Drivers should always check blind spots when changing lanes. However, it is even more important for drivers of large commercial trucks to look out for other vehicles. Many passenger vehicles do not realize that trucks have significant blind spots, and the larger a vehicle is, the greater the chance of an accident caused by a blind spot.
When you are involved in a wreck with a tractor-trailer, you might be wondering what your options are for financial recovery. When a trucker fails to check his or her blind spot and causes a crash, he or she can be held liable for negligence. Our firm has secured comprehensive compensation for countless individuals who have been injured in blind-spot truck accidents in DuBois. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a knowledgeable semi-truck collision attorney.
Large trucks have several blind spots that make it difficult for truckers to see other vehicles. Commercial trucks have three blind spots, including:
The blind spot on the right-hand side of a truck can stretch the entire length of the trailer. Due to this large blind spot, drivers are always advised to always pass trucks on the left. While there is a blind spot there as well, truck drivers are trained to expect passing motorists there.
Truck drivers cannot see the area within approximately 200 feet from the back of the vehicle. When motorists follow trucks too closely, it can be difficult for the truck driver to see them. Therefore, drivers should stay far enough behind so the trucker can see his or her vehicle in the side-view mirrors. If you cannot see the side mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.
Truck drivers sit in elevated cabs that are much higher than a passenger vehicle. Truckers cannot see objects that are close in front of them. If a motorist gets too close, the truck’s hood may block the car from view. Merging directly in front of a truck is dangerous, as this blind spot typically extends about 20 feet ahead of the vehicle.
Although it is impossible to avoid driving near large trucks throughout Pennsylvania, drivers can protect themselves by staying out of the truck blind spots as much as possible. However, when you or a loved one are hurt in a blind-spot truck wreck in DuBois, you should contact an experienced attorney for legal assistance.
When truck drivers cannot see the vehicles in front of them, he or she may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident, colliding with the rear end of that vehicle. Similarly, when a truck driver has to stop suddenly, and a car is following in a rear blind spot, the car could crash into the rear of the truck. Some of the most common types of truck accidents caused by blind spots include:
While each accident presents unique circumstances, commercial truck drivers are often the ones held liable for these types of crashes. Truckers can be held liable for a blind-spot crash if he or she was:
Likewise, his or her employer can be responsible under a theory of vicarious liability, which means that the trucking company stands in the shoes of its driver for purposes of liability. Additionally, if the trucking company was negligent or overlooked a trucker’s bad driving history, the company can be directly liable for its own mistakes in hiring. Proving fault after a blind-spot truck accident can be complex, which is why you should consult a seasoned lawyer in DuBois for help navigating the legal process.
At Marcus & Mack, our dedicated truck accident lawyers have years of experience helping injured people like you recover compensation for injuries. If you were hurt in a blind-spot truck accident in DuBois, you should secure legal representation right away.
When you hire one of our attorneys to review your claim, we can investigate the cause of the crash and the driver’s history. In some instances, the trucker’s employer may share fault for your injuries. We will negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation. Contact our office to schedule your free and confidential consultation today.
