Blind spots cause many truck accidents because trucks have larger blind spots than smaller passenger vehicles. While truck drivers sit up high and have large side mirrors, much of the truck’s trailer area lies in a blind spot. Therefore, truck drivers who do not drive conservatively may merge into a lane occupied by another vehicle. If you were in an accident because a truck driver did not account for a blind spot, the truck driver, their employer, and insurance providers may be responsible for your damages. Hire a Bakersfield truck accident lawyer to diagnose the fault and fight for your deserved settlement or verdict.
Blind Spots Are a Life-Threatening Danger for Those Who Drive Near Trucks
Those who regulate the trucking industry explain that trucks have several blind spots known as “no-zones.” These no-zones are located:- In front of the truck: Because trucks have such a large cab that sits high off the ground, it can be difficult for drivers to see what is immediately in front of them. This is one of several reasons why truck drivers must maintain several car lengths’ distance from vehicles in front of them.
- Along the truck’s trailer: Trucks often tow large trailers. While their side mirrors may show the area immediately behind the cab, much of the trailer’s length lies in a blind spot. Truck drivers must use extreme caution when changing lanes.
- Behind the truck: While a passenger vehicle driver can look in their rearview mirror to see behind the vehicle, truck drivers typically can’t. A trailer behind the cab blocks the driver’s view of the space behind the truck.
It’s a Truck Driver’s Responsibility to Recognize and Adapt to Blind Spots
Those who drive commercial trucks must undergo schooling and qualify for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). As part of this process, drivers learn about their trucks’ blind spots and how to avoid causing a blind spot-related collision. Some of the steps a truck driver may take to minimize the risk of a blind spot collision are: - Ensuring they have the most up-to-date side view mirrors (this is their employer’s responsibility, too)
- Utilizing technology that alerts them to vehicles in their blind spot (this, too, is a trucking company’s responsibility to install)
- Turning their head to check a blind spot manually
- Never changing lanes unless they are completely certain it is safe to do so
- Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front can prevent collisions with vehicles in their front blind spot
- Driving defensively at all times
- Never driving if they are too tired or otherwise unfit to be behind the wheel
- Getting plenty of sleep before driving
- Refraining from consuming too much caffeine, which may cause them to make risky decisions out of impatience
- Following the traffic laws at all times
- Abiding by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
Other Types of Negligence That Can Lead to Truck Accidents
Drivers failing to respond appropriately to blind spots is one of the many reasons for truck accidents. Some collisions involve multiple failures (by truck drivers and other parties), which may include:- Failing to inspect the truck, trailer, and cargo before departing
- Speeding
- Driving while drunk or under the influence of legal or illicit drugs that diminish the driver’s fitness
- Tailgating
- Failing to obey red lights, yield signs, stop signs, or other traffic signals
Trucking Companies’ Failures Can Contribute to Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Trucking companies are often liable for an accident. Sometimes, those trucking companies are primarily responsible for causing the accident—or, at least, they share a significant portion of the blame. Some examples of negligence by trucking companies include:- Not training drivers as they should
- Failing to provide the driver with the latest mirror technology
- Failing to equip trucks with sensors that detect items in blind spots
- Not replacing outdated trucks and equipment
- Failing to test drivers for drug and alcohol use
- Fostering a culture of rule-breaking and corner-cutting
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer. They’ll Go to Work Immediately for You
Accidents demand accountability. The victim must receive fair compensation when a truck driver, trucking company, or other party causes injury, wrongful death, or other harm. A truck accident lawyer will work to ensure you receive that compensation. Truck accident attorneys fight for their clients by:Handling Insurers
Trucking companies would be foolhardy not to have a robust insurance policy. These companies know that accidents will happen—and when they or their driver is responsible, they may be on the hook for a large payout. For this reason, you can expect that:- You will file one or more insurance claims after the accident if you have not already
- Insurance companies will fight to pay as little compensation as possible (as they typically do)
- Insurance companies may offer lowball settlements and pressure you to accept them
- Your lawyer will deal with insurance representatives on your behalf
Securing All Relevant Evidence (Including Evidence from the Truck Company)
Trucking companies and their insurance companies prefer not to pay money. Therefore, it will be your lawyer’s responsibility to prove that the truck driver or trucking company is responsible for your accident. This will set the stage for a fair settlement. Evidence your lawyer may use to make your case includes:- Witness accounts of the collision
- Witness accounts that are relevant to your case (such as a former employee testifying about a driver’s history of dangerous driving)
- Video of the collision
- Testimony from experts (they may testify about negligence by the driver, trucking company, or others who contributed to the accident)
- Your account of how the truck accident happened
Forming a Plan for Your Case
Every truck accident victim deserves a personalized case plan. That’s what a lawyer will provide you. Your attorney will consider the cost of your damages, the insurance policies that should cover your collision (or don’t), and your eligibility to file a lawsuit.Documenting and Valuing Your Damages
Truck accident victims often face stress-inducing medical bills, physical pain, work absences, and other severe types of harm. Documenting this harm can require:- Records from your medical providers, including medical images and written diagnoses
- Records from your mental health service providers, which will include diagnoses of PTSD, depression, and other accident-related conditions
- Any financial records that show income loss following the accident
- Bills—including for medical care, vehicle repairs, and other accident-related expenses
Exploring Settlement Offers (and Demanding a Fair One)
It’s always worth exploring settlement offers, and that’s what your lawyer will do. Insurance companies, trucking companies, and other liable parties sometimes agree to cover accident victims’ damages. Your lawyer will present the most convincing case they can for a fair settlement. Most often, truck accident lawyers and liable parties can reach a financial agreement without going to trial. However, there’s always a chance that liable parties don’t offer fair compensation. If this is true in your case, your attorney will talk with you about filing a lawsuit.Filing a Lawsuit
You may be eligible to sue:- A truck driver
- A trucking company
- A truck manufacturer
- A trailer manufacturer
- A municipality
- One or more other parties responsible for your truck accident
Completing Trials
When you file a lawsuit, your lawyer still has the chance to negotiate a settlement. If defendants in your lawsuit do not seize the chance to pay you fairly, trial may be the next step. Experienced truck accident lawyers:- Are more than willing to fight for their clients at trial
- Have fought for many truck accident victims at trial
- Understand how to prepare an effective trial strategy
- Handle pre-trial proceedings like depositions
- Lead the entire trial for the client—including questioning witnesses, presenting evidence, and making opening and closing arguments
Damages from a Truck Accident Can Be Catastrophic. Let a Lawyer Seek Justice for Yours.
A truck’s impact on other vehicles and pedestrians can cause physical injuries. However, the impact of your collision will likely cause damages beyond the pain and injury symptoms you experience. Some of the damages that truck accident victims often face include: Healthcare Expenses
Truck accidents often require victims to seek emergency care. The high-impact nature of these accidents may also require you to seek:- Medical imaging
- Hospitalization
- Medications
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation
Pain and Suffering
Truck accidents can cause you to suffer:- Physical pain, both acute and chronic in nature
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Post-accident depression and anxiety
- Sleep disruptions
- Lost quality of life
Harm to Your Career (Including Lost Income)
When injured truck accident victims must miss work to heal, they may face:- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Lost overtime pay, promotions, and bonuses
Property Damage
If your vehicle, cell phone, clothing, or other property became damaged because of the truck accident, your lawyer will value the cost of repairing or replacing the property. You may also receive compensation for temporary transportation.A Wrongful Death
Attorneys also serve those who lose loved ones because of truck accidents. Damages in wrongful death cases can include:- Lost financial support
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and cremation costs
- Pain and suffering, including grief
- The cost of mental health services related to the wrongful death