Everyone knows that motor vehicles have blind spots, which is why diligent drivers do not rely solely on their mirrors. They often turn their heads quickly to see if anything is in their blind spots before merging onto a highway or changing lanes. Due to their size, design, and shape, commercial trucks have larger blind spots than most other vehicles. Blind-spot truck accidents in Bothell can have devastating effects.
If you lost your loved one or experienced injuries in a blind-spot trucking collision, a dedicated truck crash lawyer could help you pursue fair compensation in a lawsuit against the people responsible for the accident.
Where are a Truck’s Blind Spots?
Massive 18-wheelers have many different blind spots. They are larger in scope than the blind spots in most passenger vehicles due to many factors. The cab of a truck keeps drivers sitting significantly higher than other vehicles, which can impede a driver’s ability to see what is right next to or in front of them. Trucks have large trailers that block a trucker’s ability to see what is right behind them. Unlike with most cars, where a motorist can simply look through their rearview mirror to see what is directly behind them, truckers cannot use a rearview mirror or swing their head to look through the rear window because their trailer is right behind them, blocking their view of the road.
People often refer to a truck’s blind spots as no-zones because smaller vehicles, such as passenger cars, can disappear in a no zone. If a car is traveling in a no-zone, the driver of a semi-truck might not have any idea it is there because they cannot see it. No zones for most commercial trucks are as follows:
- In back of the trailer
- Next to the cab, even more so on the right – Some truckers cannot see what is next to them across several lanes of traffic on a highway.
- Directly in front of the cab
Although other motorists should be cautious and use their best efforts to avoid getting caught in a truck’s blind spots, it should not be solely up to other motorists to avoid accidents. A dedicated legal team in Bothell could help someone injured in a blind spot collision pursue justice for what they have lost.
Potential Defendants in a Blind-Spot Trucking Collision
Often, more than one party bears potential legal liability in a trucking accident.
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers should be aware of their blind spots. They should know that their truck will take longer to stop, so they should avoid tailgating vehicles in front of them. They should also be cautious before turning, merging, changing lanes, or passing other vehicles. Truck drivers should rely heavily on their mirrors and rear cameras and not drive recklessly or speed.
Trucking Companies
Sometimes, the trucking company that employs the trucker is also responsible when a blind spot accident happens. Truckers should receive training from their employers as to where their blind spots are and how to safely avoid accidents in Bothell. Trucking companies could also be liable for encouraging their drivers to meet unreasonable timetables or for hiring inexperienced drivers or those with bad driving records.
Our experienced lawyers know how to dig deep to find critical evidence to build a successful claim. They know how to reconstruct the scene of a crash to learn what happened.
Call a Bothell Attorney After a Blind-Spot Trucking Wreck
Blind-spot truck accidents in Bothell can have life-changing consequences. If you are recuperating or lost a loved one, you need experienced legal assistance. A seasoned legal team could help you fight for a fair damages award.
Call our diligent lawyers today to set up an initial consultation. Our team will not get paid unless you are compensated for your losses.