Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in Terre Haute

Riding in an 18-wheeler’s blind spots where the trucker cannot see you can have catastrophic consequences for you and your passenger. While truck drivers are trained to check every blind spot often, motorists can help keep themselves safe by avoiding staying in them too long.

The massive size of commercial trucks makes crashes with passenger vehicles particularly severe. You have every right to hold the responsible party legally and financially accountable when a wreck happens because of trucker negligence. Call our hard-working attorneys who are experienced with blind-spot truck accidents in Terre Haute to learn more.

Where Are Semi-Truck Blind Spots?

Blind spots, also called no-zones, are the areas around large commercial trucks where the operator cannot see other cars. While all vehicles have blind spots, there are much larger areas around 18-wheelers, and traveling in those spots substantially increases the risk of severe crashes.

Remembering that truckers do not have rear-view mirrors like other cars is also essential; they must be able to see motorists using side mirrors by checking them constantly. There are four areas to be aware of and move away from quickly.

Front of Vehicle Blind Spot

Trucks have a blind spot in the front, starting at the cab and reaching back for 20 feet. When motorists cut large 18-wheelers off, they place themselves at high risk of a severe accident because the trucker cannot see them or stop as quickly as passenger cars.

Both Sides Have No-Zones

There are two significant blind spots on both sides of tractor-trailers that extend out and toward the back of the truck. While the left side no-zone extends out for approximately two lanes, the right side is more significant, spanning about three lanes.

Back of Truck Blind Spot

There are also large blind spots in the rear of 18-wheelers that start at the trailer and extend back 200 feet. Tailgating a truck puts the motorist at risk of harm, and a good rule of thumb is to remember that if they cannot see the trucker in the side view mirror, the truck driver cannot see them either.

Our attorneys are experienced with blind-spot truck crashes in Terre Haute and could answer questions and help determine the most effective strategy to recover damages successfully.

Understanding the Modified Comparative Fault Rule

The defendant in truck crashes sometimes commonly asserts that the injured person shares fault for the collision. The state follows a modified comparative fault rule to calculate the settlement amount for those cases. The Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6 instructs that if the court determines the injured person’s share of liability is greater than the defendant’s, they will bar them from collecting compensation.

However, if they find that the person with injuries is 50 percent or less at fault, they will subtract that percentage from the award for damages. After a Terre Haute blind-spot truck crash, our team could help prepare a sound case to establish the extent of the injured motorist’s responsibility and pursue a just settlement.

Call Our Team After a Terre Haute Blind-Spot Truck Accident

Collisions involving passenger cars and much larger trucks may have devastating consequences, leaving you with severe injuries that could lead to long-term or permanent disabilities or death. While it is the trucker’s responsibility to check blind spots continuously and carefully before maneuvering, motorists can also help avoid crashes by avoiding traveling where the trucker cannot see them.

You have the right to pursue damages if a negligent truck driver caused a collision and you sustained bodily harm and other monetary losses. Call Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin after a blind-spot truck accident in Terre Haute to review your situation and options today.