Why Do Blind Spot Truck Crashes Occur?
Although truck drivers are required to check their blind spots before performing dangerous maneuvers, many truckers in North Carolina forget or fail to do so due to distractions.
If a truck driver fails to notice a vehicle lingering in the blind spots and decides to turn, change lanes, come to an abrupt stop, or pass another vehicle, the likelihood of a blind spot truck crash is extremely high.
But not all blind spot-related truck accidents are caused by the trucker’s failure to check no-zones while in motion. A significant percentage of such crashes are caused by the driver’s failure to properly adjust their side-view mirrors, which further limits the visibility.
Where Are the Truck’s Blind Spots?
While no one can be surprised by the fact that trucks have blind spots, many motorists have doubts about where exactly these blind spots are. There are four major blind spots around trucks:
- On the left side just under the cab mirror
- On the right side just under the cab mirror
- Directly in front of the cab, which stretches at least 20 feet
- Directly behind the trailer, which stretches beyond 30 feet
The average passenger car is about 15 feet in length, which means at least two vehicles could fit in the truck’s rear blind spot.
Is the Truck Driver at Fault for Causing the Blind Spot Truck Crash?
Not necessarily: A truck driver is not always at fault for causing blind spot-related accidents. Most of the time, a truck driver’s failure to check blind spots is the primary cause of such crashes, but not 100 percent of the time.
Apart from this, blind spot truck crashes can be caused by other factors:
- Failure to properly adjust side-view mirrors
- Failure to remain vigilant of one’s surroundings
- Lack of training
- Negligent hiring or supervision
- Performing an illegal or unsafe maneuver when other vehicles are lingering in blind spots
- Getting distracted while driving
- Fatigued driving
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
- Drunk driving
As we have mentioned earlier, a truck driver is not to blame for causing a blind spot-related crash 100 percent of the time. For example, if another motor vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit, it would be unreasonable to expect a truck driver to be able to react in time to avoid a collision if the speeding vehicle appeared in the blind spot out of nowhere.
A trucking company can also be held responsible for the resulting harm and losses. Speak to our Charlotte blind spot truck accident attorney at Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC, to establish fault and gather evidence proving that both the trucker and their employer are responsible for your damages and losses.
Call at 704-335-1500 (local) or 800-948-0577 (toll-free) to get an initial free consultation.
