Blind Spot Collisions

Introduction to Blind Spot Truck Accidents, Lawyers, and Lawsuits

Most drivers are taught to not drive in another vehicle’s “blind spot.” Every vehicle, from a motorcycle to a large tractor-trailer, has one or more “blind spots.” When one vehicle is in another vehicle’s “blind spot,” the driver of the second vehicle may not be able to see the first vehicle. This can lead to a side- or rear-end collision that can result in serious injury and property damage to one or both vehicles and their respective occupants. The risk of serious – even fatal – injury is magnified when one driver chooses to drive his or her vehicle in the blind spot of a truck or large commercial vehicle.

Because of the significant difference in size between most passenger cars and large commercial trucks, a blind spot accident involving a truck and a passenger car can be deadly for the occupants of the car. Surviving one of these types of accidents may come at a cost: loss of limb injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or other catastrophic injuries are all common. While injury victims may be able to bring a truck accident lawsuit against the truck driver, recovering monetary compensation is by no means guaranteed.

Assigning Fault in a Blind Spot Accident

A blind spot truck accident occurs when a passenger car or other small vehicle is traveling in the blind spot of a commercial truck and the truck driver – who is unable to see the motorist – makes a maneuver that results in a collision between the two vehicles. Who is at fault? The answer is not always clear:

  • Some would contend that the truck driver is at fault for failing to take reasonable care to see if there was in fact a vehicle in the truck’s blind spot prior to changing lanes, stopping, or turning (or whatever other maneuver the truck driver completed that led to the collision). Those who would fault the truck driver would claim that the accident would not have happened had the truck driver taken the time necessary to ensure the truck’s blind spots were clear.
  • Others might contend that the passenger car driver is to blame for traveling in the truck’s blind spot. The areas that constitute a truck’s blind spots – namely, the areas near the rear of the truck on its right and left sides, as well as next to the passenger side door of the truck’s cab – should be well-known by most motorists. Some trucks even have decals on the back of the trailer diagraming where the truck’s blind spots are located and warning motorists of the dangers of lingering in a blind spot. If a motorist chooses to do so (these individuals would say), then that motorist should be responsible for his or her own injuries.
  • Still others might fault the truck or trailer manufacturer for failing to create a truck and/or trailer that could warn the truck driver of the presence of an object in its blind spot. In light of the advanced technology now appearing in most passenger cars – technology that automatically applies the brakes to prevent a rear-end collision and warning indicators that alert a driver that a vehicle is approaching from the rear – it may seem unusual – even reckless – for trucks not to have similar safety features.

In truth, all of these individuals and entities (and perhaps others) may play a role in a blind spot accident. The fact that an injured driver of a passenger vehicle may have been partly responsible for his or her own injuries should not dissuade the motorist from pursuing compensation against the truck driver. In many states, a motorist who also acts carelessly or recklessly and whose actions contribute to a blind spot accident can still recover compensation so long as his or her carelessness was not the primary cause of the crash (in a few states an injured motorist can recover compensation even if the truck driver is only one percent responsible for the blind spot crash). It always pays to review your state’s laws with an experienced attorney to determine your precise rights.

Why Legal Representation After a Blind Spot Accident is Crucial

Truck accident injury cases are notoriously difficult for injured motorists and passenger vehicle occupants to obtain full and fair compensation. The insurance companies representing truck companies have legal teams dedicated to minimizing the trucking company’s liability. You deserve an equally strong advocate fighting on your behalf. Stern Law, PLLC and attorney Ken Stern knows that in blind spot truck accidents blame is usually placed on the motorist driving in the truck’s blind spot. Attorney Ken Stern knows how to use the facts and circumstances of your case to minimize any negligent behavior in which you may have engaged while emphasizing the careless or reckless driving of the truck driver. Contact Stern Law, PLLC by calling (844) 808-7529 to discuss your case.

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