Due to their size and shape, trucks have more blind spots than other types of motor vehicles. These areas are also much larger than those on a passenger car. When a trucker changes lanes or turns without checking their blind spots, it can lead to a serious collision.
If you were injured in this type of crash, you may be able to hold the negligent driver or their employer accountable for your losses. A skilled lawyer with experience handling blind spot truck accidents in Tampa can fight for your legal right to compensation. That’s where we come in!
Where Are the Blind Spots on a Tractor-Trailer?
Blind spots are the areas around a vehicle that a driver has difficulty seeing. Different types of motor vehicles have different blind spots. Trucks are typically much longer and taller than other vehicles, meaning their blind spots are more significant. Additionally, tractor-trailers have more blind spots than smaller vehicles. When traveling near a truck, keep in mind that the driver may not be able to see objects in the following areas:
- Behind the trailer
- In front of the cab
- Below the window on the driver’s side of the cab
- The right side of the truck
Knowing a truck’s blind spots can be helpful. However, tractor-trailer operators must also constantly check these spots to avoid potential accidents. If your truck accident occurred because the driver failed to check their blind spots, our Tampa attorneys can help you take legal action.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance for Truck Accidents in Tampa
Florida law requires all drivers with state-registered vehicles to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This type of auto coverage is known as no-fault insurance, as your insurer must be your first source of compensation after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Unfortunately, most PIP insurance policies do not provide enough benefits to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses. In these situations, it is beneficial to consult our blind spot truck crash lawyers about filing a lawsuit.
Pursuing a Claim After a Blind Spot Tractor-Trailer Collision
Blind spot truck accident lawsuits can present some challenges. For example, trucks are typically owned or operated by large trucking companies. These corporations usually have complex insurance policies and aggressive attorneys handling their accident claims. The insurance companies have no interest in paying you fair compensation.
The insurer might downplay the severity of your injuries or argue that you were responsible for the accident to get you to accept a low settlement offer. Attorney Mike Hancock has experience working in insurance defense, so he is familiar with all the tactics they might use against you in your case. Hancock Injury Attorneys will negotiate with the insurance company and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Can Injured Drivers Recover Compensation if They are Partly Liable?
If the at-fault trucker successfully argues that you were partially responsible for the blind spot accident, you may still recover compensation. However, Florida follows comparative negligence law. Under Title XLV Florida Statutes § 768.81, the court can reduce your damages award by your percentage of fault for the accident.
Our knowledgeable lawyers can evaluate your claim and prove the trucker was responsible for the blind spot collision. Additionally, we will help you fight back against allegations of partial fault.
How Can Our Tampa Blind Spot Truck Accident Attorneys Help You?
When truckers fail to check their blind spots for other vehicles and pedestrians, there is an increased risk of severe accidents. If you were involved in a blind spot truck accident in Tampa, you may have trouble pursuing a legal claim on your own. A seasoned lawyer from our firm can help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Call us today for a free case consultation!