Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in Channelview

Blind spots contribute to many accidents for large commercial vehicles, such as big rigs or 18-wheelers. Their areas of low visibility are significantly larger than those for passenger vehicles. While truckers rely on mirrors to monitor their surroundings, even the best mirrors cannot eliminate all of their blind spots. Truckers are responsible for knowing and checking those areas.

Staying out of a truck’s blind spots reduces—but does not eliminate—your chances of being in a trucking accident. A skilled commercial vehicle wreck attorney can help you determine whether the trucker was at fault in a blind-spot truck accident in Channelview. Call today to learn more.

Understanding Blind Spots

Large trucks have extensive blind spots that can pose serious risks to other drivers. These blind spots include:

• The front of the truck: Blind spots extend up to two car lengths ahead of the truck. This makes it especially hazardous when a vehicle cuts off a truck in traffic.
• The passenger side: Nearly the entire right side of the truck is a blind spot, though large mirrors can help the truck driver see portions of this area. A good rule of thumb: if you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the truck driver likely cannot see you.
• The driver’s side: A blind spot runs from just behind the driver’s seat to the rear of the truck. While mirrors provide some visibility, they don’t cover the entire area.
• Behind the truck: A significant blind spot extends multiple car lengths to the rear.

The safest practice is to minimize time spent in a truck’s blind spots whenever possible. In situations like heavy traffic or urban driving, this may not always be feasible. Still, defensive driving and awareness of these blind spots can help reduce the risks of truck accidents in Channelview and around the state.

Who Is at Fault in a Blind-Spot Wreck?

Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001 establishes modified comparative fault in Texas. A person can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50 percent responsible for an accident. However, the court reduces their compensation by the percentage of fault they hold. Whether a driver stayed in a trucker’s blind spot can be part of the negligence determination. A judge or jury will examine how all drivers behaved and the surrounding circumstances to help them assign a percentage of fault.

An attorney can work to establish liability A lawyer with experience with blind-spot truck accidents and Channelview juries can help estimate how they might apportion liability and counter any allegations of shared responsibility.

Damages for Commercial Truck Accidents

Damages are calculated based on the nature and severity of the injuries from the accident and the economic and emotional harm caused by those injuries. Typical damages in Channelview blind-spot truck wrecks might include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.

In some scenarios, a trucker may be liable for punitive damages. The goal of punitive damages is not to make the victim whole but to punish the wrongdoer and deter people from engaging in similar behavior.

However, punitive damages are not available in most accidents. To be eligible, the accident must involve gross negligence, recklessness, or willful wrongdoing.

Talk to a Lawyer About Blind-Spot Truck Accidents in Channelview

Being in a truck accident can be an overwhelming and frightening experience that leads to a lengthy recovery period, time away from work, and an uncertain future. All of these details might tempt you to accept a lowball recovery offer. Before accepting a settlement, consult an attorney familiar with blind-spot truck accidents in Channelview. Our team can help you understand your rights and potential remedies.