Blind spots are dangerous on any vehicle, but especially hazardous for an 18-wheeler travelling at high speeds. Truck drivers must exercise constant vigilance regarding their blind spots, carefully checking mirrors and surrounding lanes before changing lanes or turning. When they fail to do so and innocent drivers and passengers are injured as a result, they may be liable for damages in a personal injury claim.
At D. Miller & Associates, we have extensive experience handling blind spot accident claims for clients throughout Texas. Our attorneys are here to conduct a thorough analysis of your accident to determine what went wrong and who is liable for damages.
We will fight tirelessly to help you pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, wage loss, and other hardships you have suffered due to the negligence of a truck driver or other at-fault party.
What Is a Blind Spot Accident?
You probably know what a blind spot is in everyday driving, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) applies precise parameters regarding blinds spots for large commercial trucks. They call these areas the “no-zones”, and they are located:
- In front of the truck: A truck’s long hood can obscure the driver’s view of the road for up to 20 feet in front. A semi-truck’s long stopping distance (525 feet at 65 mph) is another good reason to stay clear of this no-zone.
- In back of the truck: This blind spot reaches around 30 feet. As a rule of thumb, you should not drive behind a truck unless you can see both side mirrors (if you can’t see the mirrors, the driver can’t see you).
- The left side of the truck: The no-zone on the driver’s side of the truck extends one lane to the left and from the driver’s door to the middle of the trailer.
- The right side of the truck: This is the truck’s largest blind spot, and the biggest danger zone for accidents. It extends two lanes to the right of the truck, stretching all the way from the front of the cab to the rear of the trailer.
Blind spot accidents statistics say one third of all accidents involving large trucks and cars take place in a no zone area. If your accident took place in one of these blind spots, or due to a driver failing to check his or her blind spots, it can make a big difference in your potential injury claim. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Texas can help you determine if the truck driver acted negligently or breached any FMCSA regulations during your crash.
When Does Truck Driver Negligence Result in Blind-Spot Accidents?
Because of the inherent dangers of a large truck’s blind spots, truck drivers must exercise great care when maneuvering on the road. Not all blind spot accidents are the truck driver’s fault, but they might be found legally responsible for an accident if they:
- Changed lanes without properly checking their mirrors or blind spots
- Failed to signal before turning or merging
- Made wide turns without accounting for nearby vehicles
- Drove while distracted, fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failed to maintain a safe following distance
- Ignored federal trucking safety regulations or blind spot safety procedures
- Failed to adjust their driving for traffic, weather, or road conditions
- Relied solely on mirrors or safety technology without visually confirming surrounding traffic
A thorough investigation, including a truck accident reconstruction, can help tell the tale of how a truck driver’s actions (or failure to act) resulted in a blind spot accident. This evidence can play a critical role in establishing liability and helping injured victims pursue compensation for their losses.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Blind Spot Accident Claim
Blind spot truck accidents often involve disputed facts about lane changes, merging, turns, and driver visibility. An experienced truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash and gather evidence showing whether the truck driver failed to properly check the truck’s no-zones before maneuvering.
An experienced attorney for blind spot truck accidents can build a strong and persuasive claim for you by finding evidence from:
- Black box data
- Photos of the accident scene, including skid marks and vehicle damage
- Dash cam footage
- Driver logs
- Witness statements
Your lawyer can also examine whether the truck driver violated FMCSA regulations or failed to follow safe driving procedures when changing lanes or making a turn.
In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, particularly if they failed to properly train drivers on blind spots and no-zones or hired a driver with known safety issues.
A lawyer can also deal with insurance companies on your behalf and pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and other losses caused by the accident.
Turn to a Leader in Texas Truck Accident Law
At D. Miller & Associates, our attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of blind spot errors and other causes of truck accidents in Texas. We apply this knowledge to help our clients obtain maximum compensation for the injuries and other losses they have suffered.
When you are ready to discuss your blind spot accident claim with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Texas, we will be here for you. Contact us to arrange a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.
