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Like all motor vehicles, commercial trucks have “blind spots” where drivers cannot see other vehicles, people, and obstacles around them. Given the size and danger that trucks pose, commercial truck drivers are responsible for using their mirrors and bodies to check their blind spots before turning or switching lanes. A failure to do so may count as legally actionable negligence if these actions lead to a crash.
Pursuing compensation after blind spot truck accidents in Philadelphia can be complicated, with many challenges that may be difficult to overcome on your own. Guidance from a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can make a huge difference in getting the payments you need and deserve.
Accounting for a Tractor-Trailer’s Blind Spots
For the most part, commercial trucks have blind spots in the same location as any motor vehicle. These blind spots are immediately in front of and behind the bumpers, next to the driver’s side door, and along the vehicle’s passenger side. However, because semi-trucks are much bigger than commuter cars, their blind spots are too. The areas truck drivers cannot see can be anywhere from 20 to 30 feet ahead of and behind them, the width of an entire traffic lane on the driver’s side, and as many as two full traffic lanes along the passenger side of the cab and trailer.
Oversized side mirrors and modern collision detection systems can help responsible truckers check their blind spots and avoid causing wrecks. Still, these features are only helpful if commercial truck drivers use them. If a truck driver in Philadelphia recklessly changes lanes, enters or exits a highway, or makes a turn without checking their blind spots, they risk causing a serious accident with another vehicle.
Recoverable Damages in a Blind Spot Truck Wreck
Being struck by a trucker who failed to check their blind spots can have life-altering consequences. Thankfully, a comprehensive lawsuit or settlement can account for both past and future losses, including:
- All medical expenses
- Car repair/replacement costs and related expenses
- Lost earnings and/or earning ability
- Physical pain from injuries
- Psychological trauma and suffering
- Lost enjoyment/quality of life
To recover these damages, an injured person in Philadelphia must demonstrate how a blind spot crash resulted from a truck driver’s negligence. Commuter car drivers also have a duty to avoid staying inside commercial trucks’ blind spots for too long, which might constitute negligent behavior on the car drivers’ part. If a court finds that an injured person played some role in causing the accident, they may assign a percentage of total fault to the plaintiff. This comparative fault could result in a reduction of compensation, so it is important to work with an experienced attorney who knows how to maneuver these situations.
Talk to an Experienced Philadelphia Attorney About Blind Spot Truck Collisions
Whether it happens in a busy intersection, on a crowded highway, or anywhere else, a truck driver not checking their blind spots can lead to a collision. These accidents can result in debilitating and permanent injuries. Getting paid fairly for the harm you have sustained requires legal expertise and experience from a seasoned truck accident attorney.
Filing suit after blind spot truck accidents in Philadelphia is not something you should try to handle alone. Call today to learn how we can help in your unique situation.
