Because of their length, every 18-wheeler has areas known as blind spots that are not visible to the driver when using their mirrors. When smaller vehicles travel in these areas next to a commercial truck, they face a significant risk of serious injury.
While blind-spot truck accidents in Brownsville are usually avoidable, the reality is that many truck operators fail to watch for small cars in their path. If you have been hurt in a collision, reach out right away to discuss your options with our experienced truck accident attorneys at Javier Villarreal Injury Law Firm.
Due to their size and structure, 18-wheelers have large blind spots, or no-zones, that can make it difficult for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles. When commercial truck drivers fail to ensure their blind spots are clear before changing lanes, devastating accidents can occur in Brownsville.
The front blind spot extends about 20 feet ahead of the truck’s cab. Because of the height of the cab, truck drivers often can’t see vehicles that are directly in front of them. This makes sudden stops or lane changes particularly dangerous.
An 18-wheeler’s rear blind spot can stretch 30 feet or more behind the trailer. Since trucks do not have rearview mirrors like cars do, the area directly behind the trailer is essentially invisible to the driver. Tailgating a truck can put a driver at serious risk of a rear-end collision.
The left blind spot runs from the cab to the middle of the trailer. While it is smaller than the one on the right, it still prevents the truck driver from seeing vehicles traveling close alongside them in the next lane.
This is the largest blind spot and spans multiple lanes. Drivers who linger here may be completely unseen, especially when the truck is turning or merging.
There are times when the driver of a passenger car can share some of the blame for a Brownsville blind-spot truck accident. While the commercial driver has an obligation to ensure those areas are clear before rapidly decelerating or changing lanes, reckless drivers in smaller cars can put themselves in danger by driving too close.
In these situations, an injured motorist might still have a case for compensation even if their actions were partly to blame. This is because Texas has adopted a system known as “modified comparative fault” that allows some plaintiffs to pursue compensation even when they are partially at fault for the crash. For example, a driver could share fault in an accident if they were following an 18-wheeler too closely.
Under the modified comparative fault system, you can only recover damages in cases where you were not primarily to blame for the accident. In other words, you are barred from any recovery if your share of fault is more than 50 percent.
Even if your degree of liability is below that threshold, the court will lower your damages to the same degree. In other words, being 20 percent to blame for the accident will result in a 20 percent reduction in your compensation.
Blind-spot truck accidents in Brownsville can have serious consequences, especially for the occupants of small passenger cars. If you have been injured in a crash, our attorneys are prepared to help you maximize your financial recovery and get the justice you deserve.
Let us review your case and answer your questions about the process. Call Javier Villarreal Injury Law Firm today to get started.
