Trucking plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy, keeping goods moving and connecting consumers with essential products across the country. However, the sheer size, weight, and limited maneuverability of these commercial vehicles make them inherently dangerous when drivers fail to uphold their duty of care. Truck accidents are among the deadliest collisions on our roadways, and one of the leading causes is a failure to properly monitor blind spots.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a blind spot truck accident in Modesto, you should not wait to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney at Valero Law Group.
What Are Blind-Spots or No-Zones?
Large commercial trucks have significant blind spots, often called “no-zones,” that can easily hide entire vehicles from a truck driver’s view. Understanding where these blind spots are can help you stay safer when sharing the road with big rigs.
- Right Side: The largest blind spot extends from the right side of the cab and stretches across two lanes. Even vehicles two lanes over may disappear from the driver’s view.
- Rear: A truck’s rear blind spot extends about 30 feet behind the trailer. If you are following too closely, the driver cannot see you at all, and you will have little time to react if the truck suddenly stops. Always maintain a generous following distance.
- Left Side: Although visibility is slightly better on the left, there is still a significant blind spot that begins just behind the cab and extends back into the next lane
- Front: Truck drivers also have a 20-foot blind spot directly in front of their cab
While it is ultimately a trucker’s duty to ensure they monitor their blind spots, by understanding these danger zones, Modesto drivers can help reduce the risk of serious blind-spot collisions and make the roads safer for everyone.
Truck Drivers Owe You a Duty of Care
Every motorist has a duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care for the safety of others. For commercial truck drivers, this duty is even greater. As professional drivers operating massive, high-risk vehicles, truckers are held to enhanced safety standards designed to protect everyone on the road.
Part of this responsibility includes properly managing their blind spots. Truck drivers must thoroughly check for nearby vehicles before changing lanes, merging, or exiting the roadway. They are also required to leave sufficient space before moving in front of another vehicle and must take extra caution when making wide right turns that may span multiple lanes.
When truckers fail to monitor their blind spots or misjudge the space around their rigs, the results can be devastating. Blind-spot errors are a leading cause of serious truck accidents in Modesto and across the state, often leaving victims with severe or even life-threatening injuries.
Holding Trucking Companies Liable for Your Losses
Your blind-spot truck accident claim will require you to prove that the trucker did not take the precautions necessary to allow your safe passage. This can be based on any form of negligence, including distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, following too closely, fatigued driving, driving under the influence, and more.
You will also need to demonstrate the legal damages you experienced as a result, which can include:
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Your current and ongoing medical expenses
- Your lost income, which may need to address lost earning power into the future
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Any permanent disfigurement or disability you suffered
An experienced Modesto attorney from our firm will consider every form of loss you sustain from a blind-spot truck wreck to ensure any settlement offers or awards adequately address your needs.
Let a Modesto Attorney Help You Move Forward After a Blind-Spot Truck Accident
Blind-spot truck accidents in Modesto can result in significant injuries and losses. If you or a loved one has been hurt in such a crash, the seasoned attorneys at Valero Law Group are well-prepared to build a solid claim in focused pursuit of the compensation you need. Learn more about what we can do to help by contacting us online or giving us a call today.
