Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in Modesto

Commercial truck drivers have a reputation for working hard in the transportation industry. They safely deliver cargo across the country to keep commerce thriving, while causing only a moderate number of accidents. Unfortunately, when a wreck occurs, it is often catastrophic because of the size of a semitruck.

Further compounding the potential danger, large commercial trucks have no rearview mirrors because the cabs sit significantly higher than nearby traffic. Semi-trucks also have large blind spots. If you sustained injuries in a collision with a semi-truck, you could benefit from our truck collision attorneys’ experience with blind-spot truck accidents in Modesto.

What Actions Can You Take While in a Trucker’s Blind Spots?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration calls the blind spots of a semi-truck no zones. Approximately one-third of all commercial vehicle wrecks occur in these spots. When you share the road with a semi-truck, you can take preventative measures to help avoid a collision, such as:

• Slow down in bad weather when driving near a semi-truck
• Remember that truckers may not be able to see you when you approach their vehicle
• Leave several car lengths between your vehicle and the commercial truck you are driving behind
• Signal and leave as much distance between you and the commercial vehicle as possible when changing lanes

Other factors that can contribute to a Modesto blind-spot truck crash include trucker fatigue, inclement weather, and distracted driving. If you sustained injuries in an accident with a commercial vehicle, our attorneys could review your case to determine the appropriate action for your situation.

Trucking Company Insurance Minimums

Trucking companies must hold an insurance policy that complies with the minimums established by federal law when they haul cargo across the United States. Code of Federal Regulations § 387.9 requires interstate commercial truckers to carry a policy with at least $750,000 in liability and up to $5 million if they transport hazardous materials.

Catastrophic injuries that exceed a trucking company’s liability limits may require an attorney to file a lawsuit to recover additional damages. If you were involved in a blind-spot wreck with a tractor-trailer, our Modesto attorneys could help you pursue fair compensation. We also remain ready to take cases to court if an insurer offers an unacceptable settlement.

Compensation After No-Zone Truck Accidents

If a truck collided with your car in Modesto while you were in its blind spot, you could receive compensation for various types of losses. Common damages in these types of claims include:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life

To be eligible for compensation, your attorney must first prove that the trucker, trucking company, or both breached their duty to behave reasonably and caused your injuries. Once negligence is established, a jury will determine how much to award in damages after reviewing your claim.

Call a Modesto Attorney After a Blind-Spot Wreck With a Big Rig

Due to high cabs and long trailers, truck drivers cannot see other motorists driving alongside or behind them. Truckers are trained to be vigilant, alert, and to drive safely with large blind spots. If they fail to exercise this duty of care and cause harm, the law allows you to hold them accountable.

Our Heavy Hitters™ have served the Central Valley for more than 70 years, and we have earned a reputation for winning cases. We care about our clients and their future. We could use our experience with blind-spot truck accidents in Modesto to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation.