Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Request Free ConsultationTrucks are large vehicles that travel at high speeds down the highway, often weighing as much as 80,000 pounds. Yet, one of the biggest risk factors of being in an accident with them is the blind spots they have. Larger than a normal vehicle’s, these blind spots put victims at risk for serious injuries if a driver fails to see them.
There are several factors you need to consider about blind spot truck accidents and how you can recover fair damages from them. Talk to a Nashville truck accident lawyer from Selvidge Injury Law today.
Where Are Truck Blind Spots?
Blind spots are areas where a driver cannot easily see another vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian around the exterior of their vehicle due to limitations in the mirrors. Blind spots vary based on the size and type of truck, but some of the most common locations include:
- Rear: The location behind the driver’s shoulder to the right side of the vehicle is one of the most common blind spots.
- Side blind spots: Drivers cannot see the area adjacent to the driver and passenger doors well, on either side of the truck. Blind spots in this area tend to become a concern when the driver is changing lanes.
- Front blind spot: The area located directly in front of the vehicle, typically between the front pillars and windshield, is also a blind spot. Drivers cannot see a person, for example, standing in this area.
Who Is Responsible for Truck Accidents Due to Blind Spots?
Truck drivers are responsible for doing everything they can to avoid striking any other vehicle or person. That includes viewing all blind spots to their best of their abilities before switching lanes or turning. Yet, there are additional ways that truck drivers can minimize blind spot accidents. This includes using alerts and driver assistance technology, which is now commonly found on many trucks. These will alert the driver when there is a risk, such as a car located in the rear blind spot, if the driver puts the vehicle in reverse.
In all of these situations, if the truck driver strikes the other driver, the truck driver is likely at fault. However, there may be exceptions to this general assertion. Because of these exceptions, it is often beneficial to work closely with an experienced truck accident attorney in Nashville, Tennessee.
Types of Accidents Caused by Blind Spots
If you were involved in an accident such as the following, it may be because the driver did not see you. Some examples of types of accidents brought on by blind spots include:
- Lane change collisions with vehicles passing in front of you
- Rear-end collisions if the driver is not aware of the presence of someone behind them
- Merging accidents, especially on fast-moving highways and on-ramps
- Turning accidents, especially when trucks are making a right-hand turn and a vehicle behind them pulls too far up during the turn
- Pedestrian and bike accidents in Nashville, since they are smaller and harder to see, trucks are more prone to striking these parties
Know what to do if you are in an accident. If you are in an accident with a truck, and the incident was due to a blind spot, let your proven Nashville accident attorney know. At Selvidge Injury Law, our experienced Nashville personal injury lawyers help victims of blind spot truck accidents get fair compensation for the losses they incurred. Schedule a complimentary consultation to discover how we can assist you.