Although it is comforting to know that commercial truck drivers must pass rigorous written and hands-on tests to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), it is essential to remember that catastrophic truck accidents still occur.
Fortunately, truck drivers who breach a standard of care and cause collisions may be responsible for paying an injured person’s damages.
If you were hurt in a collision because a trucker failed to see you, consult an experienced semi-truck crash lawyer at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda. Our skilled attorneys could explain more about blind-spot truck accidents in Columbia during a consultation.
What are Blind Spots?
Rear-view and side-view mirrors help drivers recognize vehicles around them without taking their eyes off the road. However, some areas are impossible to see.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration refers to large truck blind spots as ‘no-zones.’ Even with mirrors, a truck’s length makes it impossible to see specific areas from the truck cab. To learn more about blind spot collisions, reach out to a knowledgeable lawyer in Columbia.
Where are Commercial Trucks’ Blind Spots?
Motorists attempting to pass commercial trucks should understand that if they cannot see the trucker’s reflection in the cab’s side mirror, the operator cannot see them. The areas of a tractor-trailer that are least visible to a trucker include:
- Directly in front of the truck extending for 20 feet, attributable to the cab’s height and driver’s position in it
- Under and immediately behind a big rig’s passenger-side mirror extending for several lanes across the highway
- Under and immediately behind the driver-side mirror extending across the adjacent lane
- Directly behind a commercial truck and trailer extending about 30 feet because big rigs do not have rear-view mirrors, making tailgating especially risky
Equipment for commercial trucks has evolved, with some rigs sporting blind spot sensors. However, truckers are still responsible if they cause accidents, even with this unique equipment. A knowledgeable attorney in Columbia can review the details of your collision to determine if a trucker was reckless.
Fighting for Compensation
Motorists in truck accidents face devastating injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, many of these accident victims do not survive.
However, if you can prove a trucker, employer, or another party’s negligent actions caused your incident, you should expect to collect compensatory damages. These damages can cover your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, disfigurement, lost future wages, loss of the enjoyment of life, and mental anguish.
Statute of Limitations
South Carolina limits an injured party to three years after an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against negligent parties. However, a hardworking and diligent attorney in Columbia could ensure that you file your blind-spot crash lawsuits within the appropriate timeframe to avoid conflicts.
A Columbia Attorney Can Help After Blind-Spot Truck Accidents
Commercial truckers and their employers are responsible for keeping other motorists safe on highways. However, accidents still occur despite truckers being trained and holding a CDL. If a trucker does not see you in a blind spot and strikes you, you may be eligible to recover compensation for negligence.
Because truck accident injuries are usually disastrous, you will need substantial compensation to pay bills and keep your family going until you are back on your feet. We are here to help make that happen. Call us after a blind-spot truck accident in Columbia to discuss your options.
