Are Truck Drivers Liable for Blind Spot Accidents?

Anyone who has travelled alongside a huge 18-wheeler knows how intimidating it can feel. These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded with cargo and they have immense blind spots on each side, as well as the front and the back.

Truck drivers are expected to know how to operate and maneuver their vehicle safely to ensure that no other vehicles are in their blind spot before changing lanes or making other movements. Other motorists, however, are also expected to know how to drive safely around these huge trucks. So, when are truck drivers liable for blind spot accidents? Our San Antonio truck accident lawyer explains below.

When are Truckers Liable for a Blind Spot Accident?

Truckers have a legal and professional obligation to operate their vehicles safely. This includes taking the necessary steps to manage their blind spots before merging, changing lanes, or making wide turns. Truck drivers may be liable for blind spot accidents if they failed to take certain actions such as signal or check their mirrors before changing lanes. Truck drivers should also account for vehicles that may be in the vicinity when making wide right turns.

Truck drivers can also be held liable for a blind spot accident when they are distracted or speeding. Although truckers cannot completely eliminate the risk of their blind spots to other drivers, they can control how safely they operate their vehicles and how focused they are on the road.

Who Else is Liable for Truck Blind Spot Accidents?

In addition to truck drivers, there are other parties that can also be held liable for a blind spot accident. These include:

• Trucking companies: Trucking companies have a responsibility to hire qualified drivers, provide proper training, and maintain their fleet of vehicles. If a company fails to perform these important tasks, they can also be held liable along with the driver. Employers can also be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees in Texas.
• Truck owners: Truck drivers do not always own the vehicles they operate. If the truck was owned by a third party, such as a leasing company, and they failed to maintain equipment such as cameras, mirrors, or electrical components, that party may also be held partly liable.
• Manufacturers: If a defective component of the truck such as a blind spot detection sensor, camera system, or mirror contributed to the accident, the manufacturer that created that equipment could also share liability.

Our Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Determine Liability

At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer has decades of experience helping injured individuals make things right. We can put that expertise to work for you, too. Our experienced attorney can determine who is at fault for your injuries and accurately value your claim so you obtain a fair settlement. Call us today at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to get the legal advice you need. There is no charge whatsoever unless and until we obtain a settlement or recovery for you.

Source:

fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/large-blind-spots