Blind spots are areas around a vehicle in which the driver may not be able to see other vehicles. These areas are particularly large on semi-trucks because of their length and because truck drivers sit much higher off the ground than passenger vehicle drivers. Known as “no zones,” these blind spots are located on all four sides of a big rig:
- In front of the truck: This no zone extends approximately 20 feet in front of the truck’s cab. Because semi-trucks are so high off the ground, drivers may be unable to see vehicles directly in front of them on the road.
- On the left of the truck: This blind spot extends from behind the trucker’s left-hand mirror outward for one lane to approximately three-quarters of the length of the trailer.
- On the right of the truck: A truck’s right-side blind spot is one of the most dangerous places for a driver to be. It extends outward for two lanes beyond the rear of the trailer.
- Behind the truck: The blind spot behind a big rig’s trailer is approximately 30 feet long. If you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the trucker cannot see you.
What Is a Truck Driver’s Responsibility to Prevent Blind Spot Accidents?
Drivers should be aware of large truck no zones and try to avoid them, but that is not always possible. Commercial truck drivers have a responsibility to remain alert to their surroundings and to operate their big rigs safely on the road at all times. A trucker who cannot see a vehicle in the truck’s mirrors still has a duty to ensure the lane is clear before turning, merging into traffic, or switching lanes. When a truck driver fails in that duty, it can cause multi-vehicle pile-ups and catastrophic injuries to others on the road.
What Types of Injuries Can Blind Spot Truck Accidents Cause?
Any collision involving a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck can cause a wide range of serious or fatal injuries to passenger vehicle occupants. In 2020, a total of 4,965 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Occupants of other vehicles accounted for 71% of those fatalities. Common injuries in blind spot truck accidents include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Fractured bones
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Severe burns and scarring
What Forms of Compensation May Be Available for a Truck Blind Spot Accident?
If you were injured in a blind spot collision caused by truck driver negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses. Damages you are eligible to claim will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries. Common damages in truck accident cases include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages or earnings
- Diminished earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment in activities
How Can a Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
After a serious Charleston truck accident, your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced personal injury attorney handling your claim. We can investigate the crash, secure evidence to support your claim, build a strong case based on the facts, and assess the full extent of your damages — past, present, and future. We can negotiate skillfully with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve in court if necessary.
Contact Allen Law at (843) 882-5005 for skilled legal representation in a blind spot truck accident case.