While all drivers must be aware of their blind spots, the fact is that the blind spots around a commercial truck are much larger than those of a passenger vehicle. Because of this, a truck driver must constantly be conscious of nearby vehicles and check their blind spots much more frequently than other motorists. When they fail to do so, a truck accident can occur causing victims to suffer serious injuries or death.
How Accidents Happen in a Truck’s Blind Spots
A blind spot is an area around a vehicle where other vehicles disappear from a driver’s view. A truck’s blind spots are very large and are also referred to as its no-zone areas. Here are where they are located:
- Front. Even though a truck driver sits high above the ground, he has a blind spot in front of the truck where he cannot see passenger vehicles. If he is not maintaining a safe distance behind the auto in front, he will not have sufficient time to slow down or stop, which already takes a truck longer in general. This can result in a dangerous rear-end collision or override accident, where the truck drives over the auto.
- Rear. A trucker must rely on his two side mirrors to see cars behind him because he has no rear-view mirror. If he fails to check this rear blind spot and suddenly slows down, slams on his brakes, or backs up, an accident can occur.
- Sides. The largest blind spots are on a truck’s sides, and the biggest one is on the truck’s passenger side. Truck drivers must be extremely conscious of these blind spots when making a turn or switching lanes to avoid causing a collision.
Who Is Liable in a Blind Spot Truck Wreck?
If you were injured in a blind spot truck accident, the insurance company for the trucker and trucking company may try to argue that you were responsible for the collision because you were in the truck’s blind spot. While it is safest to stay out of a truck’s no-zone areas as much as possible, driving in one does not make you the at-fault party.
The truck driver has a duty to be aware of other vehicles in his blind spots and will be found negligent when he fails to do so. Often, he may also be engaged in other unsafe practices, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, or driving while fatigued.
You need an experienced truck accident attorney to fight for the compensation that you deserve if you are hurt in a truck blind spot accident. To learn how we can help, call our office or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.
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