Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in Saline

All motor vehicles have blind spots. However, trucks have more blind spots than most other vehicles because they are much taller and longer. A trucker’s blind spots are also significantly larger than the average driver’s. When a tractor-trailer operator is unable to see passenger cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians, severe accidents can occur.

If you or a family member recently experienced serious harm in a blind-spot truck accident in the Saline area, you could benefit from obtaining legal counsel. A skilled tractor-trailer collision attorney can help you fight for compensation through a civil claim.

Blind Spots on a Tractor-Trailer

Unlike most passenger cars, trucks do not usually have rearview mirrors. Instead, truck drivers need to rely on their large side mirrors.

Many newer trucks also come with smart technology, such as lane departure warnings and side view assistance. This new technology could alert a truck driver that there is a car in their blind spot and prevent a potentially fatal crash.

Unfortunately, not all trucks have such advanced features. Many older trucks must rely solely on the side view mirrors and the truck driver’s experience. The most common blind spots on trucks are as follows:

• Directly under the left side view mirror
• Directly under the right side view mirror and extending further out
• Directly in front of the hood of the truck
• Directly behind the trailer

Commercial truck drivers are responsible for checking these blind spots regularly to prevent accidents. If you were hit by a negligent tractor-trailer operator who failed to check their blind spots, reach out to our legal team right away.

Who is Liable for a Blind-Spot Trucking Collision?

In a blind spot accident case, the truck driver will likely be the primarily liable party. Truckers need to exercise reasonable care when driving their large vehicles. This involves regularly checking blind spots and signaling well before they turn or change lanes. 18-wheeler operators who are speeding, driving while intoxicated, or driving while distracted are less likely to check for vehicles in their blind spots.

A seasoned local attorney could investigate a blind spot trucking crash to determine whether the driver violated a state or federal law. A lawyer could also help you identify other liable parties, such as the trucking company.

Trucking Companies

If the trucker was working at the time of the accident, you could pursue a claim against their employer. Trucking companies are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees.

However, if the truck driver was an independent contractor, the trucking company would not be responsible for the driver’s negligence. However, they could be liable for knowingly working with a driver with a poor driving record.

Let Our Saline Attorneys Help You After a Blind-Spot Truck Accident

Large blind spots make it more difficult for truckers to see, which is why they must be extra vigilant about checking for obscured cars, pedestrians, or cyclists. Failure to do so can result in liability for the driver or trucking company.

An experienced local lawyer could help you take action after a blind spot truck accident in the Saline area. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation and review the details of your case.