Trucking Accidents Caused By Blind Spots (In The ‘No Zone’)
Truck accidents can be devastating. It’s very difficult to get the compensation you deserve because truck companies and their insurance representatives will do everything in their power to place the blame on the victim if it means saving millions of dollars in liability costs.
If you have been injured or lost a family member in a collision with a semi truck, don’t wait another day to contact the truck accident lawyers at Pendergast Law. Call 888-539-9211 for a FREE case evaluation.
Our experienced accident attorneys will help you make an informed decision about your future, and we’ll fight aggressively to protect your rights – all at no cost to you unless we recover compensation for you! We are so confident in our abilities that, if we accept your case, it’s because we believe we can reach the best possible outcome. Contact us to learn more about our No Fee Promise.
If you were in an accident in a trucker’s blind spot you may have many questions about your claim. Call 888-539-9211 for answers.
Where Are A Trucker’s Blind Spots?
Every vehicle has blind spots, which are areas immediately surrounding the vehicle that cannot be directly observed by the driver. Because semi-trucks are so large and the driver sits high above the ground, trucks have four large blind spots:
- In front of the truck. The driver’s high vantage point means that they will not be able to see cars or motorcycles for at least 20 feet in front of the cab.
- Behind the truck. When you are behind a truck, the driver cannot see you for a distance of up to 100 feet.
- Left side of the truck. The driver can only see you when you are even with cab. You will not be visible to the driver when you are driving alongside the trailer.
- Right side of the truck. This is the trucker’s largest and most dangerous blind spot. It begins at the front of the cab and extends beyond the back of the trailer. The trucker’s right-side blind spot is also up to three lanes wide!
Staying Safe Around Trucks
Professional truck drivers are trained to use extreme caution to protect drivers who may be in their blind spots. Unfortunately, truck drivers are often in a hurry, and they don’t always look out for other vehicles on the road.
It’s essential for drivers to exercise extreme caution around trucks. Avoid truck blind spots as much as possible. Don’t pass a truck on the right side if you can avoid it and signal lane changes as early as possible. Anticipate situations where a truck may have to merge or change lanes and allow them as much room as possible. Make sure you can see the entire cab in your mirror before changing lanes in front of a truck. Avoid driving directly behind a truck and always give them plenty of room.
Getting Fair Compensation For Your Injuries
Insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying full compensation to cover the cost of your injuries. That’s why you will want to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney who will investigate your accident and calculate your total cost of care. Your lawyer will also determine who is at fault for your injuries and submit a fair claim for compensation. Negligent parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The driver’s employer
- The company that owns or leases the truck
- The maintenance company responsible for truck repairs
- Truck or equipment manufacturers
Who Is Liable For A Blind Spot Truck Accident?
The truck driver is claiming that you bear full responsibility for the crash even though they couldn’t even see you; you were driving in the truck’s blind spots. While it’s true that semi trucks have significantly larger blind spots than other motor vehicles on the road, these “no zones” do not exempt truckers from taking special precautions to accommodate for their limited visibility. All drivers must practice a certain standard of care on the road and, due to the unique size and design of most tractor-trailers, as well as the enormous capacity for causing harm, commercial truck drivers must be held to very high standards when it comes to safely operating their vehicle.
So, Who Is At Fault?
Even if you were in the truck’s “no zone” at the time of the accident, the trucker may still be held accountable, especially if s/he was driving:
- Aggressively
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- While distracted
- In violation of the hours of service regulations
- With improper or missing mirrors
Additionally, if the trucker has a history of negligent driving behavior or has had their license suspended or revoked, the trucking company may be liable for allowing an unqualified individual to operate such a potentially harmful vehicle. When you contact the Seattle truck accident lawyers at Pendergast Law, we will build a strong, evidence-based case in your favor.
Seek Reliable Guidance From A Seattle Truck Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a collision is often chaotic and overwhelming, and the truck’s insurance agents are quick to move in to defend their bottom line. Get the aggressive legal representation you need to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. At Pendergast Law, our Seattle truck crash lawyers will act on your behalf, allowing you and your loved ones to focus on healing. But you must act quickly.
Call 888-539-9211 or fill out the contact form on this page to learn more. We’re on your side.