Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Driving a commercial truck is much different from driving a typical passenger car. The blind spots on a truck are extremely large, making it essential that drivers are properly trained and cautious when checking them before changing lanes. When truckers fail to do this and cause a crash, accident victims can hold them liable for any injuries or damages that result.
If you have been hurt in a blind spot truck accident, contact Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney, today to discuss your case in a free consultation.
Blind Spots and Truck Driver Error
All drivers are required to check their blind spots prior to changing lanes, turning, and merging. Truck drivers are also required to check these blind spots, and when they fail to do so, that negligence can lead to serious crashes.
Unfortunately, the insurance company for the trucker or the trucking company may argue that the crash was partly the victim’s fault because the car remained in the truck’s blind spot for too long. However, this is untrue. Insurance adjusters will try every tactic to reduce, delay, or deny a claim for compensation.
Where Are Blind Spots on an 18-Wheeler?
Transport trailer trucks have large blind spots on each side of the vehicle. The left side, or driver’s side, of a truck has a large blind spot that extends from the back portion of the cab to approximately halfway down the trailer.
The blind spot on the right side, or passenger side, of a truck is much larger. The driver does not sit on that side, and so the trucker has more difficulty seeing whether other vehicles are on that side. This blind spot starts at the front of the cab and extends the entire length of the truck. The blind spot on the right side of the truck also encompasses the two lanes on the right side.
Many drivers do not realize it, but trucks also have a blind spot directly in front and in the back of the truck. The blind spot in the rear extends 30 feet, while the blind spot in the front is as long as 20 feet. Truckers cannot see what is directly in front of them because they sit so high up on the road. The truck also blocks a driver’s entire view of what is behind the truck, so this blind spot is much larger.
Blind Spots on Semi-Trucks vs. Passenger Vehicles
The blind spots on passenger vehicles are much different from the blind spots on a semi-truck. The blind spots on commercial trucks are extremely large and can cross several lanes of traffic. For truck drivers, seeing certain areas around the truck is near impossible, including the back of the truck. This is why it is crucial for truck drivers to be properly trained and to stay focused on the road and the traffic around them at all times.
Drivers of passenger vehicles on the other hand, can easily check their blind spot to ensure all areas around their vehicle are clear and they can change lanes. This is due to the fact that passenger vehicles have more windows, and their blind spots are much smaller.
Types of Injuries Common in Blind Spot Truck Accidents
When truck drivers fail to properly check their blind spots, it can result in a number of different types of accidents. Passenger vehicles can become involved in an underride accident, a rollover accident, a sideswipe accident, or they may even be run off the road. Although these crashes vary greatly from each other, they can all result in the most serious types of injuries for those in the passenger vehicle. These injuries include:
- Multiple broken bones
- Deep cuts that can result in permanent scarring
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Cracked vertebrae, herniated discs, and other back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Crushed limbs that require amputation
- Burns, particularly if the crash caused an explosion or fire
All of these injuries are extremely costly to treat and require long recovery times. Accident victims should not be forced to bear the cost of these injuries, as well as the other damages caused by a negligent truck driver.
Who Is Liable for Blind Spot Accidents?
Due to the fact that blind spot accidents are typically a result of truck driver error, it is natural to assume that the trucker is always liable for these crashes. However, in many cases, other parties may bear responsibility, as well.
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring they are only hiring experienced and qualified drivers who know how to operate a truck safely. When a trucking company takes shortcuts so it can get more drivers out on the road more quickly, it may not take the proper measures to make sure it is only hiring safe drivers.
In addition, an investigation into a truck crash may reveal that the companies responsible for loading the truck’s cargo or maintaining the commercial motor vehicle contributed to the accident. In some cases, defective parts may also be a factor.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Blind spot truck accidents are some of the worst crashes on Binghamton’s roads. They can result in serious if not fatal injuries. If you have been injured in a collision with a commercial motor vehicle, call New York truck accident lawyer Scott C. Gottlieb today. Our experienced legal team knows how to determine and prove who was liable for your crash, and we will fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation so we can get started on your truck accident claim.
