Houston’s roads witness a significant volume of commercial truck traffic. While these trucks are essential for transporting goods, they pose unique safety challenges, particularly regarding blind spots. Blind-spot truck accidents in Houston can have devastating consequences, resulting in severe injuries and property damage.
Contact a skilled attorney today if you suffered injuries from a commercial truck accident. Our firm provides guidance on legal rights and responsibilities in such cases. Our team will handle the legal work while you focus on recovery.
Common Causes of Blind-Spot Truck Crashes
Blind spots, also known as no-zones, are areas around a truck where a driver has limited or completely obstructed visibility. Due to their size and design, large commercial trucks have more significant blind spots than passenger vehicles. These blind spots typically exist on the sides of the truck, directly behind it, and in front of the cab.
There are numerous causes of blind-spot commercial truck crashes in Houston. Some of the most common include the following:
Improper Lane Changes
When a truck driver fails to check a blind spot before changing lanes, they may collide with a vehicle already in their blind spot, leading to a severe accident.
Tailgating
Following a commercial truck too closely increases the risk of being in the blind spot of the truck. If the truck driver needs to make a sudden maneuver or stop, the vehicle in the blind spot may not have enough time to react, resulting in a rear-end collision.
Merging Accidents
Merging onto highways or changing lanes near a truck can be dangerous. If the truck driver is unaware of a vehicle in their blind spot, they may inadvertently collide with it during the merging process.
The consequences of an accident involving a commercial truck may be devastating. It is critical to be aware of blind spots when driving near or passing a truck.
Legal Issues in Commercial Truck Blind Spot Wrecks
There are several legal issues involved in a commercial truck accident. A person needs to understand state comparative negligence law, liability, and federal regulations. An experienced Houston lawyer could explain how these factors apply to a particular blind-spot truck collision case.
In Texas, the legal theory of comparative negligence applies in injury cases, including blind-spot truck accidents. When a court determines the trucker and the passenger vehicle motorist involved in the accident share some fault, they adjust the damages accordingly. For example, when the court finds the truck driver to be 75 percent responsible, the car driver will recover 75 percent of their damages.
In typical passenger vehicle accidents, the driver is the only person exposed to liability. That is not true for commercial truck accidents. Depending on several factors, the trucking company can share liability. For example, responsibility may extend beyond the driver when the company fails to properly train its drivers, maintain their vehicles, or adhere to safety regulations. Additionally, manufacturers, cargo loaders, and others may be liable.
Finally, the trucking industry is subject to numerous federal regulations to ensure safety on the road. Violations of these regulations, such as inadequate truck maintenance or violations related to driver hours of service, can significantly impact the outcome of a blind-spot truck accident case.
For these reasons, a person should consult an attorney experienced in handling these cases. A seasoned attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case. We will negotiate with insurance companies and fight for victims’ rights, aiming to secure fair compensation for injuries, medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Speak to an Experienced Attorney After Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in Houston
Blind-spot truck accidents in Houston present unique challenges on the road. When you are involved in a blind-spot truck accident, seeking experienced legal representation is vital to safeguarding your rights and pursuing fair compensation. Being informed and proactive can make a significant difference in preventing and navigating a claim effectively. Contact us today for your initial consultation.