SKIP TO CONTENTWhen you’re in a blind spot accident with a truck, how do you determine who is liable for the accident? Can you qualify for compensation in Oklahoma after a blind spot accident? You shouldn’t have to pay for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
If you were in a blind spot accident, call the law office of Bryan Garrett for help filing a claim with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
What Is a Blind Spot Accident?
A blind spot accident involves a collision due to a vehicle being in a truck’s blind spot. Commercial trucks and semi trucks have large blind spots that make it difficult for them to see others in their immediate surroundings.
Road safety requires you staying out of the truck’s blind spots and the truck driver making sure to check their blind spots before making turns or lane changes. However, this effort doesn’t work if someone fails to be careful — and may result in an accident. Many commercial truck accidents are blind spot accidents.
Preventing an Accident: Being Aware of Truck’s Blind Spots
You can try to avoid a blind spot accident by knowing where trucks’ blind spots are. The size and type of truck impact their blind spots, but generally, there are three types of blind spots, also called no-zones.
- Front no-zones
- Side no-zones
- Back no-zones
The larger the truck, the longer their no-zones are. For commercial trucks, avoid driving 20 feet in front or 30 feet behind the truck. Similarly, avoid driving directly beside a truck. If you cannot see yourself in their side view mirror, they likely can’t see you either.
Even when drivers do everything they can to stay out of a truck’s blind spot, it isn’t always possible. Accidents happen, but then who’s at fault?
Who is Liable for a Blind Spot Accident?
Collision liability isn’t always straightforward. The truck driver must check their no-zones to ensure the safety of others before making any major maneuvers on the road. Blind spot accidents become more likely the heavier traffic, as it becomes difficult for smaller vehicles to avoid trucks’ blind spots.
Determining Negligence
After you’re in a blind spot accident, you can attempt to prove that the truck driver, their employer, the trucking company, or cargo loaders were negligent and did not take the proper precautions to ensure your safety on the road.
For example, if a driver failed to check that they had the proper safety equipment before hitting the road or didn’t check their blind spots before making a turn that caused the collision, you could argue negligence.
The truck company may try to argue that you were negligent. They may claim you remained in their blind spot for too long, contributing to the collision. With a lawyer on your side to represent your interests, you can negotiate with the insurance company to assign fault fairly.
Deciding on Compensation
If you were injured in a blind spot accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Loss of earning potential and wages
- Settlement money
The compensation you are eligible for depends on the circumstances of your accident and the injuries you sustained. Hiring a truck accident lawyer to review your case can help you better calculate fair compensation.
In a Blind Spot Accident in Oklahoma? Call the Law Office of Bryan Garrett, PLCC
Investigations into blind spot accidents can quickly become complex with many factors to consider: truck driver responsibility, personal liability, and fair compensation. Having guidance and support through this process is important. If you’ve been in a blind spot accident, call the law office of Bryan Garrett, PLCC in Oklahoma City for a free initial consultation.
