Driving in the shadow of a large commercial vehicle carries significant risks. These vehicles have blind spots, which are areas around the exterior of the vehicle that offer limited visibility for the truck operator. When a truck driver accelerates, comes to a stop, or changes lanes without checking their blind spots, they could collide with an unseen motorist.
If you or a loved one were injured in a tractor-trailer collision, a York County blind spot truck accident lawyer could file a lawsuit against the negligent trucker on your behalf. You may be eligible to recover significant financial compensation for your damages and injuries. This compensation could cover your medical bills, your lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as loss of enjoyment of life. It is best to retain the services of a dedicated truck accident attorney as soon as possible following a collision.
Common Blind Spots in Commercial trucks
There are four blind spots in a commercial truck, one on each side of the vehicle. These blind spots vary in size and location. The largest blind spot is on the passenger’s side of the truck. It stretches from the passenger window in a cone shape toward the rear of the vehicle. This blind spot is so large because a driver’s view of the passenger side is limited to what they can see with rearview mirrors.
The blind spot on the driver’s side is smaller but still substantial. While a trucker has a clear view of traffic next to the cab, the blind spot stretches from the middle of the truck beyond the end of the trailer.
The rear of the truck also includes a blind spot extending from the bumper of the truck. Due to the size of the trailer, it is impossible for a truck driver to see a vehicle directly behind the trailer using mirrors.
The front of the truck also has a blind spot. While a truck driver generally has an unobstructed view in front of them, it can be difficult to see smaller vehicles directly in front of the bumper due to the height of the truck.
Factors in a Blind Spot Crash
Driving in the blind spot of a truck does not guarantee an accident will occur, and in many cases, is unavoidable. A blind spot accident generally requires the truck driver or another motorist making a careless or reckless maneuver for a crash to occur.
Changing lanes without keeping a proper lookout is a common example. Aggressive driving could also result in an unintended collision with drivers in a truck operator’s blind spot. In some cases, passenger cars following a truck too closely could be responsible for an accident if the truck suddenly comes to a stop.
To recover compensation following a blind spot truck accident, an injured motorist or their York County attorney must prove that the truck operator’s negligence was primarily responsible for the crash.
Talk to a York County Blind Spot Truck Accident Attorney Right Away
When a truck driver fails to check their blind spots before changing lanes carefully, the resulting collision could be devastating. If you have been injured in such an accident, you might have a claim for damages against the responsible party.
Knowledgeable legal counsel could benefit your claim in a number of ways. To learn more about your legal options, schedule an initial consultation with a York County blind spot truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.