Blind Spot Truck Accident in Charlotte

In 2020, there were a total of 179 auto commercial vehicle accidents. Many auto accidents involving commercial trucks involved aggressive driving, tailgating, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and speeding. Additionally, large commercial trucks have huge blind spots on all four sides of the truck. Indeed, blind spots are one of the most dangerous features of commercial trucks and a common cause of devastating collisions that cause severe injuries and deaths. Truck drivers often have a difficult time noticing a passenger vehicle that is lingering in a blind spot.

A blind spot is an area on the side of a truck that limits the driver's ability to see while operating the vehicle. The blind spots for commercial trucks are so large that entire passenger vehicles can be hidden in them, increasing the likelihood of a road accident. When truck drivers fail to identify or notice passenger vehicles before entering their blind spot, truck accidents can result.

Even though truck drivers must check their blind spots before changing lanes, turning, or engaging in any other maneuvers, many truck drivers forget to do so. They may be distracted, or they may simply forget to check their blind spots. When a truck driver fails to notice a vehicle in the blind spots and decides to come to an abrupt stop, pass another vehicle, turn, or change lanes, the likelihood of a blind spot truck accident increases.

However, not all blind-spot-related truck accidents are due to a truck driver’s failure to check their no-zones while they are driving. Some of these blind spot crashes are caused by the truck driver’s failure to adjust their side-view mirrors properly, further limiting their visibility.

Many drivers do not know where a truck's blind spots are located. When it comes to large commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers and semi-trucks, there are four major blind spots:

• On the right side, just under the cab mirror
• On the left side, just under the cab mirror
• Directly in front of the cab, which can stretch at least 20 ft
• Directly behind the trailer, which can extend beyond 30 feet

Keep in mind that the average passenger vehicle is only about 15 ft long, meaning that at least two vehicles could fit in a semi-truck rear blind spot.

Truck drivers are at fault for not adequately checking their blind spots. However, truck drivers are not always at fault for causing blind spot-related truck accidents. The following factors can also contribute to blind-spot truck accidents:

• Lack of driver training
• Failure to remain vigilant of one's surroundings
• Failure to properly adjust the truck’s side view mirrors
• Negligent hiring or supervision
• Performing an unsafe or legal maneuver when other vehicles are in blind spots
• Fatigued driving
• Falling asleep behind the wheel
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving

If you or a loved one has been injured in a blind spot truck accident, you may be wondering how you will be able to pay for all of your medical bills. When a trucking company employs a truck driver, you should be able to pursue compensation through the company’s commercial auto insurance policy. If you know that the truck driver was at fault because he or she did not check the blind spots, you may assume that it will be easy to obtain compensation from the insurance company. However, insurance companies are notorious for avoiding paying claims, even when they should.

We recommend discussing your case with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers before providing a statement to the insurance company. We can help you give an accurate statement that avoids unintentionally admitting fault. Our lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and can help you obtain the settlement you deserve. In some cases, insurance companies failed to offer a fair settlement agreement, and pursuing a claim in court becomes the only option.

The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer about your case, the better. Your lawyer can begin investigating the case and gather essential evidence, such as the black box recording from the truck. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we fight hard for our clients. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.