Truck Blind Spot Accidents in Denver

Every motor vehicle has blind spots, or areas where the driver cannot see the road using his or her mirrors. The size and structure of a large commercial truck, however, results in extra large blind spots – posing a higher risk of blind spot accidents. If you get involved in a truck blind spot accident in Denver, you may be able to recover financial compensation with help from an experienced Denver truck accident attorney.

Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?

A commercial truck driver has to deal with significant blind spots on all four sides of the vehicle. From the truck driver’s seat, he or she generally cannot see at least one lane to the left, two lanes to the right, 20 feet to the front and 30 feet to the rear of the truck. As a basic rule, if you cannot see a truck driver’s eyes in the truck’s rearview mirrors, assume that the trucker cannot see you.

How Can You Stay Safe From a Truck’s Blind Spots?

A truck’s extensive blind spots are referred to as “No Zones” as a warning for other drivers to stay out of them. If you find yourself driving near a big rig in Denver, do not hover in the truck’s blind spots. Pass the 18-wheeler at the earliest opportunity to avoid remaining in a blind spot and risk being invisible to the truck driver.

Stay alert and aware of where you are in relation to a truck near you. If a truck next to you turns its blinker on, speed up or slow down to allow the truck room to get over. Always pass on the left-hand side of a large truck. A truck driver may not see you if you attempt to pass on the right side and may merge or change lanes on top of you. Passing to the right also puts you at risk of a wide-turn accident.

Pass as quickly and efficiently as possible without speeding. Get over in front of the semi-truck only when it is safe to do so, meaning when you are at least 20 feet from the front of the truck. The driver may not see you if you are any closer, as the extra-long hood of a big rig creates a large blind spot.

Who Is Responsible for a Truck Blind Spot Accident in Denver?

Commercial truck drivers are expected to carefully check their blind spots and only change lanes when it is safe to do so. Truck drivers are trained in how to navigate the truck’s large blind spots in a way that keeps surrounding drivers safe. Unfortunately, truck drivers can be guilty of careless and reckless actions that increase the risk of blind spot accidents, such as:

• Distracted driving
• Texting and driving
• Speeding
• Drowsy driving
• Tailgating
• Drunk driving
• Aggressive driving

In these scenarios, the truck driver could be held responsible for a related blind spot accident. As an injured victim, you may have grounds to file a claim against the trucking company rather than the individual driver. This could provide greater insurance coverage for your losses.

When to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Colorado

Truck accident cases can benefit from the representation of an experienced truck accident attorney in Denver. These claims often involve catastrophic injuries or deaths, complex questions of liability, unique types of evidence, and powerful adversaries. An attorney can investigate your blind spot accident, determine fault and collect evidence to build your claim. Then, your lawyer can fight for maximum financial compensation while you concentrate on healing.

To discuss a specific truck blind spot accident case with an attorney, request a free consultation with Fang Accident Lawyers.