Blind Spot Truck Accidents in PA

Personal Injury Lawyers / Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer / Blind Spot Truck Accidents in PA

Blind spot truck accidents in PA are a common cause of serious injury and the loss of life. Blind spots are areas where the truck driver does not have a clear view of a car located close by. That increases the risk of a trucker striking the driver. If you are in a blind spot truck accident, working with a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer from Munley Law is a critical investment in protecting your future. Here is what you need to know.

Are Blind Spot Truck Accidents in PA Common?

Data provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows that about 25% of all truck accidents nationwide involve blind spots. That means the truck driver did not see or look at the vehicle within the blind spots around their vehicle before switching lanes, merging, or otherwise operating the vehicle.

Whether you’re driving in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, a truck’s blind spot can be a very dangerous place to operate your vehicle. However, it is not illegal to do so. The truck driver is still responsible for ensuring the safety of all involved before making a switch into another lane. That means checking the blind spots to make sure no one is there. If a truck driver fails to do so, they increase the risk of a dangerous accident occurring.

Where do Blind Spot Truck Accidents in PA Happen?

A truck blind spot, sometimes called a “no-zone,” is an area around the exterior of the truck where the truck driver’s vision is limited. These are areas where trucks have very little actual visuals as to who or what is within that area. Blind spots happen as a result of the oversize of the vehicle.

All vehicles have some blind spots. For a passenger car, for example, the most common blind spot is the one to the left rear of the vehicle. Unless you turn your head around, it is hard to see a car driving in that area. If you do not spot the car before switching lanes, you could strike it, causing an accident. The same applies to a blind spot on a truck. The most common blind spots on a truck, in PA and any state, include:

• Directly in front of the truck: The area right in front of the truck has a large blind spot. This is due to the positioning of the truck’s engine and hood. In semi-trucks, there is very little visibility for the driver looking out the windows, making it difficult to see a car, person, or bike in that area.
• Directly behind the truck: Another blind spot is positioned right behind the truck, about several feet from the rear of the truck. This is because trucks typically do not have a rearview mirror, as the trailer is often positioned in that location. This creates a highly dangerous no-zone right behind the truck. Should the truck stop suddenly, anyone in the area could rear-end it, potentially leading to an undercarriage accident.
• Right side of the truck: On the right side of the truck, which is opposite the truck driver, there is a significant blind spot that stretches from the middle to the rear. This zone can extend multiple lanes outward, creating a highly dangerous area on freeways. This particular blind spot can create risks during lane merging or when a car is traveling in that area and tries to pass a truck switching lanes.
• Left side of the truck: Along the left side of the truck, towards the back of the truck cab, there is another blind spot. This blind spot is smaller, but still significant, as it is enough for a bike or a person to be struck if the truck driver does not see them.
• Right-hand turn blind spot: When a truck is making a right-hand turn, an additional blind spot occurs along the side of the truck, from before the truck’s front bumper extending nearly to the back of the truck and out several feet. Trucks require a much wider turning radius, and any vehicle that’s within the area between the truck and the turn can become damaged. Following the truck closely when it turns right is critical.

Locating a truck’s blind spot does not have to be challenging. Follow a simple rule: If you cannot see the driver of the truck – either directly through a window or through their side mirrors – they cannot see you. That puts you into a dangerous situation if you’re driving within that area for too long and the truck switches lanes for any reason.

Are Blind Spot Truck Accidents Preventable?

A truck’s blind spot is a dangerous area to drive in, but there are ways to minimize risks today in Pennsylvania. A blind spot truck accident occurs when the driver fails to make sure that the area is safe and moves into that lane, assuming it is clear. However, there are several ways this can be avoided.

Trucks Have Sensing Technology

Modern semi trucks are equipped with sensors that monitor these areas. That offers a significant improvement over older vehicles that lack this type of technology. Just as in many passenger cars equipped with a blind spot detector signal in the mirror, a similar technology is also present on trucks. This gives the truck driver a warning that someone is in that space, so they do not move into it until that area is clear.

Please note that not all trucks on the road today are equipped with this type of technology. It is not as common on older trucks, as not all trucking companies have upgraded technology and safety features. As a driver in a passenger vehicle, you should not assume the truck has any type of specialized gear to protect you.

