Every motor vehicle has “blind spots” around it where the driver can’t easily see other vehicles and people from the driver’s seat. While side mirrors, rearview mirrors, and modern safety features like collision detection systems can help reduce the risk of an accident, drivers still must check all their blind spots before turning or switching lanes.
Commercial trucks have huge blind spots and can cause severe damage in the event of a collision. Truckers must be particularly aware of their surroundings to avoid blind spot truck accidents in Blue Bell. If you were recently injured in this type of crash, consult an experienced lawyer on your options for holding the negligent trucker accountable. Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can take the lead in your case while you focus on your recovery.
Where are the Blind Spots on a Typical Tractor-Trailer?
Like all motor vehicles, semi-trucks have four main blind spots: in front of the front bumper, behind the rear bumper, along the driver’s side, and along the passenger’s side. However, because these trucks are longer than other vehicles and the driver sits higher off the ground, the blind spots are all much bigger than those on a standard commuter car. This increases the risk of truck accidents when operators fail to properly check their blind spots.
For example, the blind spot immediately in front of a commercial truck usually stretches about 20 feet beyond the front bumper—long enough to completely hide an entire sedan from the truck driver’s view. Likewise, the blind spot behind a tractor-trailer stretches about 30 feet beyond the trailer’s rear bumper—potentially far enough to hide two commuter cars.
On the driver’s side, the blind spot is triangle-shaped and reaches from under the side mirror down to the back of the trailer and one full traffic lane out from the driver’s side door. On the passenger side, the blind spot is the same shape but even larger, covering two full traffic lanes and stretching 10 feet or more beyond the rear end of the trailer.
Holding a Truck Driver Liable for a Blind Spot Wreck
The fact that a truck driver didn’t see someone else driving, riding, or walking in one of their blind spots doesn’t protect them from civil liability for the crash. Every driver—including those operating massive commercial trucks—has a legal “duty” to regularly check their blind spots; anyone who fails to do so and causes an accident as a direct result can be considered legally “negligent” and liable for damages.
It’s worth noting, though, that other motorists also have a duty to avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots as much as possible. They also must follow the rules of the road and generally act reasonably behind the wheel. Anyone found partially responsible for a truck crash in Blue Bell could miss out on much-needed compensation. Our seasoned attorneys can fight allegations of partial fault for a blind spot trucking collision and protect your right to compensation.
Contact a Blue Bell Attorney for a Blind Spot Truck Accident Case
Truckers who don’t check their blind spots before turning or merging put themselves and everyone around them at risk of serious injury. You have a right to take legal action against any truck driver—and potentially their employer—who causes you harm because they failed to act responsibly.
Guidance from winning legal counsel can make a world of difference in your ability to pursue compensation for a blind spot truck accident in Blue Bell. At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have decades of experience helping people like you recover the payments they deserve. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
