In 2023, more than 4,800 people died in truck accidents across the United States. Blind spot truck accidents are among the most dangerous types of collisions on the road. They occur when a truck driver fails to see a smaller vehicle in their blind spots, leading to severe and often catastrophic consequences. Given the size and weight of semi-trucks, even a minor mistake can result in devastating injuries or fatalities.
After a truck accident, victims must take action to protect their rights. At Patterson Law Group, we understand the challenges involved in truck accident cases, particularly those related to blind spot incidents. Our team is dedicated to helping victims navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they need to move forward.
Our Fort Worth blind spot truck accident lawyer has extensive experience handling these challenging cases. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Understanding Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Blind spots are areas around a vehicle that the driver cannot see directly through the windows or mirrors. Due to the truck’s size and shape, semi-trucks have significantly larger blind spots. Understanding where these blind spots are located and how accidents commonly occur can help in understanding the severity of these incidents.
Common Scenarios Where Blind Spot Accidents Occur:
- Lane Changes: When truck drivers change lanes without checking their blind spots, they can easily sideswipe a smaller vehicle, causing a serious accident.
- Turns at Intersections: Blind spots can make it difficult for truck drivers to see vehicles or pedestrians when making wide turns, leading to collisions.
- Backing Up: Large trucks have limited visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of hitting a vehicle or person behind them.
Blind spot accidents are a significant concern nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many truck-related accidents involve blind spots. In Texas, where commercial trucking is prevalent, these accidents are particularly common, contributing to the state’s high rate of fatal truck crashes.
Where Are the Blind Spots on a Truck?
Semi-trucks have four main blind spots that every driver should be aware of:
- Directly in Front of the Truck’s Cab: This blind spot extends about 20 feet forward. Smaller vehicles in this area are often invisible to the truck driver.
- Below and Just Behind the Driver’s Side Window: This area is particularly dangerous during turns or lane changes.
- On the Right Side of the Truck’s Cab: This blind spot stretches diagonally backward and is the largest of the four. Vehicles in this zone are at significant risk.
- Directly Behind the Truck’s Trailer: This blind spot extends about 30 feet behind the truck, making it difficult for the driver to see vehicles following too closely.
Understanding these blind spots can help drivers stay safer and avoid positioning themselves in areas where a truck driver may not see them.
The Role of Truck Driver Negligence in Blind Spot Accidents
Truck drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and with consideration for other road users. Given their vehicles’ size and potential danger, this duty is even more critical. When drivers fail to do so, they can cause severe harm to others. Negligence on the truck driver’s part is a common cause of blind spot accidents. Some of the key factors include:
- Inadequate Training: Drivers who are not adequately trained may not fully understand the extent of their vehicle’s blind spots or how to check them effectively.
- Failure to Adjust Mirrors: Neglecting to adjust mirrors before driving can significantly increase the size of a truck’s blind spots.
- Neglecting Blind Spots: Some drivers may fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or making turns, putting other vehicles at risk.
- Risky Maneuvers: Attempting to overtake or change lanes without ensuring the area is clear can lead to accidents, especially if another vehicle is in the blind spot.
- Lack of Vigilance: Distracted driving, fatigue, or simply not paying attention to the surroundings can cause drivers to fail to notice vehicles in blind spots.
- Driving Under the Influence: Driving a truck while under the influence of alcohol or drugs diminishes a driver’s decision-making abilities and response speed, elevating the risk of accidents.
- Driving While Fatigued: Fatigue can have similar effects to alcohol, slowing reaction times and leading to poor decision-making on the road.
When truck drivers fail to meet these responsibilities, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.
Proving a Truck Driver Didn’t Check Their Blind Spots
Proving that a truck driver neglected to check their blind spots can be challenging but is crucial for securing compensation. Here are some ways to establish this in a legal case:
- Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses who saw the accident may be able to confirm whether the truck driver checked their mirrors or blind spots before the collision.
- Accident Reports: Police reports often contain details about the accident that can support claims of driver negligence.
- Surveillance or Dashcam Footage: Video evidence from nearby surveillance cameras or dashcams can show whether the driver was attentive and checked their surroundings before the accident.
- Expert Analysis: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the scene and the vehicles involved to determine if the truck driver had enough time and space to avoid the collision, suggesting they may not have checked their blind spots.
If you have been injured in a blind spot truck accident, it is crucial to work with a knowledgeable blind spot truck accident attorney in Fort Worth who can gather the necessary evidence to prove your case.
Compensation for Victims of Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Victims of blind spot truck accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses (in cases involving wrongful death)
The exact amount of compensation will depend on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the degree of negligence involved. An experienced Fort Worth truck accident attorney can help you understand your options and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
The Legal Process for Filing a Blind Spot Truck Accident Claim
Filing a claim after a blind spot truck accident involves several critical steps:
- Consultation: The first step is to meet with a truck accident lawyer in Fort Worth to discuss your case. This initial consultation helps you understand your legal options and what to expect.
- Investigation: Your attorney will investigate the accident, gathering evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and any available video footage to build a strong case.
- Filing the Claim: Once the evidence is gathered, your attorney will file a claim against the responsible parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or other entities.
- Negotiation: Before going to trial, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance companies to seek a fair settlement.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial, where your attorney will present the evidence and argue your case in front of a judge or jury.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims is two years, so it is essential to act quickly to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we will address some of the most common questions victims of blind spot truck accidents have:
- Who can be held liable for a blind spot truck accident?
- Multiple parties can be held liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and sometimes manufacturers of faulty equipment.
- What evidence should I gather after a blind spot truck accident?
- Necessary evidence includes witness statements, accident reports, photos or videos of the accident scene, and any available dashcam footage.
- How long does it take to resolve a blind spot truck accident claim?
- The timeline varies, but cases can take several months to a few years, depending on their complexity and whether they go to trial.
- What types of compensation can I seek after a blind spot truck accident?
- Victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- How much will hire a truck accident lawyer for my case cost?
- Our catastrophic injury attorney in Fort Worth, Texas, works on a contingency fee basis. As a result, you only pay us something once we win.
Contact Our Fort Worth Truck Accident Attorney Today
Blind spot truck accidents can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with serious injuries and significant financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, seeking legal representation as soon as possible is essential. At Patterson Law Group, our catastrophic injury lawyer in Fort Worth, Texas, is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do not face this challenging time alone. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future. We are committed to standing by your side and protecting your rights.
