The weight and longer stopping distance of large trucks make them a dangerous presence on the road. However, residents of Florida should know that most collisions with large trucks are the fault of passenger vehicle drivers. That’s why it’s important to know the most common factors that lead to crashes.
For example, many passenger vehicle drivers will travel in a truck’s “no zone,” which is where the trucker has limited visibility. The passenger vehicle may fail to slow down or speed up when the truck begins to change lanes or merge. Drivers might also change lanes abruptly or pass the truck without sufficient headway. An improper merge into traffic can cause truckers to brake quickly.
In addition, turning at an intersection is the occasion for many accidents. For instance, drivers may misjudge the truck’s speed and make a left turn in front of the truck. Collisions also occur when drivers pull out of a side road and in front of a truck but do not accelerate quickly enough.
On the other hand, insufficient training and the lure of by-the-load incentives can lead to many truckers acting negligently. They may speed to meet deadlines or exceed the federal hours-of-service regulations, becoming drowsy as a result.
When trucker negligence is behind a truck crash, the victim may be able to file a claim against the employer. However, trucking companies have their own legal teams that will be ready to fight any claims. That’s why a victim may want to hire a personal injury lawyer.
