Truck Blind Spots: Who Is Liable in An Accident?

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Truck Blind Spots: Who Is Liable in An Accident?

Request free consultation
Posted By DAM Firm | September 12 2021 | Truck Accidents

We all know about blind spots. We learn about them when we get our driver training before we receive our driver’s licenses. Every vehicle has a blind spot, but some vehicles have larger blind spots than others. Large commercial trucks most certainly have blind spots that every driver needs to be aware of. In fact, these blind spots are called “No-Zones” in commercial truck lingo. Here, our Orange County injury attorneys discuss who could be held liable in the event an accident occurs inside of a commercial truck’s blind spot. 

Where Are Large Truck Blind Spots?

There is no getting around the fact that larger commercial trucks on the roadways of California are going to have bigger blind spots than other vehicles. Yes, every vehicle has a blind spot, but the blind spots on these large vehicles and threaten the safety of everyone on the roadway. Large commercial trucks can reach lengths of up to 75 feet, which means there is plenty of room for smaller passenger vehicles to get lost in a blind spot. 

Large commercial truck blind spots are referred to as “No-Zones,” and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says that these blind spots are located:

  • Along the sides of each truck
  • Directly in front of the truck
  • Directly behind the truck

Who is Responsible for a Large Truck Blind Spot?

Large truck accidents involving blind spots occur regularly. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the truck driver or trucking company to immediately point the finger at other drivers involved when it comes to these accidents.

Yes, it is certainly possible for passenger vehicle drivers to be at fault when it comes to blind spot accidents. In fact, if a motorist stays inside of a truck’s blind spot for a significant period of time, the odds of a crash occurring do increase. However, there are no laws that say that a person cannot drive their vehicle inside of a larger truck’s blind spot. Even though this type of driving behavior is discouraged, it does not mean that another driver will be at fault.

If a truck crash occurs because the truck driver struck a vehicle inside of the large vehicle’s blind spot, it could very well be the case that the truck driver is at fault because they failed to check these areas before they made a turn, changed lanes, or sped up.

Common Causes Of Blind Spot Truck Accidents

Common Causes of Blind Spot Truck Accidents

There are many ways that accidents can happen as a result of a larger truck’s blind spot. Usually, we find that these accidents occur because a truck driver did not see the smaller vehicle inside of their blindspot when they were changing lanes or making a turn. However, there are various other ways that these accidents can occur, including the following:

  • Other vehicles following a truck too closely
  • The truck following another vehicle too closely
  • Passenger vehicles purposely traveling inside of a larger truck’s blindspot
  • Truck drivers disregarding surrounding traffic when making lane changes or turning
  • Aggressive driving behavior (road rage) on the part of the truck driver or a passenger vehicle driver

Working With an Attorney

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident involving a large truck’s blind spot in California, you need to speak to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. These cases can become incredibly challenging, particularly when working to secure compensation. A truck accident attorney in Orange County will conduct an independent investigation into the incident and help gather all evidence needed to prove liability. This could include video or photo surveillance, the truck’s electronic control module, eyewitness statements, and more.

 

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