Who is At Fault for an 18-Wheeler Blind Spot Accident?

Blind spot accidents can be very severe, particularly when they involve large commercial trucks. 18-wheelers have extremely large blind spots, known as ‘no zones,’ on all four sides. When a truck driver is changing lanes or merging and fails to properly ensure the path is clear, people can become extremely injured if a passenger car is in one of these no zones. Below, our San Antonio 18-wheeler accident lawyer explains who may be at fault during a crash involving a blind spot.

What Causes 18-Wheeler Blind Spot Accidents?

There are many common causes of 18-wheeler blind spot accidents. These include:

• Changing lanes without checking: Truck drivers are expected to know how to check their blind spots to determine that no vehicles are in them before they change lanes. When they fail to do this, an accident can easily occur.
• Improper use of mirrors: Trucks are not equipped with rearview mirrors, due to the fact that the view is completely blocked by the trailer. Still, truck drivers must have the necessary knowledge and experience using their side mirrors to check their blind spots to ensure it is safe to change lanes, merge, and make other maneuvers.
• Failing to signal: Due to their inability to see around all sides of their truck, it is critical that truckers use their signals and give drivers plenty of time to get by them before changing lanes. When they fail to do this, people can become severely injured.
• Fatigued or distracted driving: Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, which can make them fatigued and unable to concentrate on the road. Truckers also deal with many distractions, which may cause them to drive unsafely and cause a blind spot accident.

Determining Liability for an 18-Wheeler Blind Spot Accident

Determining liability is not easy after any 18-wheeler accident, including those involving a truck’s blind spots. In most cases, drivers are considered to be liable for a crash if they failed to check their blind spots before changing lanes. Still, each case is unique and determining liability will depend on the facts of the case. Important evidence when establishing fault includes witness statements, police reports, and pictures and photos of the crash and damage to the vehicles involved.

How to Prevent Blind Spot Accidents

Truthfully, truck drivers have more capacity to avoid blind spot accidents but drivers of passenger vehicles can also take certain steps to ensure their safety. It is recommended that all motorists avoid driving in a truck’s blind spot. When passing is necessary, it is advised that you do so quickly but cautiously so you do not remain in the blind spot for too long. Lastly, always pass on the left side of any truck, as this is the side with the smallest blind spot and you will remain more visible to the truck driver.

Our 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in San Antonio Can Help After a Crash

If you or someone you love has been involved in a crash, you need legal help. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio 18-wheeler accident attorney can provide it and ensure that your rights are upheld. Call us today at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

Source:

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