On average, a car weighs about 3,000 lbs., which is significantly smaller than a large commercial truck, which can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. In addition, large commercial trucks are generally about 72 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 13.5 feet tall with a standard semi-trailer. The size alone makes it difficult for truck drivers to see smaller cars in neighboring lanes. Truck blind spots often contribute to serious and fatal truck crashes.
Motorists who survive truck crashes often sustain serious injuries such as:
- Neck, back and spine injuries (including broken neck or back)
- Crushed limbs
- Severe and multiple bone fractures
- Severe traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Paralysis
- Amputations
That's why it's critical that truck drivers are trained to keep an eye out for others on the road by checking their extended side mirrors. In addition, trucking companies need to make sure that there are signs posted on their fleets warning other drivers of potential blind spots.
Locations of truck blind spots
It's very easy for a catastrophe to occur when a truck driver isn't attentive or is driving erratically. It's important to be aware of where blind spots exist on large commercial trucks. Truck blind spots are usually located:
- On both sides of the trailer and cab. Blind spots typically exist on both sides of truck trailer and cab. This can be dangerous when a truck driver changes lanes or turns without seeing a smaller car. This often results in drivers being pushed off the road or crushed underneath the trailer.
- In front of the cab. Sometimes, truck drivers can't see cars directly in front of them because of the height of the cab. This can lead to devastating rear-end collisions. At high-speed, cars can become crushed from the weight of the cab.
- In the back of the trailer. Truck drivers often can't see several feet behind a trailer. This can result in cars getting crushed beneath the trailer when a truck driver backs up or brakes abruptly on a major highway.
Henderson County attorney will fight to hold negligent truckers accountable
If you were involved in a truck accident linked to truck blind spots, the insurance company that represents the trucking company may argue that you were at fault for the crash. The truth is that nobody can predict what moves truck drivers are going to make on multi-lane roads. Truck crashes often occur when truck drivers are distracted, driving aggressively, speeding and failing to use caution when turning or changing lanes.
Dealing with trucking companies and their insurers is often a complex and frustrating ordeal. If you attempt to handle your truck accident claim alone, they may look for an opportunity to take advantage of you. You may be offered a small settlement that only covers a fraction of your losses. You deserve to the compensated for every penny of your financial losses. In addition, you deserve to be compensated for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, mental and emotional anguish, and any other non-economic damages accrued from your crash. Texas attorney Jeff Weinstein at Weinstein Law will fight to hold the trucking companies accountable and maximize your compensation.
We serve clients in Henderson County, Texas. Contact us online to schedule your free legal consultation today.