Commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers pose significant risks for other motorists because of their massive size. Collisions involving commercial trucks often result in severe injuries and could occur for many reasons. One of these reasons is that commercial trucks have much larger blind spots, called no-zones, than cars.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) truckers receive extensive training before driving on highways. This training includes ensuring that they check their no-zones before turning, merging, or changing lanes. When you suffer injuries due to a trucker driver’s carelessness, you deserve representation from an experienced attorney. At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, a lawyer skilled in handling blind-spot truck accidents in Covington can review your case and explain your legal options.
Blind-Spot Locations on Trucks
Motorists should remember that if they are following an 18-wheeler and cannot see the trucker in the side mirrors, the truck driver cannot see them either. Trucks have several prominent blind spots, including the following areas:
- Directly behind the truck, extending about 30 feet.
- On the driver's side of the truck extending over for approximately one lane.
- On passenger side of the truck beginning at the side-view mirror and extending about two lanes.
- Directly in front of the truck extending approximately 20 feet.
Our lawyers are experienced with blind-spot truck crashes in Covington and can thoroughly review the evidence to determine the cause and at-fault party.
Rear-Vision Mirrors
By using their mirrors, trucker drivers can reduce the size of blind spots. Federal laws govern the minimum amount of mirrors trucks must have to help minimize the no-zones. Under
Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations § 393.80, all large commercial vehicles without an inside rearview mirror must have two rear-vision mirrors, one on each side.
The mirrors must ensure the trucker can see the road behind them on both sides. CDL drivers may also install additional mirrors to reduce the size of blind spots if they choose to do so.
Pure Comparative Negligence in Truck Crash Cases
The court commonly finds more than one party at fault for a motor vehicle crash. Kentucky personal injury laws follow a pure comparative negligence rule when the plaintiff shares a portion of responsibility for causing the crash.
According to
Kentucky Revised Statute § 411.182, the civil court will reduce the award for damages by the plaintiff’s percentage of liability. After being involved in a Covington blind-spot truck crash, our skilled attorneys can answer questions about the law and help estimate the potential compensation amount.
Time Limit to File a Civil Lawsuit
Knowing the time frame to take legal action after a blind-spot trucking crash is crucial. In most
personal injury cases, the law provides that the plaintiff must seek legal action and file a complaint (if necessary) within two years. While some circumstances could shorten or extend the time frame, it is essential to begin preparing as soon as possible after the accident. The sooner you reach out to the Covington attorneys at our firm, the sooner we can begin investigating your blind-spot truck collision and building a strong claim for compensation.
Speak to an Attorney About Covington Blind-Spot Truck Accidents Today
The trucking industry is essential for the shipment of goods throughout the country, but the size of the vehicles also presents certain risks. Large commercial vehicles have blind spots that drivers must remain aware of to avoid collisions.
While all motorists can help prevent accidents and keep themselves safe by avoiding travel in no-zones, CDL drivers have a legal duty to follow safety regulations and watch for drivers entering their blind-spot areas. If you were in an accident with a negligent truck driver, you must take action quickly. The lawyers at
O’Connor, Acciani & Levy have significant knowledge of blind-spot truck accidents in Covington.
Call our firm today for more information.
