A blind spot truck accident happens when the driver can’t see other vehicles in the areas around their truck, leading to a collision. Due to the truck’s large size, these blind spots can be much bigger than those of smaller cars. If the driver doesn’t check these areas or relies too heavily on mirrors, they can crash into a passing car or motorcycle. When that happens, the victims often face serious injuries and costly medical bills, making it critical to know your legal rights.
Blind Spot Areas on Semi and 18-Wheeler Trucks
Semi and 18-wheeler trucks have several large blind spots due to their length and height, known as “No Zones.” One blind spot is directly behind the trailer, where the following car might be completely hidden from view. Another is the right side, which can stretch across multiple lanes.
The left side can also have a smaller blind spot, usually not as wide as the right side. These blind spots can lead to serious accidents if a truck driver attempts to change lanes or turn without checking these areas thoroughly. If you lost a loved one in a truck or car accident in Washington, D.C., contact our wrongful death attorneys for legal help today.
Why and How Blind Spot Accidents Happen
Blind spot accidents involving large trucks happen when a trucker can’t see the space immediately surrounding the vehicle and other drivers don’t realize the risk. Understanding the main reasons behind these crashes can help victims recognize when a driver or trucking company may be at fault and protect their legal rights moving forward.
Truck Size and Design
Today’s semis and 18-wheelers are extremely long and tall, which creates larger-than-normal blind spots on every side. As a result, cars can remain hidden in these “No Zone” areas without the truck driver’s knowledge. Because drivers rely heavily on mirrors, any blind spot left unchecked can lead to lane-change or turning collisions.
Driver Inattention or Distraction
Using cell phones, fiddling with GPS devices, or even eating while driving can draw a truck driver’s focus away from the road. Failure to look carefully, especially when switching lanes or turning, can easily lead to a blind spot accident. When drivers don’t dedicate time and attention to visually clearing their blind spots before moving the truck, they may cause serious harm.
Poor Driving Conditions
Bad weather or low visibility can make it harder for truck drivers to see what’s around their blind spots. Rain, fog, or night driving can give them even less time to react to changing traffic conditions. If the driver continues at high speeds or takes risky maneuvers under these conditions, the odds of a collision rise sharply.
Inexperienced or Undertrained Drivers
Some truck drivers are relatively new and aren’t well-trained on the dangers of blind spots. Even small mistakes, like failing to signal or check mirrors multiple times, can result in a crash. These accidents can be more severe if the driver panics and doesn’t respond properly once they realize a car is hidden next to the truck.
Other Motorists’ Lack of Awareness
Sometimes, drivers of smaller vehicles inadvertently stay in a truck’s blind spots, believing the truck driver can see them. When they linger too long, pass or merge without signaling, or drive in these no-zone areas at high speeds, it increases the chance the trucker won’t realize they’re there. Small decisions like these can result in a collision if the truck moves unexpectedly.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and believe someone else was at fault, speak with a lawyer to determine if you can recover compensation.
Liability in Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Figuring out liability in a blind spot truck accident can be complicated, as multiple factors often come into play. Below are some of the main parties who may share responsibility:
- Truck Driver: They can be liable if they fail to properly check mirrors, signal, or account for known blind spots.
- Trucking Company: The company can be liable if it hired untrained drivers or failed to enforce safety rules. In some cases, the company is vicariously liable even if they didn’t engage in negligent behavior.
- Other Drivers: Another driver other than the truck can be to blame if they linger in a truck’s blind spot or make unsafe maneuvers.
- Vehicle or Equipment Manufacturers: These parties could be responsible if a design flaw or defective mirror contributed to the crash.
If you’ve been hurt in a blind spot truck accident, an experienced attorney can help identify who is responsible and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.