Commercial tractor-trailers are considerably larger than other vehicles on the road. They’re not as aerodynamic, nor as easy to maneuver. Consider the blind spots in your car or SUV. Now consider the blind spots that a truck driver has to deal with when they’re at the wheel of a large semi-truck or big rig.
Not surprisingly, a truck’s blind spots are a huge concern when it comes to road safety. Every year, hundreds of thousands of blind spot truck accidents are reported across the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 300 truck accident fatalities can be linked to truck blind spot errors.
Working with the experienced Austin truck accident attorneys at Dow Law Firm can help you make the most of your personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured or have suffered the wrongful death of a loved one in a blind spot truck accident in Texas, know that you have rights. You may be able to file a legal claim for damages against the negligent truck driver, the trucking company, or another at-fault party.
Call our truck accident lawyers today at (512) 240-9951 for a free consultation.
Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?
Blind spots are defined as “the area around the vehicle that cannot be observed by the driver while he or she looks forward or through the rear-view or side mirrors.”
Research suggests that most people aren’t familiar with where a large truck’s blind spots are located. In fact, when 1,000 adult drivers were surveyed, only 5 percent could identify all of a truck’s blind spots.
Trucks have four major blind spots:
- Front blind spot: extends 20 feet in front of the tractor-trailer
- Rear blind spot: extends up to 200 feet behind the tractor-trailer
- Driver’s side blind spot: encompasses a 15-30 foot section of the adjacent lane next to the driver’s window
- Passenger side blind spot: spans two lanes for up to 200 feet outside of the front passenger window
Trucks are equipped with additional side-view mirrors to limit these blind spots. However, it’s best to assume that if you can’t see the driver in one of these mirrors, they can’t see you, either.
What Causes Most Blind Spot Truck Accidents in Texas?
Blind spot truck accidents can be caused by truck drivers who aren’t familiar with how to navigate their vehicle’s blind spots or motorists who drive in a truck’s blind spots.
Common causes include:
- Failing to check mirrors before changing lanes
- Improperly positioned mirrors
- Braking errors
- Wide turns
- Changing lanes without signalling
- Overtaking a truck and failing to leave adequate space between vehicles
- Tailgating
- Sudden lane changes
Many times, factors like distracted driving, aggressive driving, driver fatigue, speeding, and drunk driving contribute to blind spot commercial truck accidents in Texas.
What If I’m Blamed for a Blind Spot Truck Accident?
Anyone who contributes to a blind spot truck accident in Texas can be liable, including individuals who suffer injuries or die in a crash. So, you can get compensation even if you’re accused of cutting off a large truck, driving in a rig’s blind spot, or somehow contributing to a no-zone truck accident, even if you’re partly to blame. However, your financial award will be limited.
Under the state’s comparative negligence system, damages are awarded on a reduced basis as long as shared responsibility is less than 51 percent. Don’t let victim-blaming tactics scare you away from the compensation you deserve after a large truck accident.
Contact Dow Law Firm and count on our Austin truck accident lawyers to help you force the trucking company and its insurance carrier to make you whole. Our truck accident attorneys offer a free initial consultation and are ready to discuss your blind spot truck accident case today.