Blind Spot Truck Accident Claims
Truck drivers bear a significant responsibility on the roads due to the sheer size and potential danger their vehicles can pose to other road users. They are required to maintain an acute awareness of their surroundings at all times, particularly their vehicle’s blind spots – areas not easily seen in their side and rear-view mirrors. Failure to adequately monitor these blind spots can result in catastrophic accidents. The devastating impact of such blind spot truck accidents underscores the critical obligation of truck drivers to ensure the safety of themselves and others sharing the road. The enormity of this duty cannot be overstated, as neglecting this responsibility can lead to life-altering consequences.
What Are Blind Spots On Commercial Trucks?
Blind spots on commercial trucks refer to areas around the truck that the driver cannot directly see from their seated position, even with the aid of mirrors. These blind spots are typically located directly behind the truck, on the sides, just behind the driver and passenger-side doors, and in front of the cab. Due to the truck’s substantial size and length, these blind spots can cover large areas, making it possible for cars, cyclists, or pedestrians to essentially ‘disappear’ from the truck driver’s view. It is vital for truck drivers to be aware of these blind spots and for other road users to understand where these blind spots are to maintain safety.
Why Do Semis Have Larger Blind Spots Than Other Vehicles?
Semi-trucks, or semi-trailer trucks, have notably larger blind spots compared to other vehicles due to several factors:
- Size and Length: Semi-trucks are considerably larger and longer than most other vehicles on the road. This vast size and length result in larger areas around the truck that the driver can’t see directly, even with the use of mirrors.
- Height of the Driver’s Seat: The elevated sitting position of the truck driver can contribute to larger blind spots. The higher the driver’s seat, the bigger the blind spot directly beneath and to the sides of the truck cab.
- Absence of Rear-View Mirror: Unlike other vehicles, semi-trucks do not have a rear-view mirror that allows drivers to see directly behind them. This creates a significant blind spot directly behind the trailer.
- Trailer Design: The design and construction of the truck’s trailer can also contribute to blind spots. For example, solid wall trailers do not offer any form of visibility through the sides or rear, unlike glass-windowed vehicles.
Understanding these factors can help other road users maintain a safe distance and avoid the large blind spots of semi-trucks.
Why Blind Spots are a Concern for Trucks
Blind spots are particularly concerning for trucks due to their large size and length. The size of a truck’s blind spots are significantly larger than those of smaller vehicles, extending up to 20 feet in front of the cab, 30 feet behind the trailer, and along each side, especially alongside the right side of the truck. This makes it possible for a car, motorbike, or even a group of pedestrians to be in a truck’s blind spot without the driver being aware. Therefore, understanding and continually being aware of these blind spots is crucial for safe and responsible truck driving.
Blind Spots are Also Known As “No Zones”
“No Zones” is the term commonly used to describe the blind spots around a commercial truck. The term emphasizes the danger associated with these areas and serves as a strong warning for other passenger vehicle drivers to stay clear. These No Zones are situated around the front, back, and sides of the truck, where the driver has limited or no visibility.
- Front No Zone: Due to the height of the cab, truck drivers cannot see vehicles or obstacles that are too close to the front of their truck. This zone extends approximately 20 feet ahead of the truck.
- Rear No Zone: Semi-trucks lack a rear-view mirror, creating a substantial No Zone directly behind the trailer. This zone can extend up to 30 feet behind the truck.
- Side No Zones: The side No Zones are located directly behind the driver and passenger-side doors and extend along the length of the truck. The right-side No Zone is particularly dangerous, as it stretches the length of the trailer and extends out three lanes.
Staying out of these No Zones is crucial for the safety of all road users. This is why it is vital for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to understand where these No Zones are located and to avoid them when possible.
Common Causes of Blind Spot Accidents
Driver Error: This is often a major cause of blind spot accidents. Errors can range from insufficient mirror checks and hasty lane changes without proper signaling or checking to simple distractions that lead to a lack of awareness of the truck’s significant blind spots.
Truck Design Flaws: Certain design flaws in trucks can worsen blind spot issues. These flaws might include poorly designed mirrors that do not offer a sufficient view of the vehicle’s side or rear or the placement of windows and pillars that obstruct the driver’s view.
Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions can contribute to blind spot truck accidents by reducing visibility.
Mechanical Failures: Failures affecting the truck’s maneuverability could lead to blind spot accidents.
Following Too Closely: Accidents can occur when vehicles follow each other too closely, whether it’s the car in front of or behind the semi-truck.
Aggressive Driving: Actions such as braking abruptly to encourage a driver to back off or cutting off another vehicle can cause truck accidents.
Neglecting to Check Blind Spots Before Changing Lanes: A common cause of truck accidents is a truck driver failing to check their blind spots before changing lanes.
Truck Driver Fatigue: Fatigued truck drivers may lack the necessary alertness to monitor their blind spots accurately. If the truck driver failed to take adequate rest breaks, they may not have been fully aware of their surroundings.
Sudden Lane Changes: Truck drivers making sudden lane changes without adequate checking can lead to accidents.
Distracted Driving: Distractions, such as using a cell phone while driving, can lead to neglected awareness of blind spots and subsequent accidents.
Liability in Semi-Truck Blind Spot Accidents
Determining liability in semi-truck blind spot accidents can be complex. Here are key points to note:
Truck Driver’s Liability
Often, the truck driver may be held responsible for blind spot accidents. Even if a vehicle is in the truck’s blind spot, the truck driver is expected to check their mirrors and blind spots before maneuvering. Assume a truck driver makes a right turn at an intersection without checking for vehicles on their right. If an accident occurs with a vehicle in that blind spot, the truck driver could be held accountable.
Liability of Trucking Company
The employing trucking company often shares liability due to a principle called vicarious liability. This principle holds employers accountable for their employees’ negligence.
Insurance Coverage
Trucking companies often have larger insurance policy limits, as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These limits ensure coverage for individuals who suffer significant injuries in truck accidents.
Claims
In some cases, a truck accident accident claim can run into millions of dollars, highlighting the importance of understanding when and against whom to file a claim. If you’re involved in a blind spot accident, a truck accident attorney can provide valuable assistance in seeking compensation.
How Our Truck Accident Lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C. Can Help
Analyzing the Accident
Our seasoned lawyers can help by thoroughly investigating your accident, identifying all possible sources of liability, and determining the best legal approach to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Collecting Evidence
They will also collect and preserve key evidence, such as truck driver’s logs, GPS data, and maintenance records, which can prove invaluable when it comes to establishing fault and holding at-fault parties liable.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Our experienced attorneys are skilled negotiators, adept at dealing with insurance companies and advocating for the fairest compensation on your behalf.
Filing and Litigating a Lawsuit
If necessary, our lawyers are prepared to file a lawsuit for your blind spot accident and represent you in court to ensure that your rights are protected and your interests are served.
Securing Fair Compensation
From medical bills, lost wages, and property damage to pain and suffering, our lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you are legally entitled to following a truck accident.
Contact An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced and knowledgeable truck accident lawyer. Our attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel P.C. have decades of experience handling litigation following truck crashes and can provide you with the legal support and guidance you need. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
