While commercial trucks are a critical part of the supply chain, most suffer from design issues, including large blind spots or “no-zones,” that put other road users at risk. Because of these and other factors, commercial truck crashes are common on roads and highways.
At Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers, our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys fights for victims of blind-spot truck accidents in Savannah and the surrounding areas. If you were injured or lost someone you love due to a truck driver’s negligence, we could help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Commercial Truck Blind Spots Are Bigger Than Many Realize
All vehicles have blind spots, but many drivers of regular vehicles do not understand just how extensive a truck’s no-visibility zones are. While passenger vehicles have relatively small rear blind spots, drivers of 18-wheelers have large areas where they cannot see other vehicles or pedestrians, even with their mirrors.
These are the four major blind spot zones:
- Directly in front: The hood and cab obstruct the driver’s view for approximately 20 feet ahead of the truck
- Right side: This is the largest and most dangerous blind spot, extending from the cab door back past the trailer and outward for several lanes
- Rear: Unlike cars, trucks lack rearview mirrors, creating a blind zone stretching 30 feet or more behind the trailer
- Left side: This blind spot is smaller than that on the right, but it runs along the length of the trailer for at least one lane width
These visibility limitations create serious hazards. When a truck driver changes lanes, merges, or turns on Savannah’s busy streets and highways without spotting a vehicle in their blind zone, serious or even fatal accidents can occur. If you have been affected by such an accident, contact our truck accident attorneys to discuss your legal options.
How Does Truck Driver Negligence Lead to Blind-Spot Accidents?
Professional truck drivers should receive training on how to compensate for their vehicles’ extensive blind spots. Because truck accidents have severe consequences, truckers are expected to take precautions beyond those of regular drivers.
Responsible truckers will check their mirrors repeatedly and put on their turn signal well in advance of changing lanes or turning. Many also use a wide swing (known as a button hook) to improve visibility during turns. Some trucking companies equip their vehicles with blind-spot monitoring systems, backup cameras, or convex mirrors that expand the driver’s field of vision.
Unfortunately, negligent truck drivers sometimes ignore these safety protocols. Common examples of careless behavior include:
- Changing lanes abruptly, without adequate mirror checks or signaling
- Making right turns too quickly, without accounting for vehicles alongside the trailer
- Failing to use turn signals altogether
- Driving while distracted by cell phones, eating, or adjusting in-cab technology
- Operating the vehicle while fatigued, which slows reaction time and reduces attentiveness
- Failing to properly adjust mirrors before starting a trip
Call us for help preparing your case. When we investigate a Savannah truck crash caused by limited driver visibility, we gather all available evidence to establish negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company. Case preparation may also involve reviewing the driver’s logs, training and driving records, and the trucking company’s safety policies.
Speak With a Savannah Attorney About Your Blind-Spot Truck Crash Claim
Trucking companies and their insurers often employ powerful legal teams. That is why victims of blind-spot truck accidents need experienced trial attorneys to protect their interests.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers offers free consultations to accident victims seeking to understand their rights and legal options. Contact our Savannah blind-spot truck accident lawyers today to discuss your case.
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