Truck Accidents Caused by Blind Spots

Driving alongside a large commercial truck can be a stressful experience. Many drivers tense up, speed past, or even change lanes to avoid it. None of this is unreasonable behavior. Because of the sheer size of trucks, accidents often result in serious injury or death. The Department of Transportation estimates that over 413,000 truck accidents are caused every year by blind spots resulting in over 160,000 deaths. If you are injured in a truck blind spot accident, contact us to get your personal injury claim started.

The duty of truck drivers is the same as the duty of any other driver: to remain vigilant and drive responsibly as to not cause any unnecessary risks. It is inevitably more difficult for truck drivers to do this because of their blind spots. Truck blind spots are significantly larger than those in a typical car. Sometimes they span the entire length of a truck and even a few yards behind it. The driver may also deal with space perception difficulties because of how high up they sit. Unlike in a car where you can physically turn and check your blind spot through a rear window, it is virtually impossible for trucks to see their entire blind spot. Drivers should try and avoid coasting alongside a truck or directly behind it if they can.

Truck drivers should check their blind spots several times before changing lanes. Our firm has discovered over the years that accidents involving truck blind spots are often compounded with other negligent behavior either by the passenger car driver or the truck driver. This may be by failing to yield, not using blinkers, or speeding. Truck drivers also need to be aware and account for the fact that trucks make wider turns. Truck blind spots, if properly dealt with should not be the sole thing leading to an accident. Large companies that employ these truck drivers have vast resources to fight claims against them and will likely try to pass blame onto an innocent driver. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer to argue your case. We will always do a thorough investigation before making a claim for or against liability, and give you your best shot at recovery.

New technologies undoubtedly minimize the risk of accidents relating to blind spots in both trucks and passenger vehicles. Many vehicles have access to rear cameras, blind spot mirrors and lane assistance. The bottom line: when an accident happens, someone is usually at fault for not checking these devices properly. At Altman & Altman, we can assure you that we will hold the negligent party responsible. Even if you believe you may be partially at fault, we can minimize your damages if another party contributed to them.

Our Massachusetts Truck Accident Lawyers have over 50 years of experience fighting for the rights of Massachusetts truck accident victims and their families to receive personal injury or wrongful death recovery from trucking companies and their insurance companies. Altman & Altman has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients injured in the Greater Boston Area and throughout Massachusetts. The Greater Boston Law Firm of Altman & Altman, LLP represents clients who have been injured in Truck Accidents on a contingency fee basis – we charge no fee unless you recover.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Truck Accident in Massachusetts, please Contact the Greater Boston Law Firm of Altman & Altman LLP by phone at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll free) or Contact Us Online to schedule a Free Initial Consultation with one of our MA Truck Accident Lawyers.