On average, a semi-truck with an attached trailer is about 70 to 80 feet long from the cab’s front bumper to the trailer’s rear bumper and up to 13 or 14 feet tall. Despite its oversized mirrors and modern collision detection systems, a vehicle of this size has several areas immediately surrounding it that the trucker cannot easily see into from their position in the driver’s seat. These areas are known as blind spots.
Failure to carefully check blind spots for obstacles before turning, merging, or changing lanes is a leading cause of truck wrecks. Phillips Law Group has extensive experience in handling cases involving these blind spot truck accidents in Gilbert. If you were recently hurt in this type of collision, the firm’s qualified truck accident lawyers can help you understand and then enforce your right to seek compensation.
How Big Are a Tractor-Trailer’s Blind Spots?
The typical tractor-trailer has blind spots in the following places:
- Directly in front of the cab, stretching about 20 feet beyond the front bumper
- Directly behind the trailer, stretching about 30 feet beyond the rear bumper
- Under and behind the driver’s side door, stretching diagonally over one traffic lane and extending most of the way along the trailer’s left side
- Under and beyond the passenger side door, stretching diagonally over two traffic lanes and extending up to 10 to 15 feet past the end of the trailer’s right side
Unlike a standard passenger car’s blind spots, those for commercial vehicles are typically big enough to hide multiple vehicles from their driver’s view. This and the average semi-truck’s massive size and weight make blind spot truck wrecks in Gilbert uniquely dangerous.
Proving a Trucker Was at Fault for a Blind Spot Collision
Long-haul truckers cannot easily see into their blind spots but are still responsible for using their mirrors and any other devices to check for obstacles before moving into them. Any trucker who directly causes an otherwise preventable accident by failing to check their blind spots can be held responsible for ensuing injuries and losses based on their recklessness or carelessness.
However, motorists driving near tractor-trailers are also expected to know where other vehicles’ blind spots are and to stay out of them as much as possible. A driver who was coasting in a truck’s blind spot before a Gilbert collision can be found partially at fault for its occurrence. This can possibly lead to a court reducing the total amount of compensation available to that injured person—an outcome a skilled truck injury lawyer can help the victim avoid.
Call a Gilbert Attorney Today After a Blind Spot Truck Crash
Being sideswiped, rear-ended, or brake-checked in blind spot truck accidents in Gilbert can be life-altering and potentially life-threatening experiences. If you were hurt in this type of crash, money cannot completely eliminate your trauma, but seeking fair compensation with a capable attorney’s assistance will still be key to maximizing your long-term quality of life.
Phillips Law Group has been locally owned and operated for more than 30 years, and the firm’s truck accident lawyers are ready to litigate your case if necessary so you can get paid what you deserve. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal options.
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