Free Case Evaluation
South Carolina Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyers
Legal guidance when you’re injured in a truck blind spot accident in SC
Blind spot truck accidents are a serious concern on South Carolina roads, as large trucks have significant areas where a driver’s line of sight is compromised. These blind spots are located along the sides, rear, and sometimes the front of the truck, creating dangerous situations. If a truck driver fails to check these blind spots when turning, changing lanes, or merging, it can lead to devastating accidents and injuries for those in smaller vehicles.
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, we understand the complexities of truck accidents and how important it is to hold the right people and parties accountable. We’re here to guide you through the legal process, gather the evidence necessary to prove liability and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve for your injuries and losses. Our team has achieved several multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for people just like you injured in truck blind spot accidents. We’re here to help.
Free Case Evaluation
How Can We Help?
What are the blind spots on a truck?
Commercial trucks have several large blind spots, also called “no-zones,” where the driver’s view may be limited or totally obstructed. These blind spots are larger than those of a passenger vehicle and are located in the following areas:
- Front blind spot. Large trucks often have a blind spot directly in front of the cab where the driver can’t see vehicles that are too close. This spot extends about 20 feet from the front of the truck.
- Side blind spots. Trucks also have large blind spots on both sides, particularly the right side. The right-side blind spot runs along the length of the trailer and extends into multiple lanes. The left-side blind spot is a little smaller but still poses risks, as vehicles in this area may not be visible to the truck driver when changing lanes.
- Rear blind spot. The rear blind spot on a commercial truck extends about 30 feet behind the truck’s trailer. Smaller vehicles following too closely are at risk of a collision if the truck suddenly stops or reverses.
- Passenger side rear blind spot. There’s another area on the passenger side where the driver has very limited visibility, especially near the rear wheels of the trailer. Vehicles in this spot are often completely hidden from the driver’s view.
It’s important to understand where these “no-zones” are in order to avoid devastating collisions and accidents.
What are the causes of blind spot crashes in South Carolina?
Blind spot crashes occur when a commercial truck driver can’t see other vehicles or road users within their no-zones and makes a maneuver that results in a collision. These accidents are often severe due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Some of the common causes of blind spot crashes include:
- Failure to check mirrors and blind spots. Truck drivers are required to use their mirrors and conduct checks to minimize blind spots while changing lanes or turning. If they fail to do so, vehicles in the no-zones may be struck when the driver merges or changes lanes.
- Improper lane changes or merging. Especially on highways, trucks need a lot of space when changing lanes or merging. If a driver does not check their side mirrors, they may not see vehicles in adjacent lanes, leading to a dangerous collision.
- Distracted driving. Distractions like cell phones, eating, or adjusting in-cab controls can prevent truck drivers from being fully aware of their surroundings. Distracted truck drivers are less likely to check their mirrors and blind spots, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Fatigue and drowsy driving. Fatigue is a common issue for truck drivers, who tend to work long hours. Drowsy driving can impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment, making it less likely that they’ll take the necessary precautions to avoid blind spot accidents.
- Speeding and aggressive driving. Speeding reduces the amount of time a truck driver has to check their blind spots and react to other vehicles on the road. Further, aggressive driving, like abrupt lane changes, can cause blind spot crashes when the driver doesn’t adequately assess the surrounding traffic.
- Inadequate use of safety technology. Modern commercial trucks are often equipped with safety technologies like blind spot monitoring systems and/or cameras. If these systems are not used or malfunction, however, truck drivers may not receive alerts about vehicles in their blind spots.
- Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers. Truck drivers need special training to manage the blind spots of their commercial vehicles safely. Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers may not know how to check their mirrors, position their trucks, or use technology to minimize risks.
It’s important that truck drivers are vigilant, adhere to safety regulations, and ensure their vehicles are properly maintained. If you or a loved one are injured in a South Carolina blind spot truck accident, the lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips are here to help.
What are common types of truck blind spot accidents?
Truck blind spot accidents can occur in a variety of ways, especially when other vehicles or road users are in areas the truck driver can’t see. These accidents can be severe due to the size and maneuvering capabilities of commercial trucks. Here are some common types of blind spot accidents and how they might happen:
- Sideswipe collisions often happen when a truck driver changes lanes without thoroughly checking their blind spots. A vehicle traveling alongside the truck, especially on the right side, can get struck if the truck merges into that lane.
- Trucks need to swing wide in order to make right-hand turns and often cross into other lanes. If the truck driver fails to check their blind spots, they may not see a vehicle or cyclist alongside the truck, leading to a collision.
- Although they’re less common than right-turn accidents, left-hand turns can also cause blind spot collisions. If the truck driver fails to check the left-hand blind spot, they might not see vehicles attempting to pass, causing a crash.
- Merging and lane-change accidents happen when a truck driver merges onto a highway or changes lanes without adequately checking their blind spots. Vehicles in the truck’s no-zone can be sideswiped or even forced off the road if the truck driver makes an unsafe maneuver.
Truck drivers who fail to check their blind spots can also cause accidents with and injure pedestrians and bicyclists.
Who is liable for my South Carolina truck blind spot accident?
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, a variety of parties could be liable for your collision and resulting injuries. Typically, liability hinges on who was negligent and how that negligence contributed to the crash. Some of the following parties may be responsible for your blind spot truck accident:
- Truck driver. The truck driver can be liable if they failed to check their mirrors, drove aggressively, ignored safety protocols, or engaged in distracted or fatigued driving. When a truck driver doesn’t take reasonable steps to ensure their blind spots are clear before making a maneuver, they could be held responsible for your accident.
- Trucking company. The trucking company may also share liability if it failed to properly train the driver, encouraged unsafe driving practices, or neglected to maintain the truck’s safety systems, like the mirrors and blind spot cameras. If the truck driver was on the job when the accident occurred, the company could be held liable under the law.
- Cargo loaders. If improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo causes the truck driver to be unable to maneuver their vehicle safely, the cargo loading company could be held responsible for contributing to the accident.
- Other drivers. Other drivers on the road could be held liable if their actions, like cutting off the truck, contributed to the crash.
Our South Carolina truck accident lawyers thoroughly investigate your case to identify the responsible parties, gather evidence, and build a strong case that pursues the compensation you deserve.
Do you have a South Carolina blind spot truck accident lawyer near me?
Yes. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips is located at 1539 Health Care Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Our team is ready to meet you in person and willing to make different arrangements if you cannot make it to our office.
Skilled blind spot truck accident attorneys serving South Carolina
Have you or a loved one been injured in a blind spot truck accident in South Carolina? The experienced personal injury attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips are here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. We’re prepared to investigate your case, gather important evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule your free initial case evaluation today.