The size of big rigs increases the odds of a crash because blind spots surround the entire truck. Truckers accommodate those blind spots by keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. However, in cities or heavier traffic areas, it is not always possible for trucks to maintain this distance. Motorists may be unable to avoid blind spots when a truck is next to them.
Blind-spot truck accidents in Kennewick can be devastating. When you or a loved one are injured in one of these accidents, you may be struggling with physical recovery, financial devastation, and emotional trauma. You do not have to handle this alone. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you obtain the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Large commercial trucks — also known as big rigs, tractor trailers, and 18-wheelers — have blind spots on all four sides of the vehicle. These blind spots, which some people call no zones, are places other motorists should avoid. However, it is not always possible for drivers to stay out of these spots, and the burden rests on the trucker to ensure no one is in a blind spot.
Many drivers assume truckers have better forward visibility due to the elevated height of the cab, but there is a huge blind spot in front of a big rig. While they can see farther away and over smaller vehicles, truckers cannot see for about 20 feet in front of them. This forward blind spot can be risky since trucks have a longer stopping distance than other vehicles.
The driver’s side of the vehicle has another sizeable blind spot. Since motorists should pass on the left, this blind spot can be a potential danger zone. Truckers cannot see from the driver’s door backward and use mirrors to see vehicles on that side. A good rule of thumb for drivers is that when they cannot see a truck’s mirrors, the trucker cannot see them.
There is a more prominent blind spot on the truck’s passenger side. While there is some visibility, motorists should consider the entire right side a blind spot. As with the driver’s side, when a driver cannot see the trucker’s mirrors, the trucker cannot see them.
Finally, a huge blind spot extends about 30 feet behind the truck. Trucks do not have rearview mirrors, but the trailers would block them even if they did. Truckers use their side mirrors to help see behind them, but even with careful angling, there is still a sizeable blind spot. These blind spots can contribute to Kennewick truck accidents.
Any collision with a large truck can lead to severe injuries or even death. Even low-speed wrecks can have tremendous force because of the massive size of a truck. Potential injuries from blind-spot truck accidents in Kennewick include:
The nature and severity of the injury affect medical bills, the amount of time away from work, the degree of pain and suffering, and whether someone can return to work.
Depending on the injury, injured people may be entitled to recover medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning ability, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more. Before accepting any settlement offers, it is a good idea to discuss the settlement amount with an attorney to see if it reflects the local value of those injuries and will be sufficient to cover lifelong costs related to the injury.
Truck accidents are terrifying. Even if you manage to escape tremendous physical injuries, the trauma can be substantial, and recovery can be physically, financially, and emotionally challenging. Fighting to get the compensation you deserve may seem overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone.
When you or a loved one are injured in blind-spot truck accidents in Kennewick, schedule a consultation with a lawyer who is ready to win your case. Someone is available 24/7.