There are few things more serene than a smooth cruise on Florida’s major inter and intrastate throughways. While roadways like I-75, I-595, I-95, and the Turnpike are utilized by Floridia motorists every day, the obvious ease of access throughout the state on these roadways also heightens the risk for semi truck rear-end accidents. Unlike smaller vehicles, accidents involving semi trucks inherently pose a greater threat in single and multiple car collisions, leading to a fair number of truck-involved collisions in the past decade.
As a non-commercial driver, understanding the risks posed by semi trucks not only enables a driver to have a keener awareness of the dangers of those rear-end accidents but also a driver can determine when it’s time to hire a truck accident attorney.
Avoiding Rear End Accidents
Understanding that semi trucks are inherently larger, move with greater inertia, and result in more devastating collisions is essential for non-commercial motorists, particularly those driving small vehicles. Semi trucks, because of their large density and greater inertia, can’t brake as easily as smaller cars.
Keeping these physical differences in mind, there are a few actions motorists can take to reduce the chances of being involved in a serious rear-end crash with a semi truck:
- Maintain Proper Distance: “Proper” distance depends on the specific situation, but for the most part, give semi trucks a higher degree of space than you would for other vehicles. Cutting off a semi truck or getting close to the front-end of trucks in their lanes of traffic doesn’t allow for a truck driver to brake in time should you need to take evasive action.
- Stay in Your Lanes: Many drivers don’t understand lanes of operation on a highway. Vehicles with more axles and larger size (primarily semi trucks) must remain in middle and through lanes closest to the exits. Trucks can’t utilize the furthest left lane, otherwise known as the passing lane. The middle, also known as a cruising lane, is for traffic to move at or slightly above the posted limit. It also serves as the passing lane for semi trucks; if you see a semi truck attempting to pass, avoid blocking their means of passing by cutting off their passing lane, which is the center lane.
- Hire a Rear-end Truck Accident Attorney: While not necessarily a preventive measure for accidents, a truck accident attorney is advisable to have on retainer in the event of an accident.
Among the aforementioned tips, a truck accident attorney in Florida is chiefly important to not only get compensation if you were harmed in a truck accident, but also to defend against wrongfully attributed liability.
Don’t Let a Rear-end Semi Truck Accident Cost You
Rear-end accidents with semi-trucks can be stressful and painful, but hiring a truck accident lawyer doesn’t have to be. At Salpeter Gitkin, LLP, we are experienced and dedicated Florida truck accident attorneys with decades of combined experience. We specialize in a number of different motor vehicle accident practice areas, and we can help represent you when a rear-end truck accident occurs.
Let us fight on your behalf and help you get the legal counsel, compensation, or representation you deserve. For a personalized free case review and evaluation, call us 24/7 at (954) 467-8622 or complete our online contact form.
