Everyone who drives a motor vehicle on public Pennsylvania roads has the same legal duty to pay attention to their surroundings and watch out for other people. Part of this responsibility involves knowing where your “blind spots” are. These areas around the vehicle can’t be easily seen in the mirrors, requiring drivers to make quick head checks before turning or changing lanes.
Tractor-trailers have large blind spots compared to passenger cars—and unfortunately, not every long-haul trucker is as diligent about checking their blind spots as they should be. If you were recently injured in a blind spot truck accident in Allentown, you might have the right to file suit against the trucker who hit you. A skilled truck accident lawyer at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers will fight like hell to get you the payments you deserve for the harm you shouldn’t have suffered.
Blinds Spots on Semis and Commercial Trucks
The average semi-truck has four blind spots:
- Directly in front of the cab, stretching about 20 feet out from the front bumper
- Directly behind the trailer, extending about 30 feet out from the rear bumper
- On the driver’s side, stretching from directly below the driver’s side door to one lane of traffic out from the trailer’s rear bumper
- On the passenger’s side, stretching from directly below the passenger’s side door to two lanes of traffic out and about 10 to 20 feet behind the trailer’s rear bumper
To minimize the risk of hitting another car in these blind spots, truck drivers are expected to use their mirrors and collision detection systems to check for other people near them before changing lanes, turning, or merging onto a highway. Any trucker who fails to do this and causes a blind spot collision is legally “negligent” and can usually be held liable for the accident with help from our Allentown attorneys.
Legal Challenges in Blind Spot Collision Claims
You can be held partially responsible for a blind spot truck crash in Allentown if you were negligent in some way—for example, if you stayed inside a truck’s blind spot for an unreasonably long time while driving. A court that assigns you “comparative fault” can reduce the damage award you receive. The Allentown lawyers at our firm can fight any allegations that you were partially at fault for the blind spot trucking crash and protect your right to fair compensation.
Additionally, Pennsylvania law gives most people who get hurt in truck accidents a maximum of two years after they first sustain an injury to file suit. Anyone injured in a blind spot truck accident who fails to get their case started within this deadline will likely be unable to get paid for their injuries. The sooner you reach out to legal counsel, the sooner your Allentown attorney can begin working to recover the payments you deserve.
Contact an Allentown Attorney for Help After a Blind Spot Truck Accident
Truck drivers need to be careful while driving, especially while merging or turning. These massive vehicles can cause severe damage in collisions. When truckers are careless or reckless on the road, anyone hurt in an ensuing crash can demand compensation through a lawsuit or settlement demand.
Civil claims built around blind spot truck accidents in Allentown are much easier to handle with a seasoned legal professional on your side. Call today to discuss your options with a skilled attorney at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. Our team has significant experience winning these cases on behalf of our clients, including a recent $5 million settlement for the family of a woman who died after she was ejected from a vehicle that collided with a truck on Route 80. We are prepared to help you seek justice for your losses.
