Can I Sue a Truck Driver if My Car Was in the Vehicle's Blind Spot?
Commercial trucks have large blind spots that can easily hide passenger vehicles and cause truck accidents. Trucks are larger and heavier than cars so truck accidents frequently cause catastrophic physical, emotional, and financial damages.
Victims of truck accidents may wonder if they can sue a truck driver if their car is in the vehicle’s blind spot when a collision occurs. The trucking accident attorneys at the Foley Law Firm, who serve Scranton, PA, Stroudsburg, PA, Wilkes-Barre, PA, and surrounding areas, investigate the details of a crash and help clients consider their legal options regarding financial compensation for accident damages.
Commercial Truck Blind Spots
All vehicles have blind spots and drivers are responsible for recognizing those areas and clearing them when driving. The blind spots on commercial trucks are substantially larger than those on passenger vehicles, which many people don’t realize. Drivers should familiarize themselves with a truck’s blind spots and avoid driving in them to minimize the risk of a truck accident.
Commercial trucks have blind spots in the following areas:
- The 20 feet extending from the front of the truck’s cab
- The 200 feet extending behind the back of the truck’s trailer
- The right and left side of the truck (blind spots are large enough to hide several cars)
- Extending out the lower right and left sides of the truck
As a general rule, drivers should assume that if their vehicle is not visible in a truck’s side mirror, they are likely in the truck’s side blind spot.
Liability for Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Drivers can minimize the risk of a truck accident by avoiding traveling in a known blind spot. However, truck drivers are ultimately responsible for knowing their vehicle’s blind spots and checking them before turning, changing lanes, or making other maneuvers. If an accident occurs because a truck driver fails to check their blind spots, they may be partially or wholly liable for the collision and resulting damages.
The trucking company that employs the driver or owns the truck frequently shares liability for truck accidents. Trucking companies can be vicariously liable for the actions of a driver on duty during a crash. Trucking companies can also be liable if their negligence contributes to an accident. Examples of negligence include failing to properly train a driver, hiring an unlicensed or inexperienced driver, or failing to perform vehicle maintenance. Our truck accident lawyers explore all possible avenues of liability to maximize damages for our clients.
Compensation for Blind Spot Truck Accident Damages
Victims of blind spot truck accidents can pursue compensation for all economic and non-economic losses related to a collision. Possible areas of compensation for a truck accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Anticipated future medical expenses
- Cost of ongoing therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Diminished wage-earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Contact Us
Drivers involved in a truck accident while in a truck’s blind spot may be due substantial financial compensation for resulting damages. The truck accident attorneys at the Foley Law Firm can assist accident victims in establishing liability and holding responsible parties accountable. Contact our law firm to schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.
