Every year, a large number of trucking accidents occur despite many organizations’ best efforts to ensure safety, awareness, and compliance with the law. A portion of these accidents occur as a result of a truck’s inability to fully see other objects in its nearby surrounding. Blind spots cause a number of accidents each year regardless of the type of vehicle being driven. However, given the size and weight of trucks, blind spot accidents involving trucks are known to cause significant damages, which have seriously injured motorists and caused significant destruction of property. If you or someone you know has been involved in an trucking accident or incident in the state of Georgia, contact The Persons Firm for a risk-free initial consultation.
Determining Truck Blind Spots
There are several blind spots located on trucks. Blind spots are the areas in the roadway where other vehicles cannot be seen while looking forward or through a rear-view or side view mirror. Due to the size of a truck, it will have more blind spots than a typical motor vehicle. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) also calls these areas “No- Zones.” These areas include:
- Areas along the side of the truck. These areas extend throughout a large portion of each side of truck, making it difficult for trucks to see objects on its sides when changing lanes. The blind spot extends further across the right side of the truck than the left.
- The front of the truck. When an object is close to the front of a truck it is difficult to see because of how high the front of a truck is. The FMCSA indicates a truck’s blind spot is anywhere within 20 feet directly in front of the truck.
- The rear of the truck. A truck that has a trailer on it also cannot see behind it to see whether any vehicles are closely behind it. The FMCSA indicates a truck’s blind spot is anywhere within 30 feet directly behind the truck.
Accidents Caused by Blind Spots
When a collision with a truck occurs because of the inability of the operator to detect his or her surroundings, the victim may be entitled to relief. While operators, owners, and insurance companies often attempt to place blame on the victim for driving within a blind spot, it is the truck operator’s responsibility to ensure that the intended path is free from obstruction prior to acting on their intention. When this type of accident occurs, you need a lawyer who will settle or litigate your claim in the most efficient way to get you the relief you deserve.
Contact Persons Firm
If you or your loved one have been hurt in a trucking accident but are unsure of whether you have a claim, contact us today. When you meet with The Persons Firm for an initial consultation, you will have a clear understanding of your rights to relief, which will allow you to make an informed decision on how to proceed.