Most trucks on state roads average between 70 and 80 feet in total length. Due to the size of these tractor-trailers, they have many blind spots—places around the vehicle where the driver cannot see.
When a truck driver fails to check his or her blind spots, it can result in a collision with catastrophic consequences for the occupant of the smaller car. Fortunately, our team has experience handling legal claims for blind spot truck accidents in Charlottesville. A skilled tractor-trailer wreck attorney could help you seek appropriate civil restitution from the responsible parties.
The average commercial truck has four major blind spots, one on each side of the vehicle. Truckers typically cannot see about 20 feet ahead of the cab’s front bumper. The blind spot in the rear extends about 30 feet from the rear bumper.
Larger side mirrors can help increase visibility immediately next to a semi-truck. However, truck drivers still generally cannot see cars directly next to and under the driver’s side window or along most of the passenger side of the vehicle.
During the training that truck drivers must undergo to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), they learn to check their blind spots regularly while their vehicles are in motion, especially before making a turn or changing lanes.
Commercial drivers in Charlottesville who fail to fulfill this obligation may end up causing a truck accident by hitting another vehicle in their blind spot. Common types of accidents include rear-end collisions caused by following too closely and trapping a smaller car between the truck’s side and the retaining wall or barrier.
A trucker failing to check their blind spots properly can often result in debilitating and sometimes fatal injuries. Accident victims may suffer from medical conditions such as:
Regardless of the type of injuries you are recovering from, a dedicated lawyer could fight for your right to obtain compensation.
While truckers are expected to drive carefully to avoid causing accidents, other motorists must also avoid driving in truckers’ blind spots. This is particularly important considering Virginia’s contributory negligence system, which restricts injured parties from recovering any compensation if they are even slightly at fault for an accident. Without representation from an experienced truck accident lawyer, you may have difficulty proving that the blind spot collision stemmed solely from the truck driver’s negligence.
The aftermath of severe truck accidents is often overwhelming, and you may be unsure what to do about the injuries you suffered and the financial losses you will experience in the future. Our attorneys at The Warren Firm have helped many people in similar situations successfully recover the compensation they needed.
If you have any questions about the best course of action following a blind spot truck accident in Charlottesville, you should reach out to a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. Call today to discuss your potential case.
