Most drivers know that blind spots exist. What everyone may not know, however, is where these blind spots are on their vehicle and on larger, commercial vehicles, such as a semi-truck.
Drivers who are not aware of where blind spots are on a vehicle may end up driving in one. This could put them and others at risk for a serious crash.
If you get injured in a blind-spot crash, we strongly recommend seeking legal help as soon after your crash as possible. Our firm has extensive experience and a proven history of results. We offer a FREE case review to discuss your situation. Get answers to your legal questions today.
Call 24/7 to request your FREE Case Review.(817) 920-9000
What is a Blind Spot?
Every vehicle has blind spots. These blind-spot zones are the areas that drivers cannot see from inside their vehicles.
The larger the vehicle the bigger the blind-spot zones. In most vehicles, the blind-spot zones are behind the vehicle, to the side of the vehicle and over the driver’s right and left shoulders. Certain vehicle components, such as the side mirror, can actually block a driver’s ability to see in that blind-spot zone.
It is critical to know about blind-spot zones as a driver. Ignoring these areas could cause you to crash into another vehicle or another vehicle to crash into you.
What Dangers Do Blind Spots Pose for Drivers?
The danger as a driver is that you may not see another vehicle riding in your blind spot. If you change lanes, for example, you could hit a driver riding in your driver’s side blind spot area. You must also be aware of any vulnerable road users who could be in a side or rear blind spot, such as:
- Pedestrians
- Motorcyclists
- Cyclists
As a driver riding in a blind spot, you risk being hit by another vehicle or truck that cannot see you in their blind-spot zone.
Who May Be Liable for Damages From a blind-spot crash?
Most of the time, the driver who had the blind spot will be held liable for hitting a vehicle in their blind spot. Drivers are responsible for preventing harm to others. However, in many blind-spot crashes, determining liability can become a more complicated issue. This is why you should consider having one of our experienced car crash lawyers in Fort Worth represent you.
Can a Crash Victim Be Partially at Fault for a blind-spot crash?
Yes. Depending on the situation, both drivers could be assessed with some liability. However, if our firm represents you, we will fully investigate your crash to ensure you are not unfairly assessed with liability.
Even if you are still partly at fault for a blind-spot crash, you may still have a claim for compensation. Under Texas proportionate responsibility law, however, you may still have a claim if you are not more than 50 percent at fault for a crash. At 51 percent or greater liability, drivers are barred from any recovery.
What Can Drivers Do to Avoid Being in a blind-spot crash?
As a driver, you should always be aware of blind-spot zones on yours and other vehicles. You should also avoid driving in anyone else’s blind spots.
There are also some steps you can take to avoid being involved in a blind-spot crash, including:
- Adjust your side and rear-view mirrors: Make this a habit before you set out anywhere. Mirrors can get bumped or knocked out of alignment, so always make sure to check that they are angled in the correct position.
- Keep all mirrors and windows clean and streak-free: Doing this helps to provide optimum viewing.
- Add blind-spot mirrors to existing mirrors: These are an easy upgrade and can enhance your ability to see vehicles in your blind-spot zones.
- Obtain convex mirrors: While a more expensive upgrade, these mirrors increase your visibility.
- Shoulder check: This is an easy add to looking in your mirrors and helps to ensure you are clear to change lanes.
- Pay attention to lane assist technology: This technology, while useful, is not foolproof. We cannot stress enough that drivers should never solely rely on technology. Rather, it should be used along with other precautions.
- Avoid being in the blind spots of other vehicles: You can either slow down, change lanes, or take steps to safely pass a vehicle.
- Use your backup camera when stopped: Before backing up, check around your vehicle and use your backup camera to ensure there are no vehicles or vulnerable road users behind you.
Be Aware of the Larger blind-spot zones of Commercial Vehicles
Texas has more large commercial trucks than any other state. This fact makes it even more important to pay attention to your blind spots and those of other vehicles.
For starters, if you are unable to see the face of a truck driver in his or her side-view mirror, then that driver also cannot see you. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the blind spots (also called “no-zones”) on a truck are:
- 20 feet in front of the cab of a truck
- 30 feet behind the trailer of a semi-truck or big rig
- On the driver’s side of the truck – from the mirror to about halfway down the side of the trailer
- On the passenger’s side – from the front of the cab and all the way down the trailer over two lanes of traffic
Call Our Law Firm to Discuss Your Legal Options After a blind-spot crash
If you were injured in a blind-spot crash, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your damages. Find out for FREE in a completely confidential, zero-cost consultation with one of our licensed attorneys.
At Anderson & Cummings, we have been helping Texas car crash victims for decades. During that time, our firm has recovered more than $100 million in compensation for our clients.
Learn what legal options you may have to help with your recovery costs. If we represent you, there is nothing to pay up front or while we manage your case. We only get paid if you do.
Experienced Lawyers. Fighting for You. (817) 920-9000.