Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in Austin
Every day, Texans share the roads with commercial truck drivers. Tractor-trailer vehicles play a crucial role in our economy and help transport goods across the country. However, large trucks have blind spots that can significantly increase the likelihood of an accident with a car or motorcycle.
While truckers receive extensive training on driver safety, accidents happen. Many crashes involving trucks are caused because the other vehicle was in a truck’s blind spot and the trucker was unaware while switching lanes or braking. Commercial trucks have multiple large blind spots. If you were injured in a blind-spot truck accident in Austin, contact a an experienced commercial-vehicle crash attorney to discuss pursuing a claim for compensation.
Commercial Truck Blind-Spots
A blind spot is the area of a vehicle that is not visible to the driver when they are using their side or rearview mirrors. People who drive large commercial trucks have significant blind spots in the vehicle’s front, side, and back. The most common blind spots truckers have to handle include:
- The front of the truck. Vehicles on the road directly in front of a semi-truck are not always visible to the truck driver.
- Behind the truck. Vehicles within thirty feet of the back of a truck are likely not visible to the trucker.
- From behind the truck driver’s door to the back of the truck. Drivers who are in the left lane next to a large truck are likely in their blind spot.
- From the right side of the cab to the back of the truck. Vehicles on the road in the right lanes may not be visible to the truck driver.
When driving near a commercial truck, it is likely that a trucker cannot see your vehicle, which increases the risk of collision. Fortunately, after a crash, a seasoned lawyer in Austin can help you prove that a truck driver hit you by failing to check their blind spots.
Trucking Safety Measures to Prevent Blind-Spot Crashes
In Texas, truckers receive training that helps them to identify vehicles entering their blind spots. Additionally, truck companies must provide proper training, thoroughly scrutinize their potential drivers to ensure they are fit for driving commercial trucks, and ensure the trucks are up to date on maintenance. Moreover, in an effort to protect truckers and motorists, there are national regulations that prohibit truckers from working long hours. If any of these factors contributed to a blind-spot truck accident, a knowledgeable Austin lawyer could help with the process of filing a claim.
Liability in Blind-Spot Truck Accidents
In many cases, blind-spot truck crashes happen when the driver does not have the appropriate training or qualifications, or when they are distracted, tired, or impaired by alcohol or drugs. Make no mistake, truck companies are also responsible for their driver’s actions. They must ensure proper training, guarantee breaks between shifts, and check that trucks have proper avoidance technology.
If a trucker or their employer fails to take these necessary precautions, causing injury to another driver, this plaintiff can likely recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Depending on what caused the crash, the trucker or their employer could be legally responsible. A tenacious Austin attorney can help with gathering evidence of blame and holding the right parties accountable for a blind-spot truck accident.
Speak to a Blind-Spot Truck Accident Attorney in Austin
If you were injured in a blind-spot truck accident in Austin, you should speak with our experienced legal team as soon as possible. When you hire a skilled attorney to handle your case, they will investigate the circumstances of the accident and determine who bears legal responsibility for your injuries.
Truck accident litigation can involve complex liability issues, but an attorney can gather evidence to build a strong claim. Someone who suffers injuries in a blind-spot truck accident can be reimbursed for their medical bills, lost income, and other related expenses from the accident. Do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team to protect your legal rights and options after an accident.
