1-855-722-2552Across the country, there were about 2,860 accidents involving either a large truck or bus which resulted in some kind of injury in 2011. Collisions with large commercial vehicles often result in devastating injuries and property loss, especially when the wreck occurs between two vehicles with a large discrepancy in size and weight comparisons.
Many accidents that occur between a car and a truck are a direct result of the driving errors or behavior of the driver of the passenger vehicle. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a truck accident that was caused by passenger vehicle driving errors, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for damages from the collision, including current and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death benefits if the crash resulted in a fatality.
To begin exploring your legal options, contact our truck accident attorneys today by completing the Free Case Evaluation form to the right.
Common Passenger Vehicle Driving Errors
Given the number of trucks on Florida roads and highways, it is important for Florida drivers to be aware of the common driving errors that passenger vehicle drivers commit that could possibly result in a catastrophic truck accident. Some of the most common driving errors include tailgating, driving in blind spots, driving with one hand on the steering wheel, improper lane changes, reckless driving in bad weather conditions and failure to use indicators.
Tailgating
Most drivers are unaware of a truck’s braking limitations. Due to its size and weight, a truck is unable to stop as quickly as other vehicles on the road. If a driver is tailgating a truck and the truck driver is forced to stop suddenly, there is a high probability that the driver of the smaller call will collide with the rear of the trailer, resulting in a serious rear-end truck accident or deadly underride collision.
Driving in Blind Spots
Blind spots are very dangerous on any vehicle. The blind spots, also called No-Zones, on a truck are extremely large. Chances are if you cannot see the driver in their mirrors, they are unable to see you. About 33 percent of all car vs. truck accidents occur when the car is in the truck’s No-Zone.
Driving with One Hand on the Steering Wheel
It’s possible for large trucks, like garbage trucks, 18-wheelers and buses, to create wind gusts. If a driver passes a truck with one hand on the steering wheel, there is a risk that their car will get hit by the wind gust, causing the driver to swerve into other lanes of traffic and potentially crashing into other vehicles. When passing a truck, it is crucial for drivers to have both hands on the steering wheel.
Improper Lane Changes
As mentioned earlier, it takes a large truck significantly longer to brake than a smaller passenger vehicle. It is important for drivers to allow enough time when changing lanes in order to prevent a rear-end or side-impact collision with the truck. When passing a truck, drivers should increase their speed slightly and consistently, until there is enough room to safely change lanes. Before changing lanes, it is crucial that they can see the truck’s grill in their rearview mirror.
Reckless Driving in Bad Weather Conditions
Weather conditions, like fog and rain, can decrease a truck driver’s visibility. Especially during Florida’s rainy season, which is notorious for torrential downpours, the lack of visibility can affect a truck driver’s ability to react in the event of an emergency. Slick road conditions can make it even more difficult for the driver to brake quickly. Particularly in adverse weather conditions, it is very important for drivers to allow enough distance between their car and a large commercial vehicle.
Failure to Use Indicators
Drivers should signal their intentions early and often when changing lanes or making turns when they are sharing the road with a large truck. By indicating their intentions, a truck driver is given enough time to slow down or stop in order to avoid a crash.
Contact an Experienced Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer
Driving defensively and avoiding these passenger vehicle errors can reduce a Florida motorist’s chances of being involved in a truck wreck. Sometimes, however, an accident is unavoidable. If you have been injured in a truck accident due to no fault of your own, we urge you to contact the knowledgeable truck accident attorneys at Gordon & Partners right away to see how we may be able to help you with your claim.
Following an accident, it is not uncommon for victims to be contacted by the insurance company right away. It’s crucial that you do not sign any documents the insurance company provides until you consult with a lawyer who is well-versed in complex commercial vehicle litigation.
It is not uncommon for insurance companies to offer injury victims far less compensation than they deserve or require to recover expenses from the accident, and signing documents can significant limit an individual’s ability to receive monetary awards for their losses.
Our truck accident lawyers have the knowledge and expertise necessary to investigate and litigate your injury claim.
In order to make sure that our clients are able to afford proper representation in their pursuit for justice, our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not charge you anything until we obtain a favorable jury verdict or settlement for your claim. If we fail to do this, there is never any cost to you.
For more information on the legal rights which may be available to Florida truck accident injury victims and their families or to schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys , please complete the Free Case Evaluation form on this page.