Truck Driver Still Needs to Check the Blind Spot

Truck drivers have cameras as well as the physical ability to turn and look behind them when making any turn. In doing so, they are able to protect others on the road with them. When possible, truckers should make the effort to determine if someone is driving in that dangerous area.

Drivers Should Aim to Stay Out of Blind Spots

Whenever possible, avoid operating your vehicle in one of these blind spots. Doing that helps to protect you from other drivers. There are times when this is not something you can easily do, especially if you are trying to merge or pass a truck. However, being aware of the vehicle’s blind spots as well as how you can safely get around the truck will help you throughout this process.

What Factors Contribute to Blind Spot Accidents in PA?

A variety of factors contribute to the occurrence of blind spot truck accidents. Most accidents are preventable if you take steps to drive safely around trucks and drivers recognize the risks involved. There are several factors that contribute to blind spot truck accidents in PA:

• Truck size and structure: There is no way to avoid having blind spots — the size and shape of a truck make it more likely that these vehicles will have difficulty seeing passenger cars traveling behind, in front of, and on the sides of them. Smaller cars, pedestrians, and bike riders are particularly vulnerable because of just how small they are.
• Driver fatigue: Another common cause of these accidents is truck driver fatigue. If a driver is tired behind the wheel, they may not pay close enough attention to what is occurring. They may not react to a vehicle pulling up into a blind spot while they are switching lanes.
• Driver distraction: Even with technology on board to mitigate such risks, truck driver distraction remains a significant problem for all types of vehicles. Blind spot accidents can happen if truckers are using navigational devices, sending text messages, or are otherwise distracted.
• Weather conditions: In PA, snowstorms and significant rain are two of the most common factors to limit visibility on the roadways. Fog also makes it more challenging for truck drivers to see.
• Congestion on the roadways: Many of the main truck routes through PA, including the Turnpike, can become congested with traffic. That means more vehicles are sharing the same roadway. When a trucker needs to merge or switch lanes, blind spots become more hazardous.

Truck accidents in blind spots are a common concern, no matter when you are operating on the road. Remember that if you cannot see the driver, they cannot see you. Review our case results to see how we have helped our clients.

What Can a PA Truck Accident Lawyer Do After a Truck Blind Spot Accident?

If you are in a truck blind spot accident, knowing what to do is essential. Your top priority is getting medical care by calling 911 and documenting the scene. Yet, in these accidents, it’s important to include a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your Pennsylvania truck accident attorney provides you with a wealth of support and guidance in maximizing your claim for compensation. There are numerous ways they will help you.

Gathering Evidence

Proving that the truck merged or struck you because the driver failed to manage blind spots can be confusing and challenging. Your attorney will work closely to gather evidence from all available sources. This may include:

• Commercial truck logs that could show that a warning was issued about a vehicle in the blind spot
• Black box data that indicates the driver was distracted
• Witness statements that show the driver was not paying attention
• Dash camera footage that creates a clear visual of what happened
• Police reports of the incident
• Reconstruction services that can describe what occurred based on the debris in the area

Your attorney has access to these and other types of evidence to build a clear case. This evidence is critical in showing who is at fault in the accident.

File a Comprehensive Claim

Your truck accident lawyer in PA will also create a comprehensive claim for you, one that includes all of the losses you have as a result of the truck accident. This could include medical costs, pain and suffering, property damage, and emotional trauma.

Your attorney’s ability to create an accurate claim is dependent on their access to critical information, such as your medical reports. Using expert medical experts and speaking to you, your family, and your employer, your attorney can create a comprehensive and accurate claim that demonstrates your losses.

Negotiate with the Insurance Companies

Expect your blind spot truck accident lawyer to bring the fight to your case. That includes negotiating rigorously with the insurance companies to demonstrate your losses and your right to compensation. Their extensive experience can make a difference in your ability to recover damages.

If the trucking company fails to agree to fair terms, your attorney will seek a lawsuit against that party and all others involved. They represent you throughout the case to recover fair damages. Learn more in our truck accident FAQs.

Why Is Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney for a Blind Spot Accident Essential?

To protect yourself from devastating financial loss, hire a PA truck accident lawyer with the skills and resources to help you. Choose an attorney with specific experience and success fighting against the largest trucking companies out there. Doing so starts with a free consultation to discuss your needs, your accident details, and the value of your claim. Contact an attorney now at Munley Law.