No-Zone Truck Accidents In Fort Lauderdale: Know the Risks and Your Rights to Compensation
Considering their significant size and weight, truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles can cause devastating injuries to nearby motorists. Driving in “no-zones” is a leading contributing cause.
“No zones” are large blind spots where a truck driver may not see your vehicle, increasing the chance of a crash. Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney shares more about the risks and your rights to compensation.
Where Are The Truck No-Zones And Why Are They So Dangerous?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) explains that tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, and other large commercial trucks have multiple large blind spots, or no-zones. These make it difficult for drivers to see vehicles traveling around them and increase the risks of truck accidents in South Florida.
Particularly with the number of trucks passing through Fort Lauderdale, motorists need to be aware of no-zones and where they are located:
- In front of the truck, extending out 20 feet from the cab;
- Nearly 200 feet behind the truck, preventing the driver from seeing approaching vehicles;
- On the truck’s left side, extending along the length of the cab;
- On the right side of the truck, spanning the entire cab and trailer and extending across multiple lanes.
Truck drivers know they need to doublecheck these areas, but they are not always diligent. When they change lanes, make wide turns, or stop suddenly without properly accounting for blind spots, it increases the risks of truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale, which can leave multiple other drivers and their passengers suffering severe, potentially life-threatening harm.
Protecting Yourself From No-Zone Accidents In Fort Lauderdale
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that nearly 5,000 truck accidents in Broward County happen each year. They are common on I-95 and other major South Florida highways. Driving in truck no zones significantly increases the risks.
To protect yourself against these types of crashes, our Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney recommends the following:
- Avoid distractions and stay alert when sharing the road with truckers;
- Stay out of their blind spots as much as possible;
- Do not tailgate or pass on the right side of a large truck;
- Give trucks extra time and space when merging or making turns.
In the event a truck accident in South Florida happens for any reason, report it immediately, seek medical care, and speak with our legal team before making statements or accepting a settlement.
Request a Consultation Today With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale are common due to no-zones and can cause devastating personal injuries to other motorists. At Boone & Davis, Attorneys at Law, we hold negligent truck drivers and their companies accountable. With over 40 years of experience, our team fights to get you the compensation you deserve. To protect your rights in a claim, contact us today to request a consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/large-blind-spots
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf
