Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in Seattle

Blind-spot truck accidents in Seattle are not an uncommon occurrence. A “blind spot” is the area around your vehicle that you cannot see in the mirrors. Though you are familiar with the blind spots in your car or SUV, the large size of commercial vehicles makes their blind spots substantial and dangerous.

Operating a big rig safely requires experience, diligence, and the driver’s undivided attention at all times. Even though it is the driver’s responsibility to check their blind spots and drive safely, all motorists should pay special attention when driving near a large truck. If you were struck by a careless truck driver, do not hesitate to speak with a skilled civil attorney.

Where are a Truck Driver’s Blind Spots?

There is an old saying that if you cannot see a trucker’s mirrors, he cannot see you. That is factual, but a driver’s blind spot can change, particularly if they are going around a corner.  The four basic blind spot areas that truckers must pay special attention to are:

Directly behind the trailer

Keep in mind that the trailers that can be over 45 feet long have a blind spot for up to 30 feet directly behind the trailer doors. If you are following closely, the driver cannot see you.

Directly in front of the truck

If you have ever noticed how high the driver sits in a semi-truck, you can understand why this is a blind spot. Due to their height, truck driver’s may have difficulty seeing people walking, riding a bicycle, or driving within 20 feet of the cab of the truck.

Driver’s side of the trailer

Since the mirrors are in a position to view the back of the trailer, about half of the front length of the trailer is within the driver’s blind spot.  Sometimes the driver has multiple mirrors to give different views, but not always.

Passenger side of the trailer

Again, this will depend on the mirror configuration, but there will be some amount of area that is not visible to the driver.

Other Contributing Factors to Blind Spot Collisions

Truck drivers are professionals who make their living by driving and know how to do so safely.  However, sometimes trucker inattention plays a contributing role in blind spot wrecks in Seattle.

Fatigue

Although transportation laws limit the number of hours that a commercial driver can be behind the wheel at a time, fatigue still plays a big part in causing a driver not to be as attentive as they should be. It is an 18-wheeler driver’s responsibility to practice diligence the entire time they are driving.

Distraction

Texting, cell phone use, and other distractions often compromise the amount of care that a driver puts into checking their blind spot. As technology becomes more available in semi-trucks, it sometimes adds to the distraction.

Contact a Seattle Attorney After a Blind Spot Truck Accident

It is the responsibility of the truck driver to be aware of their blind spots and operate his rig safely. If they fail to do so, they could inadvertently strike nearby motorists or pedestrians.

Blind-spot truck accidents in Seattle require legal guidance from an experienced legal team.  The lawyers at Odama Hart have the knowledge and skills to get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, property damage, and any other expenses incurred from the accident.  Contact us today with questions or to schedule a free consultation.