Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in El Centro

Because commercial trucks are much heavier and larger than most passenger cars, trucking accidents frequently result in severe injuries and even fatalities. All kinds of accidents involving trucks are terrifying, but blind-spot truck accidents in El Centro are also frustrating because, in most cases, they could have been prevented.

If you are struggling to recover from a life-changing trucking crash or you lost a loved one, you need to be aware of your legal rights. You might be able to seek compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim. An experienced 18-wheeler collision attorney could help you investigate your legal options.

Locations of a Semi-Truck’s Blind Spots

Blind spots are areas around a car or truck where the driver cannot see either by looking out their windows or with the assistance of their mirrors or vehicle’s cameras. All motor vehicles have some blind spots. Because many commercial trucks have separate cabs and trailers and because their drivers sit so much higher off the ground than people in other vehicles, the blind spots of big rigs are considerably larger. If another car, bicycle, motorcycle, or pedestrian is within the area of a truck’s blind spot—known as the no-zone—the truck’s driver cannot see them, increasing the risk of an accident.

Most large commercial vehicles have several no-zone areas where crashes can occur.

In Front of the Truck’s Cab

Because tractor-trailer drivers sit so high off the ground, they often cannot see the area right in front of them. A careless truck driver who forgets about the car in front of them might not notice if it suddenly slows down or stops.

On Both Sides of the Truck

Truck drivers often cannot see other vehicles traveling right next to them on either side of the truck’s trailer. The blind spot is even larger on the right side because the driver often cannot see right next to the cab, either.

Behind the Truck’s Trailer

Big rig trucks are not like most passenger cars, where a driver can look through their rearview mirror to see what is directly behind them. Tractor-trailer drivers have large trailers without a window behind them, so they cannot use a mirror and must rely on rearview cameras, which can be imprecise and harder to maneuver around.

Our seasoned lawyers could skillfully investigate to see if a truck’s blind spots contributed to an accident in El Centro.

Who Is Liable for a Blind-Spot Truck Crash?

Because trucks have so many dangerous blind spot areas, truck drivers should always use their best efforts to reduce risks to other people on the roads. They should exercise caution by carefully using their mirrors when driving and pay particular attention when changing lanes, merging, or passing other vehicles.

The company that employed the truck driver could also be legally responsible for the costs of a blind-spot truck wreck in El Centro, particularly if they knowingly hired a driver with a poor driving record. In addition, the trucking company could be at fault if they failed to provide drivers with adequate training or if they encouraged their drivers to drive for too many consecutive hours, which could lead to careless driving mistakes.

A diligent legal team could help pursue a claim for damages against all responsible parties. However, under California’s Proposition 213, if the injured party is an uninsured driver, they will likely be unable to recover certain non-economic damages, such as for their pain and suffering.

Meet With an El Centro Attorney About a Blind-Spot Truck Accident

Blind-spot truck accidents in El Centro can leave you with life-altering physical and emotional injuries, which can lead to substantial financial debt. A knowledgeable legal professional could help answer your questions about the accident so you fully understand your legal rights and options.

Call today to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated lawyer who could help you through this challenging time.