Semi-truck drivers must be able to drive their vehicles while dealing with built-in blind spots. Many trucks feature signs warning other drivers of their visual impairments. However, despite these warnings, blind spot truck accidents in Columbus still frequently occur, often with severe or fatal consequences.
Unfortunately, the financial burdens of major vehicular collisions can also be extensive. In addition to paying for emergency care and ongoing medical expenses such as medication and physical therapy, an injured victim may lose wages from being unable to work. Repairing or replacing a totaled vehicle is also expensive. If you or a family member are currently recovering from this type of traffic wreck, speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy to learn your options for recovery.
Where are Blind Spots Located on a Tractor-Trailer?
While all vehicles have blind spots, there are four large zones of limited visibility for semis, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers. These include:
- 30 feet behind the truck
- 20 feet or more in front of the truck
- The driver’s side, extending from the mirror to the middle of the trailer
- The truck’s entire length on the passenger side
Common Blind Zone Truck Wrecks in Columbus
A truck’s limited visibility can cause various types of traffic crashes. Rollover accidents involving an overturned car or tractor-trailer may result from blind spot issues, as well as rear-endings or head-on collisions. Underride crashes, where a car drives too closely in a semi-truck’s blind spot and slides under it in an ensuing collision, are another common phenomenon. Similarly, blind zones can cause override crashes if a trucker tailgates a smaller passenger vehicle and rides on top of it, potentially crushing it. Bicyclists and pedestrians are also frequent victims of severe tractor-trailer crashes, as it can be difficult to see a single person in a large blind spot.
Preventing Blind Zone Truck Collisions
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), one-third of all truck accidents involve blind spots or “no-zones.” To avoid these areas, other motorists should leave ample room before passing and refrain from cutting off tractor-trailers. Drivers of passenger cars and other small vehicles must also check their own blind spots before they pass. Looking back in addition to checking mirrors is recommended.
To decrease the chances of a blind spot truck accident, Columbus drivers are also advised to avoid tailgating, driving in poor weather, performing aggressive maneuvers, and driving in the no-zones of tractor-trailers. It is always safest to stay as far away from large trucks as possible while still maintaining the speed limit.
Injuries in Semi-Truck Blind Spot Accidents
Unfortunately, no-zone crashes involving vehicles as large as semi-trucks often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Common symptoms after these types of accidents include:
- Headaches and concussions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood, behavior, or sleep pattern changes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Severe back pain and spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
Recovering Damages after a Columbus No-Zone Truck Crash
Because Ohio follows modified comparative negligence laws, a skilled local attorney could help an injured victim pursue compensation as long as they were less than 50 percent at-fault for the blind spot truck accident. Strict comparative negligence laws allow drivers to collect damages even if they were partially responsible for the traffic collision. However, the amount of damages they could receive will be reduced based on their level of fault. If you are seeking recovery after a blind zone tractor-trailer crash, it is best to work with a knowledgeable attorney in your area who could further explain Ohio’s comparative negligence laws.
Contact a Lawyer for Claims Involving Blind Spot Truck Accidents in Columbus
At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, our dedicated attorneys have represented many victims of blind spot truck accidents in Columbus. If you were hurt in this type of traffic crash, speak with one of our team members to discuss how we could help in your case. Legal assistance may be key in relieving your financial burdens after your accident. Call today for a free consultation.
