Big rigs and commercial vehicles are a common sight on the highways of New Jersey. The size and speed of these trucks make them a formidable presence on any road. What is less commonly known is the size of their blind spots. These areas are the places where a driver, even with all the mirrors and modern camera equipment, cannot see another vehicle.
If your car pulls into a big rig’s blind spot, you could become the victim of a blind spot truck accident in Paramus. The size and weight of an 18-wheeler pulling a full load mean your injuries could be severe. Because of the multiple parties involved in the ownership and operation of a commercial truck, you need legal help from the experienced truck wreck attorneys at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC to recover just compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule your case evaluation.
What is a Blind Spot Truck Accident?
All vehicles have blind spots, or places that drivers cannot see with the help of mirrors, rear-view cameras, or even by looking over their shoulder. The bigger the vehicle, the larger and more numerous the blind spots.
For big rigs hauling trailers, these spots are very big and angle back from the cab. Sitting high above the street, truck drivers cannot see directly in front of them or directly to their sides. They also cannot see behind the trailer for a distance of up to 200 feet, and at angles back from the cab for up to two traffic lanes.
Although truck drivers have a responsibility not to hit other cars, drivers of smaller vehicles should realize their vulnerability when they are in a big rig’s blind spot. Drivers should do everything they can to stay out of those blind zones, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic situations.
Liability In a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you are involved in a blind spot truck accident, you may suffer serious injuries that cause you to exceed your policy limits and need to file with the other driver’s insurer. In a commercial vehicle accident, other parties besides the driver can be found liable and be responsible for paying your damages, including:
- The driver’s employer or the trucking company
- The shipping company
- The maintenance company, if the trucking company uses a separate firm
- Parts manufacturers, if the accident was due to faulty parts
In short, any number of entities could be at fault for your accident, and filing a claim with only the driver or the driver’s company may not provide the compensation you need. A Paramus attorney from our firm can provide you with the legal assistance necessary for a fair settlement after your blind-spot truck accident.
Get Legal Assistance from a Paramus Blind Spot Truck Accident Attorney
Filing an insurance claim after a blind spot truck accident in Paramus is complicated, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries. At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, we have the experience and legal know-how to help you untangle the list of companies and insurers and get the compensation you need. We offer free and confidential case evaluations, so call us today for a review of your claim.
