Commercial tractor-trailers take up a great deal of space on our local roads, creating a heightened risk of serious injury. There are several areas around these trucks where operators simply cannot see other vehicles from their position in the cab despite multiple side mirrors. Blind spot truck accidents in Austin commonly result in serious injuries and can often be attributed to a truck driver’s failure to account for areas of limited visibility. If you were hurt because a negligent truck operator did not check their blind spots before turning or changing lanes, a local truck crash attorney can help you obtain compensation for your damages.
What Makes Trucks Susceptible to Blind Spot Accidents?
Every motor vehicle has blind spots directly in front of and behind both bumpers, and in the areas adjacent to the driver and passenger-side doors. However, because of the length and size of semi-trucks, the blind spots on these vehicles are significantly larger than those on passenger cars. In fact, a commercial truck’s blind spots are often big enough to hide an entire car from view, or even multiple cars traveling next to the trailer. Despite larger side mirrors than virtually any commuter car, tractor-trailers do not have rearview mirrors, and only some have updated technology like rear-facing cameras, collision warning systems, and lane assist devices. All these factors put truck drivers at a higher risk of causing accidents by swerving or turning into a vehicle in their blind spot.What Are The Types Of Truck Blind Spots?
Before you get a blind spot accidents lawyer in Austin to represent your case, you need to identify the types of blind spots for trucks and semi-trucks. These blind spots are:- Front Blind Spot: This is directly at the front of the truck, extending up to 20 feet. Since the height and length of the truck make it difficult for the driver to see the smaller vehicle, it becomes hazardous.
- Driver’s Side Blind Spot: The space below and behind the driver’s window makes it hard to spot vehicles on the left side.
- Right Side Blind Spot: This blind spot extends diagonally backward for multiple lanes, making it dangerous for changing lanes.
- Rear Blind Spot: This one is right behind the trailer, extending up to 30 feet, making vehicles in this area entirely invisible for drivers.
Why Blind Spot Truck Accidents Happen?
With the legal aid of the best blind spot truck accident lawyers in Austin, you also need a deeper understanding of why such accidents happen in the first place. Due to their size and design, large commercial trucks have significantly larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. These areas, often called "no-zones," make it difficult for truck drivers to see vehicles around them. This is especially true on the sides and rear of the truck. Here's a breakdown of why these blind spots are so hazardous:- Limited Visibility: Truck drivers have a restricted field of vision, making it difficult to monitor surrounding traffic.
- Size Disparity: The sheer size of trucks creates a larger area where other vehicles can disappear from view.
- Misjudgments: Drivers of smaller vehicles often misjudge the size of a truck's blind spots, placing themselves in a dangerous position.
What Are Some Common Scenarios Leading To Blind Spot Accidents?
Understanding how these accidents typically occur can help prevent them. This also helps you understand the claim made for compensation. Our top blind spot accidents lawyers in Austin recognize these common scenarios, such as:- Merging Traffic: When vehicles merge onto a highway or freeway, they may enter a truck's blind spot while trying to accelerate and find an opening.
- Lane Changes: Trucks changing lanes without properly checking their blind spots can sideswipe vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Turns: Wide turns by trucks, especially at intersections, can create dangerous situations for vehicles positioned on either side.
- Rear-End Collisions: If a vehicle is tailgating a truck closely, it can disappear into the truck's rear blind spot, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision if the truck stops suddenly.
What To Do After Blind Spot Truck Accidents?
Consulting a blind spot truck accident attorney in Austin should be your priority after an accident. However, other things can help you make the best case scenario for yourself. If you follow these steps, here are some key steps to take:- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get checked by a doctor, even if you don't feel immediate pain.
- Report the Accident: Call the police and file an official accident report. Having a legal representation as the best blind spot accidents lawyers in Austin can also make this process easier as well.
- Gather Information: Exchange information with the truck driver, including insurance details. Our highly skilled blind spot truck accident attorney in Austin can lead this process in your best interest.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible blind spots.
- Contact an Attorney: An experienced blind spot truck accident attorney in Austin can advise you on your legal options and help you navigate the claims process.
How Comparative Negligence Could Inhibit Recovery
An injured party who can prove that a truck driver was directly responsible for causing a blind spot wreck would have grounds to hold the defendant in their claim financially liable for their losses. However, a defendant truck driver and/or their employer may allege that the injured party is partially liable for their own damages based on comparative negligence. A driver’s duty to be aware of a truck’s blind spots goes both ways. While the driver of the truck is primarily responsible for checking their blind spots and avoiding collisions, other motorists are also expected to know that tractor-trailers have limited visibility in certain areas and avoid staying in those spots for any length of time. Accordingly, if someone drives inside a truck’s blind spot for longer than a “reasonable” driver would have, they could be found partially responsible for a subsequent accident. Depending on whether a plaintiff’s degree of fault exceeds the defendant’s, a court may reduce the amount of compensation available to them in proportion to their share of blame or bar them from recovering any damages whatsoever. Working with a knowledgeable lawyer is often essential to mitigating allegations of comparative fault and maximizing a compensatory award.Why Do You Need Legal Representation?
Navigating the aftermath of a blind spot truck accident requires specialized legal knowledge and experience. A blind spot truck accident lawyer in Austin can provide invaluable assistance through:- Evaluating Your Case: Assess the details to determine the viability of your claim and make your case strong.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Handling communications to ensure you get fair treatment and rightful compensation.
- Representing You in Court: Advocating on your behalf to achieve a favorable outcome in your best interest.