New York Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer
The average semi-truck stands nearly 14 feet tall, nine feet wide, and 72 feet long. This creates massive blind spots, in which the driver has no idea if there is another road user driving there. During lane changes or merging, it is common for a truck driver to suddenly just start moving over, hypothetically with the hope that if another motorist is there, they will quickly get out of the way. This is, of course, an unlawful violation of right of way. If you were injured in a crash caused by a trucker changing lanes or merging into you, the New York blind spot truck accident lawyers at Cohan Law Firm can help you file a claim for damages against the negligent trucking company.
Where are a Truck’s Blind Spots?
The fact that any motor vehicle has “blind spots” illustrates the fact that safety is not the primary concern of our transportation system. Semi-trucks have massive blind spots in which the truck driver cannot even see large pickup trucks or tall vans. These blind spots exist to the sides, in the front, and behind the rig:
- 20 feet in front of the semi truck
- 30 feet behind the semi truck
- To the left or right side of the truck behind the truck driver’s door, and extending outward at an angle for up to two entire lanes
- 30 feet directly behind the truck
While some trucks are outfitted with blind spot cameras, most do not, simply because trucking companies are more interested in turning a profit than ensuring the safety of other road users.
The Truck Driver’s Duty of Care
Simply because a truck has blind spots does not mean the truck driver has free rein to change lanes or merge on to or off of the highway when other vehicles are already occupying that lane of traffic. Truck driver’s have a duty of care to act cautiously, use blinkers, check their mirrors and cameras, and change lanes slowly. Even then, if they cause a crash by failing to yield right of way because another vehicle was occupying the lane, the truck driver is at fault, and can be held liable in a personal injury claim.
Call a New York Blind Spot Truck Accident Attorney Today
Were you driving on the highway to the left or right of a semi-truck when it suddenly began merging into you? Were you in the right lane of traffic when a semi-truck merged onto the highway from an onramp, apparently without even noticing or caring that you were there? While truck blind spots are a real thing (for trucks not outfitted with side and rear view cameras), it is not an excuse for causing a crash. If you were involved in a truck collision, we can help you file for and win a personal injury claim. You should not have to pay for the damage caused to your vehicle, your medical bills, and other damages. Call the New York blind spot truck accident attorneys at Cohan Law Firm today at 855-855-0321 for a complimentary consultation.
