Truck Accidents Caused by Blind Spots in Sevierville

If you got hurt in an accident in Sevierville caused by a truck driver who failed to check their blind spots, you probably feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. The aftermath of a serious accident is often emotionally and physically draining, and the idea of pursuing a legal claim can seem daunting. The good news is that you don’t have to go through this alone.

At The Terry Law Firm, our experienced and compassionate attorneys are ready to guide you through the legal process and stand up for your rights every step of the way. We’re here to handle your claim so you can focus on healing and moving forward. 

Contact us today for a free consultation with a blind spot truck accident lawyer in Sevierville, Tennessee.

What Are Blind Spots?

When truck drivers don’t check their blind spots, they put everyone on the road around them at risk. 

A blind spot is an area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in their mirrors or direct line of sight. Trucks have much larger blind spots than passenger vehicles, so truck drivers have more to watch out for when changing lanes, making turns, and performing other maneuvers. 

All drivers should be aware of the blind spots around large trucks and take precautions accordingly. Motorists should avoid driving alongside trucks for too long and keep a close eye on the truck’s signals and brake lights. Truck drivers should monitor their blind spots closely and double-check before making any lane changes or turns.

How Common Are Blind Spot Accidents in Sevierville?

While no specific data is readily available on the frequency of blind spot truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that roughly 90,000 truck collisions happened nationwide in one recent year. Another FMCSA report sheds light on the frequency of truck accidents based on the point of impact in the crash. It found the following:

• In 48.9 percent of injury truck accidents and 60.6 percent of fatal truck accidents, the initial point of impact was with the front end of the truck.
• In 23 percent of injury truck accidents and 19.4 percent of fatal truck accidents, the initial point of impact was with the rear end of the truck.
• In 11.9 percent of injury truck accidents and 8.7 percent of fatal truck accidents, the initial point of impact was on the left (driver) side of the truck.
• In 11.3 percent of injury truck accidents and 5.7 percent of fatal truck accidents, the initial point of impact was on the right (passenger) side of the truck.

How Many Blind Spots Do Trucks Have?

Large trucks have four main blind spots, also called “no-zones,” which include:

• The front blind spot – The front blind spot is the hidden area directly in front of the truck, which can be large enough to conceal an entire vehicle from the driver.
• The left blind spot – The left blind spot is the area to the left of the truck that the driver cannot see through the driver’s side mirror. This blind spot often extends out several lanes to the left of the truck and as far back as the rear of the trailer.
• The right blind spot – The right blind spot is the area to the right of the truck that the driver cannot see through the passenger’s side mirror. This blind spot often extends out several lanes to the right and back to the rear of the trailer.
• The rear blind spot – The rear blind spot is the area directly behind the truck, which is typically smaller than the side blind spots but still large enough to extend several car lengths to the rear. 

How Blind Spots Lead to Truck Accidents

A truck driver who fails to monitor their blind spots appropriately may be unaware of the presence of other vehicles, leading them to make sudden lane changes or turns without warning, potentially colliding with other vehicles. 

A truck driver could be at fault for a truck accident if they fail to carefully monitor their blind spots while driving or take necessary precautions before departure. That can happen if the driver doesn’t properly adjust their mirrors, check their mirrors frequently, or perform shoulder checks before turning or changing lanes.

Who Is at Fault in a Truck Blind Spot Accident?

Any of the following parties could be at fault in a blind spot truck accident case in Sevierville, Tennessee:

• The truck driver – The truck driver could be at fault if they failed to consistently monitor their blind spots or otherwise drove carelessly or recklessly.
• Another road user – Another road user could be at fault if they contributed to the collision.
• The trucking company – The trucking company could be at fault if it knowingly hired an unqualified or unsafe driver. It would be vicariously liable if the driver was an employee, regardless of whether the company did anything wrong.
• The truck manufacturer – The manufacturer of the truck’s mirrors or other visibility features could be at fault if those features were defective.
• A cargo loading team – A cargo loading team could be at fault if it knowingly overloaded a truck with bulky cargo that interfered with the driver’s visibility.

How Our Lawyers Help People Hurt in Blind Spot Accidents

The Terry Law Firm can help you in many ways if you get hurt in a blind spot truck accident, including by:

• Reviewing your case and explaining your rights in a free consultation 
• Conducting an independent investigation into the truck accident
• Determining who is at fault and identifying sources of compensation
• Communicating with trucking companies, insurers, and lawyers on your behalf
• Gathering medical records, crash reports, and other evidence for your claim
• Interviewing eyewitnesses and medical experts for compelling testimony
• Negotiating aggressively to maximize the value of your potential settlement
• Taking your case to court and representing you at trial if necessary

Get Help from Our Sevierville Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyers

If you are looking for a Sevierville blind spot truck accident attorney, look no further than The Terry Law Firm. Our Sevierville legal team stands ready to take immediate action on your behalf. Contact us today for your free initial consultation.