A no-zone for trucks is a blind spot where a truck driver cannot see smaller cars in their mirrors. In many cases, commercial vehicles (including semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and flatbeds) have stickers or labels warning others of these blind spots. Vehicle drivers should take all necessary measures to avoid driving in these potentially dangerous areas.
Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers represent injured clients. They can explain how liability is determined in a truck-versus-passenger car collision. Most personal injury law firms will review your case at no cost and help you build a compelling evidence collection.
How to Assess No-Zone Accident Liability in a Truck Accident
If a truck driver could not or did not see you and caused an accident, you must prove they were negligent to recover damages. Proving truck no-zone crash liability means proving the legal parameters of negligence, including:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Evidence that can prove these elements may include:
- Official police reports, including notes and diagrams
- Statements from lay and expert accident witnesses
- Dashcam, traffic cam, and smartphone video footage
- Accident reconstruction reports and photos of the scene
- Truck driver logbooks
- Trucking company training and employment records
Your case file may also include medical records and bills that describe your injuries and document their causes and costs.
Where Are a Large Truck’s No-Zones?
A commercial truck is a massive vehicle that requires specialized training to operate safely and appropriately. Part of that training is learning to navigate no-zones.
Because trucks generally only have sideview mirrors (no rearview mirrors like passenger cars), truck drivers cannot see what is directly behind their vehicles. In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), many trucks have no-zones in the front, back, and on both sides of the vehicle.
A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, its driver likely cannot see you. Always exercise caution when sharing the road with large trucks and be extra attentive when merging, passing, or changing lanes.
What Are the Safest Ways to Avoid a Truck Accident in a No-Zone in Fort Lauderdale?
Any time you get behind the wheel of your car, your focus and attention should be on its safe operation. Best practices for avoiding a truck’s no-zones include:
- Ensuring you can see a side mirror on the truck at all times
- Never attempting to cut a truck off
- Maintaining a safe driving distance
- Leaving room for a truck’s wide turns
Adhering to these rules can make streets and highways safer for all drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle riders. Truck drivers must also exercise caution and adhere to Florida’s traffic laws and truck driving regulations and restrictions.
What Damages Can You Get in a Truck Accident Insurance Claim or Lawsuit?
Personal injury compensation after a no-zone truck crash can include various types of recoverable damages. The economic damages you can request include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Current and future loss of income
- Loss of future earning potential
- Vehicle repair, loss, or diminishment
You can also request a range of non-economic damages, including:
- Disabling injuries
- Lasting disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
If your family lost a loved one due to fatal injuries suffered in a truck accident, you could pursue damages with a Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer. While nothing can atone for your loss, you can seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of the decedent’s income, and loss of consortium, companionship, and support.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
The personal injury and wrongful death statutes of limitations in Florida are generally two years, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. Certain circumstances can change the filing deadline, so the best way to understand its application to your case is to consult a local law firm. Most will review your claim at no cost or obligation.
Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale to Pursue Damages?
Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney to represent you has many benefits. It can allow you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer builds your claim. Your attorney can:
- Deal with the insurance company and its adjuster
- Compile, sort, and organize paperwork and evidence
- Negotiate for the best possible financial settlement
- File your truck accident lawsuit according to the statute of limitations
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can also provide ongoing updates on your case as it progresses. In addition, most will represent you on contingency, meaning you incur no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. If you do not receive financial compensation, you will not owe the law firm any fees.
Call Us for a Free Truck Accident Consultation
If you or a loved one is seeking compensation after a truck wreck, we can help. Our truck accident attorneys will investigate the crash and determine whether a no-zone caused or contributed to your collision. Contact us!
Learn more with a free claim review. Call us now at (954) 633-8270.
