Blind Spot Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks such as tankers and big rigs have very large blind spots behind the truck, in front of the truck, and along both sides. In most tractor trailers, the blind spot along the right side is especially large, sometimes encompassing two lanes of traffic. Even with mirrors, truck drivers may not see smaller vehicles in these blind spots, which can lead to blind spot truck accidents.

If you have been in this type of truck accident, your injuries are likely to be severe and that means your medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses are likely to add up. In this situation, contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation as soon as possible after your crash. Our law firm can determine whether you have any avenues for compensation and can help you understand what to do next. 

What Is a Blind Spot Truck Accident?

A blind spot truck accident occurs when a driver fails to see a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist in an area around the truck that is not visible from the driver’s seat.

Truck drivers may be unaware that a smaller vehicle is occupying their blind spot, particularly during lane changes, merging, or turns. The resulting collisions can be catastrophic because trucks require longer stopping distances and carry greater force than standard vehicles. A car or pedestrian that is struck in a blind spot accident can be dragged before the truck can come to a full stop.

Common Causes of Blind Spot Truck Accidents

Blind spot truck accidents typically involve a combination of driver error, poor judgment, or inadequate safety practices. Common causes include:

• Failure to check mirrors or cameras. Modern trucks have side mirrors and rear cameras, but drivers who do not use these tools properly can inadvertently strike vehicles.
• Speeding or aggressive driving. High speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time, making it difficult to avoid collisions in blind spots.
• Fatigue or distraction. Long hours on the road, cell phone use, or other distractions can prevent truck drivers from noticing vehicles in blind spots. Distraction and fatigue mean that drivers notice less of what is happening around them.
• Improper lane changes or turns. Trucks need extra space to maneuver, and sudden or unsafe movements can place smaller vehicles in dangerous positions.

Injuries From Blind Spot Truck Accidents

The big risk with blind spot accidents is that a truck driver may not realize they have struck someone or may not be able to stop right away. In addition to the injuries caused by an initial impact, victims often sustain additional injuries while being dragged. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other head injuries, including skull fractures.
• Spinal cord injuries and back injuries.
• Broken bones, including compound fractures and shattered bones.
• Internal injuries.
• Soft tissue injuries.
• Amputations.
• Burn injuries.
• Facial injuries and scarring.
• Emotional trauma and post-accident anxiety

These injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and may permanently impact a victim’s ability to work or enjoy daily life. In blind spot accidents, it is also possible that you will suffer multiple injuries, which can make treatment more complicated and expensive.

Liability in Blind Spot Truck Accidents

Blind spot truck accidents may seem obvious, and you may assume that the truck driver who failed to check blind spots is to blame. However, multiple parties may share responsibility. If a trucking company failed to hire and train their drivers, they may be held partly liable, for example, if their policies were to blame for your accident. If defective mirrors, cameras, or other equipment caused your accident, the manufacturer may also be held liable.

• The truck driver: Negligence or recklessness may make the driver liable for the collision.

What Should I Do After a Blind Spot Truck Accident?

If you are involved in a blind spot truck accident, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect yourself:

1. Seek medical attention. Always get evaluated at an urgent care center, clinic, or emergency room. You may be injured and not know it, and getting started on a treatment plan can help you heal with fewer complications. Once you do start getting medical treatment, always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all medical appointments. This can establish that you are injured and are serious about healing.
2. Document the scene. Take photos of the accident, your injuries, the vehicles involved, and any road signs or traffic signals or any conditions that may have contributed to the crash. Get the names and contact details of any potential witnesses. Once you get home, continue to keep all receipts, documents, and notes related to your injuries and accident.
3. Report the accident. In New York, failing to report an accident can be a misdemeanor under Section 600 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. In addition, check your insurance policies. Your insurers have strict deadlines for reporting accidents.
4. Contact an attorney. Consulting an experienced lawyer early ensures evidence is preserved and that your lawyer is the one communicating with insurers. Having representation early sets you up for success and frees up your time so you can focus on medical care.

Keep in mind that healing from a serious truck accident is a dynamic process. Your situation can change. It’s useful to chart your symptoms and losses and to inform your attorney or doctor if your financial situation or new symptoms worry you.

Calculating Compensation in Blind Spot Truck Accidents

Compensation in these cases is determined by the severity of the injuries, the impact on your life, and the financial losses incurred. Depending on the specifics of your case, you can seek compensation for:

• Pain and suffering.
• Past and future medical expenses.
• Lost earnings and loss of earning capacity.
• Property damage and incidental expenses.

Insurance coverage often dictates the ultimate value of a case. Key factors include the at-fault party’s liability coverage, the presence of umbrella or excess policies, supplemental underinsured motorist coverage (SUM), and potential assets that could satisfy a judgment.

Why Choose The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel?

Mark A. Siesel founded The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel because over his years of experience he saw a real need for a law firm that secured settlements and verdicts for clients but that also provided a positive client experience. Today, The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel offers:

1. Experience and results. With almost 40 years experience, Mark A. Siesel has handled a wide range of motor vehicle accidents, including truck, bus, motorcycle, and car collisions. Our firm has extensive experience with DWI, DWAI, DWAID, premises liability, and dog bite cases, allowing us to approach each case with a comprehensive understanding of personal injury law.
2. Client relationships. We believe every client deserves personal attention. Many of our clients remain in contact years after their case concludes. When you work with us, you can also expect timely responses to phone calls and emails. We reply within 24 business hours, and often the same day. We are proud to be a bilingual firm, ready to serve you in English or Spanish.
3. Local knowledge. Our offices serve Westchester, Bronx, Kings, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan counties. We know the roads, local insurers, local conditions, and local medical facilities. We also work with an extensive network of local investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and other professionals who can help us build your case.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a blind spot truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Getting representation quickly can help preserve more evidence in your case and can strengthen your claim.

The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel provides a free consultation if you are injured, so you risk nothing by reaching out to learn what options you may have. We also work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing until and unless we recover damages for you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and to review your situation with an attorney.