According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 6,344 crashes involving heavy trucks statewide in a recent year, with 110 of those crashes involving at least one fatality. Many of these crashes are blind spot accidents, as trucks have more areas of low visibility compared to other vehicles.
Truck drivers have a responsibility to watch out for vehicles that may be in their blind spots. At Eisenberg Winkler Jeck Schwartz Schoenhaus & Sherry, P.C., we make it our mission to help victims recover compensation after sustaining an injury in a Pennsylvania truck accident. We were able to recover $9 million for our client who was injured by a negligent truck driver, which will help provide the care she desperately needs after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in the accident. We will fight just as fiercely to pursue the compensation you deserve, too.
How Many Blind Spots Do Trucks Have?
Semi-trucks and other large vehicles have four major blind spots. They are:
- Front blind spot – Starting from the front edge of a truck and continuing about 20-30 feet forward, truck drivers have a hard time seeing what’s directly in front of them because their vehicles sit so high off the road. They might not see a vehicle in their path that suddenly stops or slows down.
- Rear blind spot – When hauling a trailer, truck drivers can’t see anything directly behind them in the rearview mirror, so anything that’s immediately behind the truck is effectively invisible. This blind spot extends to 200 feet behind the bed.
- Left blind spot – The area directly to the left of a truck’s cab is another significant blind spot. Even with side-view mirrors, truck drivers often have a hard time seeing other vehicles directly to their left, which can cause an accident if the driver isn’t paying attention when merging or making a turn.
- Right blind spot – One of the largest semi truck blind spots is to their right side, running roughly diagonally from the cab back to the truck’s trailer. Because of how big and tall trucks are, combined with the fact that the driver is sitting on the cab’s left side, it’s very difficult for truck drivers to see anything to their immediate right.
Due to the dangerousness of driving in these areas around a truck, they are referred to as “no-zones.” You should avoid these areas, if at all possible.
Why Are Some Truck Accidents Caused by Blind Spots?
The main reason blind spots are a major cause of truck accidents is simple: If the truck driver can’t see you, they can’t take steps to avoid hitting you while their vehicle is moving. A driver who has to make a sudden driving maneuver like stopping, making a wide turn, or merging into traffic, can have a difficult time doing so safely if other vehicles are in the 18-wheeler’s blind spots. However, drivers should know about their truck’s blind spots and ensure that the area is clear before maneuvering their vehicle.
How ER Legal Can Help with Blind Spot Accidents
Here are a few ways the Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers at Eisenberg Winkler Jeck Schwartz Schoenhaus & Sherry, P.C., can help with your injury claim:
- Gathering evidence to show the truck driver or another party was responsible for the accident
- Identifying all the different types of compensation you may eligible for
- Negotiating for a settlement from the liable parties and their insurers
- Filing a lawsuit and bringing your case to trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached
How to Prove an Accident Was Caused by a Blind Spot
Evidence that may show an accident was caused by a truck’s blind spot includes:
- Testimony from the drivers involved in the accident
- Photos from the scene
- Accounts from witnesses
- Expert testimony
- Medical records
- Police reports
Potential Financial Compensation Following a Blind Spot Accident
You may be able to recover compensation for these expenses following a blind spot accident:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced future income
- Damages to your vehicle
- Your physical injuries
- Your pain and mental anguish
Contact Our Philadelphia Blindspot Truck Accident Attorneys
Were you injured in a semi-truck accident in Philadelphia? Turn to an experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyer right away for help. Call Eisenberg Winkler Jeck Schwartz Schoenhaus & Sherry, P.C., today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.
