Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in Stockton

All big rigs have blind spots that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recognizes and also refers to as “No Zones”. These are areas around semi-trucks where truckers cannot see anything. Unfortunately, this increases the odds of accidents happening. People who are involved in blind-spot truck accidents in Stockton can suffer significant property damage and catastrophic injuries.

If you have been hurt in a traffic collision because a trucker did not see you, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. At Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC, our experienced truck wreck lawyers can provide competent legal representation, build a case, file a claim, and work to ensure that the insurance companies take your claims seriously.

What Causes Blind-Spot Truck Collisions?

Stockton’s unique location features freeways like the I-5 and Highway 99. This means that, at some point in their commute, other road users driving alongside the vehicle may unintentionally slip into an 18-wheeler’s blind spots, which are located at specific portions of the rig’s front, back, and sides – particularly the right side of the truck.

When this happens, the tendency for a blind-spot crash is high, as the tractor-trailer driver’s view would be obstructed. So, if a truck driver has to speed up, brake, or execute a sudden lane change, they may not be aware of the other vehicles on that side of the road, leading to auto wrecks involving other vehicles.

Blind-spot truck collisions in Stockton may also be caused by:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Improper lane changes
• Driving under the influence

After a crash, it is important to meet with an attorney to learn about who may be held accountable for your injuries.

Proving Fault in a Truck Blind-Spot Wreck Case

Establishing liability in a truck blind-spot injury claim can be complex. For instance, if a trucker operating 18-wheelers brakes suddenly to avoid a collision, drivers of smaller vehicles following the truck may end up in an underride crash – where the vehicle runs underneath the truck due to the height difference.

There is also a possibility that the trucker’s insurer or their employer’s coverage provider may attempt to push some of the blame on the injured victim. Establishing fault in cases like this can be difficult. However, with an experienced blind-spot big rig accident attorney in Stockton, injured victims may be able to recover some compensation. A lawyer can examine the circumstances of a case and identify how the driver was responsible.

In fact, they may go as far as suing the trucker’s employer for vicarious liability – a situation where the company is indirectly liable for the wreck. An example of a scenario where a trucking company can be sued for vicarious liability is if they call the trucker to do some last-minute cargo pickup from a new route. The driver may, in their rush to avoid missing the nearest exit, crush vehicles that are in their truck’s blind spot. Bottom line, proving who is liable in these cases requires deep legal knowledge and experience.

Speak to a Stockton Lawyer About Blind-Spot Semi-Truck Collisions

Blind-spot truck accidents in Stockton are especially dangerous due to the weight and force of a truck, and getting the at-fault party(ies) to take responsibility for them may be even harder.

This is where a seasoned attorney at Law Office of Brian H. Turner, PC can help. We can fight to protect your rights and work to secure compensation that will cover your losses. Contact us today to discuss your case.