Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in Fresno

Every motor vehicle has certain blind spots, or areas the driver cannot see into. Due to commercial trucks’ size and design, their blind spots are significantly larger, increasing the risk of blind-spot truck accidents in Fresno.

If you suspect that a truck’s blind spot contributed to your accident, you might have sufficient legal grounds to pursue a civil lawsuit with help from a truck wreck attorney. Our experienced Heavy Hitters™ at Curtis Legal Group could help you fight for fair and full financial compensation for the losses you suffered as a result of a truck crash.

Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?

Tractor-trailer drivers need to be aware of the large blind spots on all sides of their vehicles. A truck’s blind spots are located in these areas:

Twenty Feet in Front

Because commercial trucks are significantly taller than other vehicles, their drivers sit higher than everyone else on the road. A driver cannot just look straight ahead to see what is right in front of them, as cars traveling closer than 20 feet ahead of the truck may not be visible.

One Lane on the Left

Due to the truck driver’s high seat, they are also unable to see what is directly to their left because that is below their line of sight. Generally, truck drivers on a highway or multi-lane roadway cannot see for at least a full lane to their left.

Two Lanes on the Right

The height of a truck driver’s seat also affects what they can see to their right. Because the right side is inherently harder for any driver in the United States to see, most truck drivers cannot see as many as two lanes to their right when they are on a highway.

Thirty Feet Behind the Truck

When you are in a passenger car, you can generally use your rearview mirror to get an idea of what is directly behind you. However, commercial truck drivers cannot simply check their rearview mirrors or turn to look behind them because of the trailer.

Regardless of where you are on the road, you should have the right to feel safe. If you suspect a blind spot contributed to your tractor-trailer crash, a Fresno attorney could investigate the case.

How Blind Spot Truck Accidents Happen

Truck drivers should always be aware of their blind spots. They should rely heavily on sideview mirrors and cameras and always proceed cautiously, particularly when merging, changing lanes, or passing other vehicles.

Blind spot accidents are more likely to occur when truck drivers do any of the following:

• Speed
• Drive while drunk
• Drive while overly tired
• Tailgate or drive recklessly or aggressively
• Drive while distracted, such as by texting, eating, entering information into their onboard computer, or changing the radio station

In some circumstances, you might be able to sue the negligent driver along with the trucking company that employed them. Trucking companies should provide new drivers with training on how to properly handle their large vehicles. They should also ensure they hire skilled drivers and adequately supervise them.

Our skilled Fresno attorneys could analyze the evidence from a blind spot tractor-trailer crash to look for proof of liability.

Work With a Fresno Lawyer After a Blind-Spot Semi-Truck Crash

Although trucks have larger blind spots than other vehicles, blind-spot truck accidents in Fresno should be preventable. If you believe the truck driver who caused your accident did not check their blind spots, you might be able to sue for negligence. Contact us today to discuss your case with our experienced attorneys.