behind the wheel without resting. Drivers who skirt these rules are far more likely to drive while heavily fatigued.
- Alcohol or Drugs: The consumption of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s reflexes and awareness. While drunk driving is irresponsible under any circumstances, it is especially problematic for a truck driver who knows they need to keep a constant watch on their blind spots.
- Inadequate Hiring/Training: Trucking companies need to hire responsible drivers and make sure they receive adequate training for dealing with blind spots. An employer is not only vicariously liable for truck accidents caused by its employees; it can also be held responsible for inadequately training and supervising their drivers with respect to blind spots.
Contact Anderson & Anderson Today
Commercial trucking accidents often produce deadly and other serious injuries that exceed the capacity of Florida’s “no-fault” insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. So if you, or someone that you love, needs legal advice or representation from a skilled Tampa blind spot truck accident lawyer, call Anderson & Anderson today at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.
