Semi-trucks are vital for our nation’s commerce system. Without them, we couldn’t get everything we want and need as quickly as we do. As a result, you probably drive near them regularly on the highway. Unfortunately, trucks also substantially harm other cars on the road. Even minor collisions with a commercial truck could lead to devastating injuries because of their size and weight. Another reason that trucks are so dangerous is that they have extended blind spots. Call our blind spot truck accident lawyers if you were injured in an accident where the truck driver didn’t see you.
The truck accident attorneys of Hach & Rose, LLP have experience handling these cases and are ready to fight for you. Using our knowledge of truck collision cases, we can provide you with the high-quality service you need to get through your claim confidently. To discuss your options with our personal injury attorneys, contact us today at (212) 779-0057 for a confidential consultation.
Where are Blind Spots on a Truck?
A blind spot is an area where a driver cannot see whether a car is behind them on either side of their vehicle. For example, the average passenger vehicle has small blind spots near each fender that extends to the next lane. In comparison, commercial trucks have large blind spots on each side, behind, and in front of them. To reduce the chances of collisions, truckers are responsible for checking their blind spots before they change lanes, merge, or turn.
Commercial trucks have significant blind spots that make performing basic maneuvers such as switching lanes dangerous. Some blind spots to be aware of are:
- Front – Trucks are high-profile vehicles. As a result, if you are within ten to 20 feet of the truck’s front fender, the trucker will unlikely see you.
- Behind – Depending on the truck’s size and whether it has a trailer, its blind spot could extend up to 30 feet directly behind them.
- Driver’s side – A good rule of thumb is if you can’t see the driver in the side mirror, they can’t see you. This means that if you are in the next lane along the front half of the truck, you may be in a blind spot.
- Passenger side – The blind spot on the passenger side can extend two lanes and more than half the truck’s length. That’s why it’s recommended you don’t pass on the right side of a semi-truck because the driver probably can’t see you.
While it’s always a good idea to understand the truck’s blind spot, it is not your responsibility to avoid their blind spots. The trucker is responsible for monitoring those areas to prevent collisions. If you want to learn more about truck blind spots, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a helpful video.
Who Is Responsible for Blind Spot Truck Accidents?
The truck driver is usually the responsible party when this type of crash occurs. However, several parties could be held accountable for your injuries, depending on the cause of the collision. At-fault parties may include:
- Driver – Truck drivers must exercise reasonable care to prevent collisions. When drivers fail to monitor their blind spots, leading to a collision, they are likely at fault.
- Employer – Employers are responsible for preventing collisions by ensuring their drivers are properly trained and
supervised. Employers are also responsible for adequately maintaining their trucks. Failing to hire experienced drivers or train and manage them can lead to employer responsibility for collisions. - Manufacturer – If a design defect caused the collision, you could seek compensation from the manufacturer for your losses. For example, if the truck has a more prominent blind spot because of the design of the side mirrors, the driver and manufacturer could be liable for your injuries and losses.
- Mechanic – if the mechanic responsible for servicing the truck fails to do their job properly, and it causes an accident, they might be liable.
supervised. Employers are also responsible for adequately maintaining their trucks. Failing to hire experienced drivers or train and manage them can lead to employer responsibility for collisions.Common Injuries Caused by Blind Spot Truck Collisions
The size and weight of commercial vehicles make truck collisions more dangerous. As a result, truck crashes are often devastating resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Some of the most common types of injuries in blind spot truck crashes are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
The severity of your injuries will make a substantial difference to the compensation you can seek.
Recoverable Compensation in Blind Spot Truck Accidents
When a trucker fails to check their blind spots and causes your injuries, you can seek compensation. The compensation you receive will depend on the details of your case but may include:
- Medical expenses – You should not have to take on financial responsibility for another person’s wrongdoing. Therefore, you should seek all your past and future medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost earnings – When you cannot work because of your injuries, you can seek compensation for the wages you would have earned. This applies to wages you have already lost and wages you might lose in the future.
- Reduced earning capacity – If you sustained severe injuries that lower your earning ability, you should seek the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury earnings.
- Pain and suffering – Being injured is physically and emotionally painful. You can seek pain and suffering compensation if you have experienced any anguish or discomfort. Your pain and suffering award depends on the severity of your injury and its effect on your life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If you are unable to enjoy your hobbies or things you did before your injuries, you can seek compensation for your reduced enjoyment.
Contact New York Truck Accident Attorneys for Your Blind Spot Collision
The experienced attorneys of Hach & Rose, LLP are ready to help. Trucking companies and their insurers are experienced negotiators when settling collision claims. Our attorneys know how to deal with these people so you can get a fair settlement. To have one of our New York truck accident lawyers review your case and help establish its value, call us today at (212) 779-0057 for a confidential case evaluation.