Waldorf, Maryland Blind Spot Truck Accident Attorneys

Lawyers for Blind Spot and Underride Truck Accidents in Waldorf

Every vehicle has blind spots in which a driver will be unable to see vehicles, pedestrians, or objects near their vehicle. In a passenger car, those blind spots are fairly small, and they can be easily checked when a driver changes lanes, merges into traffic, or makes turns. However, the blind spots for large commercial trucks are enormous. Drivers of these trucks may be unable to fully see the area in front of their cab, behind the trailer, and to both sides. Vehicles in these blind spots may be invisible to a truck driver. When a driver does not pay close attention to their blind spots, they may cause a devastating truck accident.

The lawyers at Farmer & Klopfer can help determine whether a truck accident was caused by a truck driver's negligence, and we can work with injury victims to ensure that they will be able to receive financial compensation. We know how to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable for the harm caused to the people involved in truck crashes. We can make sure a truck driver's failure to check their blind spots will be addressed during a case.

The Duty of Truck Drivers to Check Blind Spots

Commercial truck drivers must receive the proper training to ensure that they understand the safety issues that they will need to address when operating their vehicles. They should fully understand the location and size of blind spots and make sure they take the proper steps to look for vehicles in these zones before performing certain maneuvers.

Truck drivers should use all available mirrors to check their blind zones before changing lanes or making turns. They should also signal correctly to ensure that other drivers have time to respond. They may need to move gradually when changing lanes or making other movements while watching for any vehicles that may be in their path. A driver who fails to take these steps and causes an accident may be held responsible for their negligence.

Trucking companies are also responsible for making sure their drivers are fully trained on the steps they need to take to maintain safety on the roads. They will also need to ensure that trucks have proper mirrors or other equipment that can help to reduce the risks of blind spot accidents. A company that does not meet these requirements may be held liable for truck accidents caused by drivers.

Types of Blind Spot Truck Accidents

Sideswipe Accidents

When a truck moves into another lane that is occupied by another vehicle, the truck's trailer may strike the side of the passenger vehicle, pushing it into other lanes or off the road. The occupants of a vehicle will have little protection in these situations, and they may suffer serious injuries. In some cases, a sideswipe accident may cause a vehicle to spin, roll over, be pushed into oncoming traffic, or strike barriers or other obstacles.

Sideswipe accidents can take place on interstate highways and other multi-lane roads. A truck driver who does not check their mirrors and look at blind spots may not notice another vehicle. The accident that can occur as a result may lead to a multi-vehicle pileup or another dangerous situation.

Right-Turn Accidents

When a large truck makes a right turn, the driver will often need to swing to the left before turning right. This will ensure that a trailer can complete a turn without striking any objects on the side of the road. Other vehicles that are traveling in the right lane next to a truck may move into the gap caused by a wide turn, and they may be struck by the trailer as the truck completes its turn.

The entire right side of a commercial truck may be invisible to the driver, and if they do not check this blind spot, they may not realize that a vehicle is in their path. A vehicle caught in a right-turn accident may be crushed between the trailer and a curb, barrier, or other object, leading to serious injuries for a driver or passengers.

Underride Accidents

When a smaller vehicle collides with the trailer of a truck, it may slide beneath the trailer. Underride accidents can occur when a driver fails to check their blind spots. These accidents can occur when truck drivers change lanes or make turns, making contact with smaller vehicles.

When a vehicle is forced under a truck's trailer, serious damage can occur to the car's hood, windshield, and passenger compartment. In many cases, underride accidents will lead to catastrophic injuries. A trailer that crashes through the top of a vehicle can cause severe injuries to the heads and upper bodies of people in the vehicle, and in many cases, these injuries are fatal.

Backing Accidents

Commercial trucks have large blind spots to the rear. When truck drivers back up in parking lots, at gas stations, or in other locations, they may fail to notice vehicles or pedestrians behind them. Due to the large size and weight of a truck, these accidents can result in serious injuries, even if a truck is traveling at a low speed.

Contact Our Waldorf, MD Truck Blind Spot Accident Lawyers

When truck drivers do not monitor their blind spots correctly, truck accidents can occur without any warning to people in other vehicles. A truck driver may be held responsible for negligence that led to injuries, and a trucking company or other parties may also share liability in some situations. At Farmer & Klopfer, our lawyers know how to investigate these matters, gather the proper evidence, and secure the compensation our clients need and deserve. Arrange a free consultation with our team by contacting our Waldorf right-turn and underride accident attorneys at 301-843-3890.