A Closer Look At Blind Spot Trucking Accidents – Will You Be Blamed?

Truck accidents are a different kind of monster. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can often result in catastrophic injuries, and in worst-case scenarios, death. One particularly dangerous form of a commercial truck accident is a blind spot trucking accident and the professionals at Dobbs Law Firm discuss that in detail. 

What Are Blindspots?

“Blind spots” refer to the areas around a truck where the driver has difficulty seeing other vehicles. The areas 20 feet in front of the cab, 200 feet behind the trailer, and on either side of the truck make up the majority of a truck’s blind spot.

Unfortunately, a lot of passenger vehicles tend to linger in these areas, making them susceptible to being sideswiped or rear-ended by a truck. This results in serious blind spot accidents that can leave the occupants of smaller vehicles with injuries that range from minor to life-threatening.

How To Avoid Blind Spot Trucking Accidents

There are several things that both truckers and passenger vehicle drivers can do to protect themselves from blind spot accidents:

• Passenger vehicle drivers should avoid lingering in a truck’s blind spot.
• Truckers should regularly check their mirrors and do a shoulder check before changing lanes.
• Passenger vehicle drivers should use their turn signals when changing lanes, even if they think the trucker can see them.
• Install blind spot mirrors on your truck.
• Invest in dash cams and other recording devices that will help you prove what happened in the event of an accident.

How To Determine Liability

Truck drivers are expected to take extra caution to avoid blind spot accidents. This means checking their mirrors often, using their turn signals, and being aware of their surroundings at all times.

If a commercial truck or semi-truck driver fails to do these things and an accident occurs, they will likely be held liable. However, there are cases where the passenger vehicle may be held partially or fully responsible.

For example, if the passenger vehicle was tailgating the truck or cut off the truck while changing lanes, the driver of that vehicle may be held responsible for the accident.

To determine who is liable for a blind spot trucking accident, both the police and insurance companies will look at the facts of the case. This will include talking to witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage (if available), and looking at the damage done to both vehicles.

It’s also not uncommon for the insurance company to look at the driving history of both the truck driver and the passenger vehicle driver to see if either party has a history of accidents or traffic violations.

What Happens To The Truck Driver Following A Truck Accident

As a truck driver, getting involved in a fatal truck accident is one of your worst nightmares. Not only is it emotionally and mentally devastating, but the repercussions can last a lifetime. If you’re found at fault for the accident, you could be facing jail time, loss of your commercial driver’s license, and astronomical financial damages.

Trucking companies will usually conduct their own investigation following a truck accident. This will help them to determine if the driver was following company policy and procedures at the time of the accident. 

If the trucking company finds that the driver was not following the company’s SOP, they may choose to terminate the driver’s employment. Drug tests, alcohol tests, and interviews with the driver will also be conducted as part of the trucking company’s investigation to determine if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident.

How To Protect Yourself Following A Truck Accident

If you’ve been involved in a blind spot trucking accident, it’s important to protect yourself both physically and legally.

Seek Medical Attention

Start by seeking medical attention, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Some truck accident injuries, such as whiplash, may not present themselves until days or weeks after the accident. Your health must be your top priority following a truck accident.

Call The Police And File A Report

Next, call the police and file a report. This will create an official record of the accident and will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action. Do not forget to ask for a copy of the police report after it has been filed.

Get The Contact Information Of Any Witnesses

If there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their names and contact information. The testimony of a neutral third party can be invaluable if you take your truck accident case to court. 

Gather Evidence

If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, the damage done to your vehicle, and your injuries. You should also ask for dash cam footage from other vehicles if they were present during the accident. These pieces of evidence will help prove your truck accident claim later on.

Do Not Admit Fault

It’s also important that you do not admit fault for the accident, even if you think you may be partially at fault. Once you’ve given a statement to the police, anything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to remain silent, so exercise this right to prevent incriminating yourself.

Do Not Negotiate With The At-Fault’s Insurance Company

One of the biggest mistakes you can make following a truck accident is trying to negotiate with the at-fault’s insurance company on your own. Insurance adjusters are trained to lowball accident victims, and they will often try to get you to settle your claim for far less than it’s worth.

Get Help From Truck Accident Lawyers

Finally, get help from an experienced truck accident lawyer. You’ll need a legal team on your side to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawsuit is often the best way to get the full and fair compensation you’re entitled to following a truck accident.

 

Top-Rated Truck Accident Attorneys in Odessa, TX

Truck accidents are far more complex and complicated than car accidents. If you’ve been involved in a blind spot trucking accident, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible so you can protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been involved in a truck crash and you need an experienced team of semi-truck accident lawyers to help you with your case, look no further than the team at Dobbs Law. Their experienced and knowledgeable truck accident lawyers will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. Call Dobbs Law Firm in Odessa, TX today at (432) 580-0808 to schedule a free case consultation.

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