Allen Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer
Blind spots are a common factor in many truck accidents. Due to their size, commercial truck drivers have reduced visibility. A truck driver may not be able to see your car. Unfortunately, this causes severe accidents.
In 2018, 4136 people died in large truck accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 67% of all fatalities occurred among drivers and passengers in smaller cars. The truck’s size often protects its driver from the worst damage. This is another reason why you may need legal assistance after a blind spot accident.
A blind spot accident lawyer can assess your case. They can determine how much compensation you could receive. A blind spot accident settlement from a commercial truck driver or their employer can help you get back on your feet. Compensation can help pay medical debts, replace a damaged vehicle, and cover lost wages.
Call (469) 998-4069 now to speak with an Allen, TX blind spot accident lawyer. You can also make an appointment online. Our consultations are always free. There is no obligation to use our legal services. Best of all, if we do take your case, you’ll only be billed if we help you win.
Large Truck Blind Spots
A blind spot is an area where a driver can’t see the road around them. All vehicles have blind spots due to their construction, as well as the nature of human vision. Even if you’re driving a convertible with the top down, there will be areas you can’t still see without turning your head.
Large trucks have even bigger blind spots than cars. In Texas, the average big rig is 13-14 feet tall and 70-80 feet in length. Even with mirrors, cameras, and warning systems, commercial truck drivers have significant blind spots due to their vehicles’ size.
On average, a truck driver’s large blind spots are:
- 20 feet directly in front of the cab
- 30 feet directly behind the trailer
- One lane on the left
- Two lanes on the right
If your car is in any of these areas, you’re in the truck’s blind spot. As a general rule, you can also remember the old adage: if you can’t see the truck driver, the truck driver can’t see you.
Always use caution when driving near a semi-truck. Give the truck extra space and practice safe following distance. Follow the “3-second rule” when you’re driving behind a large truck:
- Look for a stationary object on the road ahead, such as a sign or lamppost.
- Notice when the truck passes this object and begin counting to 3.
- If your car passes the object before you reach 3, you’re following too close and need to slow down or change lanes.
Remember to increase following distance when driving under hazardous conditions. When there’s heavy rain, snow, fog, or uneven road surfaces, all drivers need more time to stop.
Large trucks are especially vulnerable to bad road conditions. They are more likely to cause accidents in these situations. Don’t be in a truck driver’s blind spot if there’s bad weather or other unsafe conditions.
How to Pass a Large Truck Safely
Unsafe passing causes many truck accidents. When a driver doesn’t know how to pass safely, they may end up in the trucker’s blind spot. Reckless drivers who weave in and out of traffic at high speeds also cause accidents for others.
If a truck driver encounters a reckless driver in their blind spot, they may brake or swerve suddenly to try to avoid a collision. This can cause the driver to lose control of their truck. They may avoid the original car in their blind spot yet crash into other cars. Often, blind spot accidents become multi-car pile-ups.
Although you can’t always prevent a blind spot accident, you can reduce your risk. Learn to pass safely. In Texas, many highways have special passing lanes on the left. Look for signs that say “Left Lane for Passing Only.” Use these lanes to pass large trucks and other slow-moving vehicles.
Even if there is no passing lane, always pass on the left. Truck drivers have more visibility on the driver’s side. When you pass them, speed up if it’s safe to do so. Continue driving in the left lane until you see the truck’s headlights in your rearview mirror. Once you see their headlights, you can safely return to your original lane. If you don’t see them, you’ll be in the driver’s blind spots.
Today, many vehicles are equipped with safety features to reduce blind spot accidents. You may have a warning alarm that goes off whenever there’s a vehicle or an object in your blind spot. This alarm means it isn’t safe to change lanes. If your car has these features, make sure they are on at all times. Studies show that blind spot warning systems cut down on accidents by 23%.
What to Do After a Blind Spot Accident Involving a Truck
If you’re in a blind spot accident involving a truck, follow proper safety protocol. If your car isn’t too damaged, move to the shoulder or pull into a parking lot. Don’t cause another accident by blocking traffic with your car.
Next, find out if anyone in your car is injured. Call 911 if you or any of your passengers need medical assistance. Don’t move an injured person unless you need to leave your vehicle due to fire, toxic fumes, or other immediate threats. Then, call the police, sheriff, or highway patrol to report the accident.
Gather the truck driver’s insurance information and contact information. Be sure to collect information for their employer, too. In some cases, commercial trucking companies are liable when their drivers cause accidents.
Take photos and videos of the accident scene. Focus on the collision site as well as any relevant areas nearby, such as broken guardrails or skidmarks. This evidence can help determine liability.
Then, once you are safe, dial (469) 998-4069 to speak to an Allen, TX accident attorney. Our lawyers can guide you through the next steps in the accident process. Remember, consultations are 100% free.
