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With a maximum length of 70 feet under federal law in some cases, tractor-trailers represent a significant visual obstruction on Beaufort roadways. Their significant height can also impact visibility for drivers. However, the real danger involving the size of these commercial vehicles is blind spots.
Blind spots are areas surrounding the trailer of a commercial vehicle that offers limited visibility to the truck driver. These blind spots are dangerous, given that the trucker is often unaware of other drivers are nearby. If a truck driver changes lanes or comes to a sudden stop, a collision is likely.
If you or a loved one were injured in a blind spot tractor-trailer crash, an experienced Beaufort truck accident attorney could analyze your case and advise you on how to proceed. You may be eligible to seek monetary compensation for your injuries. When you are ready to hold them accountable, a Beaufort personal injury lawyer could help you.
Tractor-Trailer Blind Spots
Due to the size of a tractor-trailer, it should come as no surprise that the blind spots are significant. In addition to the length of the trailer, truck operators ride at an elevation above most passenger vehicles makes them especially hard to spot. Due to the dangers of truck operator visibility, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has identified “No Zones” surrounding each side of a tractor-trailer. The FMCSA recommends that drivers of passenger vehicles avoid driving in no zones when possible, as they present the greatest risk of a blind spot accident. The four no zones include areas directly in front of and behind the truck. Additionally, they also include each side of the trailer.
The no zones differ on each side of the commercial vehicle. In the front, a no zone extends 20 feet from the hood of the truck. Driving directly in front of a commercial vehicle is especially dangerous, as truck operators cannot see anything within that 20-foot zone.
The area directly behind the trailer is also a dangerous blind spot. If a truck comes to a stop or backs up unexpectedly, the damage to a passenger car could be devastating.
The blind spots on each side vary as well. While the entire passenger side of the truck is considered a no zone, the driver’s side blind spot only extends from the back of the cab to the midway point of the trailer.
The Deadline to File a Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawsuit
Those who have been injured in a motor vehicle collision in Beaufort must comply with the statute of limitations. This statute operates as a deadline for the plaintiff to file their claim with the courts. In Beaufort, injured claimants have three years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit. If the injured claimant fails to file their lawsuit within the statute of limitations, they may be unable to recover compensation for damages.
Speak with a Beaufort Blind Sport Truck Accident Attorney Right Away
Maximizing your financial compensation after a blind spot truck accident is never easy. While negligent drivers and their insurance companies may be quick to offer a settlement, they are unlikely to be for the fair value of your claim.
To ensure your claim gets the attention it deserves, you could benefit from working with a Beaufort blind spot truck accident lawyer. Call Schiller & Hamilton today to schedule a consultation.