Jason Stephens | July 14, 2022 | Truck Accidents
Blind spots are areas around a semi-truck that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. They are known as “no-zones” in the industry and play a role in many truck accidents. Because of this, it takes extreme care and skill to manage a semi-truck on the road.
However, negligence and recklessness sometimes come into play and lead to serious accidents.
Where Are the Blind Spots on Semi-Trucks?
All Fort Worth, TX, drivers should be aware of the blind spots around semis. Knowing where they exist helps immensely in preventing accidents. In general, the four main blindspots on semis are:
- Just in front of the cab
- Behind the driver’s window
- At the front of the semi to the right of the cab
- Immediately behind the truck
Although there are many ways truckers can minimize the impact of blind spots, drivers of cars should never assume that a driver can see them.
It is also important to keep in mind the height of the driver’s seat from the ground, which is typically 48 inches compared to 16 and 20 inches for standard vehicles. This difference makes it difficult to see cars in general, and all motorists should be aware of this.
Common Factors in Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Drivers of semi-trucks and cars on Texas roadways can both be responsible for blind spot accidents. If a car is driving too close to a semi, the truck driver could argue negligent tailgating. When the trucker is at fault, there can be a variety of reasons, such as:
- Failure to check blind spots
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
Each of these can support a claim for damages based on negligence and lead to compensation for your losses.
What You Can Do If You Are Injured in a Blind Spot Truck Accident
If you were injured in a blind spot truck accident in Fort Worth, TX, then you may have options for compensation, even if you are found to be partially at fault. However, your compensation will be affected proportionately by the degree of fault you are assigned.
For this reason, you can expect a trucker’s insurance company to try to increase your responsibility for your injuries. If an adjuster can prove that you were more than 50% responsible, your claim will be dismissed because Texas follows a “51% rule” for comparative negligence. This possibility makes it important to seek legal guidance before agreeing to speak with an adjuster or insurance investigator.
Once you have an attorney on your side, your case will get stronger. Your attorney will immediately begin collecting and analyzing the evidence, including videos, police and medical reports, driver safety and performance records, as well as the safety and compliance records of the driver’s employer.
A Personal Injury Lawsuit Might Be Necessary
It is not rare that negotiations between your attorney and the other side fail to generate an agreement. When this happens, your next step is to file a personal injury lawsuit, which ups the stakes and puts significant pressure on the insurance company.
Whether settled in negotiations or during the trial, you have the right to be compensated for certain damages, both economic and non-economic. These damages may include:
- Financial loss from medical bills
- Reduced or lost income
- Long-term care costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Mental suffering
If you hire an experienced personal injury attorney, they will fight at every stage to increase the compensation you deserve until the insurance company offers a fair number.
The most optimal outcome after a blind-spot truck accident is when the insurance company pays you what your damages call for without needing an attorney. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Getting maximum compensation from an insurance company requires the services of a seasoned personal injury attorney.
Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth truck accident lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000