Blind-spot truck accidents in Michigan occur when a truck driver hits a car that they were unable to see because the vehicle was in one of the driver’s blind spots. If you believe that your accident occurred because your car was in a truck driver’s blind spot, you might be able to pursue a lawsuit. Our knowledgeable truck crash attorneys at Thurswell Law could meet with you to review the details of your wreck, help you understand your rights, and determine if you have cause to seek damages.
Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?
While cars have blind spots that make it harder for a motorist to see vehicles beside or slightly behind them, massive trucks have even larger blind spots, increasing the probability of an accident due to limited visibility. These blind spots are in four locations.
As Much as 200 Feet Behind the Truck
Most motorists can see what is directly behind them by simply looking through their rearview or sideview mirrors. However, commercial truck drivers have limited rear visibility because they usually have a large trailer behind them. Consequently, truckers need to rely on their sideview mirrors or rearview cameras with advanced technology in order to see you.
As Much as 20 Feet in Front of the Truck’s Front Cab
Most tractor-trailer trucks have long hoods, and truck drivers also sit very high off the ground. Therefore, seeing directly in front of a truck can be difficult. If your car is directly in front of a truck’s cab, the truck’s driver will not be able to see you if you suddenly slow down or stop.
Up to One Lane to the Driver’s Left Side
Because truck drivers sit so high, they cannot easily see you if you are right next to them. Small cars are generally not visible in the area directly under and to the left of where the driver sits.
Several Lanes on the Driver’s Right Side
The biggest area where truck drivers cannot see is to the right, alongside the truck’s cab. That particular blind spot can extend across several lanes of traffic.
Our dedicated attorneys at Thurswell Law could carefully gather evidence to help you prove liability in a Michigan accident involving a truck’s blind spot.
Potential Defendants in a Blind-Spot Trucking Wreck
You might be able to pursue a lawsuit in Michigan against more than one party in a blind-spot trucking collision.
Truck Driver
You could sue the truck driver who failed to check their blind spots and caused an accident that harmed you or one of your loved ones.
Trucking Company
In addition to seeking damages from the negligent truck driver, you might also be able to sue the trucking company that employed them on the grounds of respondeat superior, which states that employers are generally vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees. The trucking company could also be directly liable if it failed to provide driver training and supervision.
Third-Party Driver
If another driver’s actions contributed to the crash, you could potentially sue them.
Manufacturer
If the car had a manufacturing defect that contributed to the accident, you might be able to pursue a case against the manufacturer.
Our attorneys could help pinpoint who is to blame and help you build a strong case.
Contact a Michigan Attorney After a Blind-Spot Trucking Wreck
Blind-spot truck accidents in Michigan can often be avoided. Although commercial trucks have large blind spots, most trucking wrecks involving blind spots are avoidable with proper training, education, and reasonable driving behaviors. Having large blind spots does not excuse a truck driver’s negligence in failing to properly check for other vehicles by adjusting their mirrors and checking multiple times before turning, changing lanes, merging, or executing other driving maneuvers.
If you were in a collision that you believe was caused by a truck driver failing to check their blind spots, contact our experienced lawyers at Thurswell Law today to discuss what happened. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case.
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