Blind spots are areas near a vehicle that cannot be seen by the driver’s mirrors. All vehicles have blind spots and some, like commercial trucks, have very large blind spots. Commercial truck blind spots are also referred to as “No Zones.”
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a blind spot accident that was another person’s fault, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. The Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer at Warhawk Legal can help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries.
Where Are Commercial Trucks Blind Spots?
Due to their massive size, commercial trucks have very large blind spots. These No Zones exist on every side of the truck.
The first No Zone area is located in front of the truck. Commercial trucks have long hoods that create blind spots up to twenty feet ahead of the front bumper. No passenger vehicle should be travelling in this area because the truck driver cannot see them and also because it would not leave enough room for the truck to stop or slow down if the car slowed down or stopped in front of them.
The second No Zone is located behind the trailer. If a driver cannot see the mirrors of the truck, the truck driver cannot see you. Following so closely behind a truck can quickly lead to a crash.
The third No Zone is on the driver’s side of the truck and extends from the door to about halfway down the side of the trailer. If you need to pass a big truck, passing on the driver’s side is safer, but you should never linger in this area.
The fourth No Zone is on the passenger side of the truck. This blind spot area is the largest and can extend across two lanes. It is best to avoid traveling in this area.
How Do Most Blind Spot Accidents Happen in Oklahoma City?
One of the most common blind spot accidents happens when a truck or car backs up into another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle because it could not see them. While many newer vehicles have back up cameras, this does not prevent all accidents as there may still be blind spots.
Many blind spot accidents happen when a truck or car changes lanes and crashes into another vehicle traveling in that lane. This can happen with any truck or car. However, commercial trucks are more likely to sideswipe a vehicle in a nearby lane due to their large blind spots.
Other blind spot crashes happen when a car is located directly in front of a truck, when drivers make left-hand turns, and when approaching vehicles block the view of another car entering the intersection, and at intersections where road signs, shrubs, and other objects block the view of approaching vehicles.
Liability in a Blind Spot Accident Case
Liability depends on the cause of an accident. When blind spots cause accidents, the driver who failed to see the other vehicle is almost always at fault.
In this case, potentially liable parties include the driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, an employment screening company, the vehicle manufacturer, and other motorists.
Contact Warhawk Legal Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a blind spot accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. You need the assistance of an experienced Oklahoma City blind spot accident lawyer to protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation.
At Warhawk Legal, our Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers have helped recover numerous multi-million dollar settlements and awards for our truck and car accident injury victims and their families. We are committed to helping you recover the full compensation you deserve. Call (405) 294-1243 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your blind spot accident claim.