Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. As a result, injuries may be more severe and life-threatening when a commercial truck accident happens. Understanding the safety steps and precautions to take when this type of accident occurs is important the next time you get behind the wheel.
Understanding Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Every vehicle has blind spots, but those surrounding a tractor-trailer can be much larger. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) advises motorists that commercial trucks and buses have significant blind spots around all four sides of the vehicle. A passenger vehicle can oftentimes disappear from a truck driver's view when traveling in these areas. Common blind-spot areas may include, but are not limited to, the following.
- In front of the truck
- Along the driver’s side
- Along the passenger side
- Directly behind the trailer
These visibility limitations require both commercial drivers and surrounding individuals to exercise appropriate care.
Passenger Vehicles vs Commercial Trucks
Passenger vehicles are much smaller than tractor-trailers, which can make them easier to fall inside the truck's blind spots. Once a vehicle collision happens, the size difference can also affect the type of injuries that may occur. A passenger vehicle may be pushed sideways, forced into another lane, trapped against a barrier, or pulled beneath part of a commercial vehicle. In addition, commercial trucks also require significantly more distance to stop.
The Dangers of Blind Spots
Lane-change collisions are one of the most common situations that are often associated with truck blind spots. A truck driver may begin moving into an adjacent lane without recognizing that a smaller vehicle is traveling next to the trailer. Blind spot crashes may also occur during the following situations.
- A truck merges onto a freeway while another vehicle is alongside it.
- A truck moves across lanes in congested traffic.
- A passenger vehicle remains beside a trailer for an extended period.
- A truck driver fails to adequately check mirrors before changing lanes.
- A driver makes a wide right turn while another vehicle is positioned alongside the truck.
- Traffic conditions require sudden braking or evasive maneuvers.
Blind spots alone do not establish who was legally responsible for a collision. The actions of all involved motorists and the surrounding circumstances may need to be evaluated.
Right Turns: Challenges and Difficulties
Right turns may present specific difficulties for large commercial vehicles. Trucks often need additional space to complete a turn and may originally move left before turning right. A passenger driver may mistakenly see this movement as an indication that the truck is continuing straight or changing lanes. Attempting to pass between a turning truck and the curb can place a smaller vehicle in an area where the truck driver has limited visibility and where the trailer may travel during the turn.
Liability
Determining liability after a truck accident depends on the specific facts. A truck driver's blind spot does not automatically excuse a vehicle collision. Commercial drivers are expected to use reasonable care when changing lanes, merging, or turning.
In addition, the following behaviors may be relevant when determining who many be held potentially accountable for a truck accident.
- Failing to adequately check mirrors
- Making an unsafe lane change
- Failing to signal
- Driving while distracted
- Making a turn without proper attention to surrounding traffic
Depending on the circumstances, an investigation may also examine the trucking company's conduct, vehicle maintenance, mirror systems, safety procedures, driver training, and other factors. Passenger drivers also have responsibilities when sharing the road with commercial trucks. Comparative fault principles may become important if evidence shows that more than one person contributed to an accident.
Preserving Important Pieces of Evidence
Truck accident claims can involve evidence that may not exist in an ordinary passenger vehicle collision. Depending on the circumstances, relevant information may include but is not limited to the following.
- Photographs and video footage
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Maintenance records
- Electronic logging information
- Dash-camera footage
- Driver qualification records
- Company safety policies
The availability and significance of this evidence vary from case to case. Some records may also be included only for certain periods, which can make timely investigation important.
Speaking to a Legal Professional
Victims and families may benefit from speaking to a legal professional after being involved in a commercial truck accident. Oftentimes, understanding the legalities of blind spots and how they may contribute to an accident is important to one’s safety.
The Legal Team at KAASS LAW
The qualified personal injury attorneys at KAASS LAW are determined to help individuals who have suffered the consequences of a commercial truck accident. Our legal team may be able to review the facts of your case, speak to insurance companies, and help maintain important pieces of evidence and records moving forward. Call KAASS LAW today to learn more.