Blind Spot

Trusted Prince George's County Accident Attorneys Representing Those Injured in Commercial Vehicle Collisions

Truck accidents can arise from various preventable causes, leaving victims with devastating injuries and overwhelming challenges. In Prince George's County, many of these crashes are linked to driver negligence, poor braking ability, or dangerous blind spots. A knowledgeable Prince George's County truck accident lawyer can help identify the factors that caused your accident and hold responsible parties accountable.

Blind spots, in particular, play a significant role in many collisions, as large trucks have limited visibility, increasing the risk of serious harm. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we understand the impact that truck accidents have on victims and their families. Our legal team works tirelessly to investigate every detail of your case, whether it involves a blind spot collision or another preventable issue. Contact us today for compassionate guidance and effective legal representation to help you pursue justice and fair compensation.

What Are Blind Spots?

A blind spot refers to the area around a vehicle that is not visible to the driver when looking forward or through rearview and side mirrors. For truck drivers, these areas are significantly larger due to the size and design of their vehicles. Truck blind spots typically include:

The front of the truck: Drivers cannot see vehicles or objects immediately in front of their car.

The sides of the truck: These areas, often referred to as "no-zones," extend along both sides.

The rear of the truck: Truck drivers cannot see directly behind their vehicle without assistance from specialized equipment.

Blind spots are hazardous because they often encompass smaller vehicles, making them invisible to the truck driver .

Trucking companies can also be held accountable when blind spot accidents result from negligent entrustment or negligent selection of drivers. Employers have a duty to ensure that their drivers are properly trained and capable of performing essential safety checks, including monitoring blind spots. When companies fail to vet drivers adequately or overlook a history of unsafe driving, they share responsibility for accidents that could have been prevented.

The Role of Eye-Glances in Blind Spot Accidents

An eye-glance occurs when a driver's eyes fixate on a location for a specific duration. This simple act is critical to avoiding accidents during lane changes or merges. Research shows that many truck drivers involved in lane-change crashes fail to make an eye glance to check their blind spots.

The mechanics of an eye-glance are precise. It begins when the driver focuses on a point for consecutive frames and ends when their gaze shifts to another point. These quick movements allow drivers to assess blind spots effectively, reducing the risk of collision.

How Do Blind Spots Cause Lane-Change Crashes

Blind spot-related accidents often occur during lane changes or merging maneuvers. Research indicates that 75% of lane-change or merge crashes result from a driver's failure to recognize another vehicle or hazard.

Common reasons for lane changes include:

Merging onto the roadway: Truck drivers often fail to see smaller vehicles when merging into traffic.

Exiting the roadway: Inadequate blind spot checks can lead to collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes.

Passing slower vehicles: Blind spots pose significant risks when truck drivers attempt to overtake other vehicles.

Avoiding hazards: Sudden swerves to avoid obstacles or decelerating vehicles can result in blind spot collisions.

A Prince George's County truck accident attorney can analyze these scenarios to determine whether a truck driver's negligence contributed to your accident.

Examples of Blind Spot Accidents

Understanding how blind spots lead to accidents is essential for building a strong legal case. Some common examples include:

Sideswipe collisions: These accidents occur when a truck changes lanes without seeing a vehicle in its blind spot.

Rear-end accidents: Vehicles following too closely behind a truck may be in a blind spot, increasing the risk of a collision if the truck stops suddenly.

Wide-turn crashes: Trucks making wide turns often encroach on adjacent lanes, striking vehicles or cyclists in their blind spots.

Each scenario demonstrates the importance of truck drivers maintaining vigilance and using proper techniques to monitor their surroundings.

Inattention and Blind Spots

Inattention is a significant contributor to blind spot accidents. Research on driver behavior shows that many drivers are not looking where they should be while operating a vehicle. For truck drivers, distractions such as adjusting the radio, interacting with a navigation system, or viewing in-vehicle displays further reduce their ability to monitor blind spots effectively.

The amount of time a driver spends looking away from the road, known as eyes-off-road (EOR) time, increases the likelihood of blind spot accidents. A Prince George's County truck accident lawyer can use data on driver behavior to strengthen your claim, demonstrating negligence or distraction on the truck driver's part.

Was a Blind Spot Accident the Cause of Your Injuries?
Blind spots on large trucks create dangerous conditions for other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. These accidents often lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our Prince George’s County truck accident attorneys are dedicated to identifying all liable parties, whether it’s the driver or the trucking company. You can rely on the firm to advance all case costs, meet with you at your home or hospital, and provide clear guidance throughout the process. Contact the team at 301-441-2022 or via the secure online form to begin your claim.