When you drive around commercial trucks, you likely use caution to avoid their blind spots. This is something most people are taught when they begin driving.
Unfortunately, even if you are extremely cautious when driving near large trucks, there is still the possibility of a collision. It may also be determined that the collision occurred because you were in the truck driver’s blind spot.
When a side impact collision occurs with a large truck, it can be a scary situation. Unfortunately, it is more common than some people realize. One reason for this is that truck drivers must check all their blind spots (and there are multiple) each time they make a turn or change lanes.
If you are involved in this type of accident, you will likely sustain serious injuries. At this point, we recommend contacting our Atlanta truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines for help and information.
Dangerous Characteristics of Large Trucks
All vehicles have blind spots; however, commercial trucks are much larger than traditional passenger vehicles, which means they also have more blind spots. For example, truck drivers have blind spots on the front, back, and both sides of their vehicles. When you drive a passenger car, you have a clear view of what is happening behind you, thanks to the rearview mirror. For truck drivers, though, they have no view like this.
Some semi trucks on the interstate have stickers on the back that remind other drivers that they cannot see around their vehicles as others can. The driver must have the proper training to manage the space they take up and drive so that there are no vehicles in their blind spots for extended periods.
Understanding Negligence in Blind Spot Accidents
Essentially, there is nothing wrong with driving in the blind spot of a truck. It is a question for a jury to consider if you file a personal injury claim; however, no statute in Georgia states that a driver cannot drive in the lane parallel to a truck.
If you have ever driven in Atlanta traffic, you know there are times when it is impossible to avoid driving next to a large truck. Because of this, it is largely up to the truck driver to consider the blind spots and consider that there could be a vehicle present when changing lanes.
Truck drivers must maintain a diligent lookout and adjust their view so they can see as much of the space around them as possible using their mirrors. Some mirrors reduce the view a driver must provide different angles of the blind spots to the side of the truck.
Remember, every vehicle on the road must check blind spots and ensure they are not driving in a truck’s blind spots before they change lanes.
Common Types of Blind Spot Truck Accidents in Atlanta
You will find that many blind spot truck accidents occur when a truck or another driver is changing lanes. This is especially common on roads with several lanes.
Most of the time, the accidents are side-impact collisions. The most dangerous of these collisions are if a passenger vehicle gets stuck under the trailer, begins to spin out, or is crushed by the tandem wheels on the truck. The trailer or truck equipment may destroy the entire passenger compartment over the door post.
Why You Need an Atlanta Blind Spot Attorney for Help
If you are involved in an Atlanta truck accident, you may experience a serious injury. Because of this, it is crucial that you contact an experienced attorney immediately.
Big truck companies have attorneys who will start to gather information and evidence while speaking to witnesses about what happened. If you want to ensure that you have a fair opportunity to recover compensation, you must speak to an attorney who knows what to do, where to go, and how to gather evidence to ensure you get a fair case.
Witnesses must be contacted while their memory about the incident is fresh. Hiring an attorney means you have someone to document all the physical evidence that could be lost if you fail to do so. Your attorney can also capture and interpret the paint markings by the police and get in touch with the necessary experts.
These are just a few essential items that can make a huge difference in your case. It is important to note that these cases are not the same as car accidents, and because they are more challenging, you should hire the services of an attorney right away.
At the Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines, we are here to help with your case and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your situation. Contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation. We will help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
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Reasons to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
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