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About Blind Spot Trucking Accidents
Blindspot accidents have been one of the single largest contributors to serious injury and fatal truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sponsors many campaigns aimed at educating both professional drivers and the public on the dangers of blind zone accidents. Here is an article on what you need to know about blind spots and truck wrecks.
Many fatal truck accidents happen in a blind spot crash.
What are Blind Spot Accidents?
Blind spots on big rigs or tractor-trailers are areas just to the sides of the cab, and directly in front of and behind the big truck. These are areas where the truck driver is unable to see other smaller vehicles. When a truck driver moves lanes and runs over a car because he did not see the car, these are blind spot accidents!
Where are the Blind Spots on a Big Rig or Tractor-Trailer?
The areas shaded are the truck driver’s blind spots.
The areas shaded are the truck driver’s blind spots.
- Avoid driving along the side of the big rig, either move forward and past or move back so the driver can see you. If you can see the driver’s face and in his mirror, he can see you.
- The left side of a big truck is a smaller blind spot and therefore passing on that side should be safer.
- The blind spot on the right side of the truck can extend three lanes and runs the length of the big rig.
- When behind a big truck stay far enough back so the truck driver knows you’re there.
Many serious truck accidents happen simply because the truck driver was unaware that another motorist was in the way. Truck drivers who seem to bully their way into the lanes regardless of who’s there frequently infuriate passenger car drivers.
We assume that the truck driver just doesn’t care and is driving the big truck so they can do what they want. The reality is that the truck driver doesn’t see the vehicles and therefore believes that the lane is clear when they move over.
Because truck drivers are aware of the blind spots they should use extra caution when changing lanes by making their intentions known well in advance. Unfortunately, that is something that does not happen every day on the highways throughout the state of Texas.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a blind spot accident where a tractor-trailer or 18 wheeler came into your lane and caused the accident, contact the best truck accident attorney you can find as soon as possible after the crash.
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Houston Car Accident Claims:From Start To Finish
An Interactive Guide
CRUNCH!
You hear metal crumpling. Someone just hit your car. Maybe they ran a red light or lost control of their vehicle. Maybe you were rear-ended by a teenage driver on her cellphone.
Either way, you’re angry and frustrated. You have things to do. Places to go. But now, you're standing beside your damaged vehicle waiting for the police to arrive. You start to feel some neck pain.
All that to say: A single, unexpected moment changed everything.
A car accident can strike at any time. Whether you are on your way to work or headed to the store, it doesn’t matter. It’s moments like these that cause the government to require everyone to buy insurance.
A Guide For All Car Accident Victims
In this guide, you will learn:
- How To Handle Yourself When Disaster Strikes
- How To Ensure The At-Fault Insurance Company Covers Any Property Damage And Injury Expenses.
- What Injury Lawyers Do And How They Can Help You.
Get To Safety
Prevent Further Damage & Injury
If you find yourself in the middle of the intersection or on the freeway, you first priority is to move all persons (and vehicles if possible) out of the way of oncoming oncoming traffic.
Survey The Damage
Call The Police + Gather Evidence
After getting to safety, you should immediately dial 911. Make sure to alert the dispatcher if there are any serious injuries.
As you wait for help to arrive, you have 3 goals:
- Identify Extent of Injuries
- Identify Witnesses
- Identify Vehicle Damage
Pro Tip: Use your cell phone to record a statement from the other driver, as well as to store contact information for the other driver and any witnesses.
What Type Of Photos
Should I Take?
Take Photos Of The
Following:
Other Driver's License
Damage On Both Vehicles
License Plate Of
Other Vehicle
Insurance Policy Of Other Driver
Get Medical Help
Your Health Is #1
After emergency help arrives, it is important to seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t feel injured, it is important to get checked out for any internal injuries.
Be sure to go in for any follow-up checkups or procedures.
Pro Tip: If you wait before seeking medical treatment, the at-fault insurance company may argue that your injury wasn’t serious and that you don’t deserve compensation for medical expenses.
Common Internal
Injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal Bleeding
- Broken Ribs
- Punctured Lungs
Whiplash
Whiplash is caused by a sudden forward or backward jerking motion of the head, which can damage the intervertabral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots. Symptoms of whiplash manifest in neck pain, dizziness, sleep disturbances, fatigue, headache, lower back pain and sometimes numbness in the arm or hand.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is caused by blunt trauma, and varies depending on the forces involved and the individual. It cannot be seen outside of the body, and it may occur within organs, tissues and body cavities including the abdomend, chest, spinal canal and head.
Broken Ribs
It takes aproximately 4,000 Newtons (measurement of force) to break or crack a rib. The symptoms of a broken rib include pain while breathing, applying pressure to the area, and when you bend or twist your body. Ribs are often broken by the force of the seabelt during deceleration of the vehicle during a crash.
Punctured Lungs
Puncturing a lung can be a serious injury. In a punctured lung, air gathers between the lungs and the chest cavity. The pressure build up makes it impossible for the lung to expand. Symptoms include coughing blood, chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness and headaches.
Hire An Injury Lawyer
Save Time. Get Compensated.
Hiring an injury lawyer after a serious accident is one of the best things you can do. Injury lawyers take care of all communication and negotiation with insurance companies. This frees up your time to focus on recovering.
At our law firm, we offer free initial consultations to all Houston residents. Just fill out our contact form — or give us a call to schedule a convenient time for you. We’ll listen to your story and offer our advice.
Pro Tip: Never accept a settlement without consulting a lawyer, especially if injury is involved. Once you accept a settlement, you can never recover anything further in the future.
Time Is Of The Essence
In most cases, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is called the Statute of Limitations.
Certain exceptions can extend and/or shorten a limitations period.
If the victim is a minor, the limitations may be extended until they are 18 years old.
If you are in an accident caused by a governmental entity in Texas, the statute of limitations may be much shorter — ranging from a few months to six months.
File Your Claim
Notify Your Insurance Company
It is important to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
Many insurance companies allow you to file your claim online. Otherwise, call the number listed on your insurance card.
Be sure to keep track of all adjuster names and contact information.
Pro Tip: There may be multiple active insurance policies that can cover you. For example, if the other driver didn’t have insurance, your own Uninsured Motorist coverage could kick in. An experienced attorney can help identify these policies & maximize your recovery.
Find Your Insurance Company
Find Your Insurance Company Contact Info
American Family Auto Insurance
Claim Reporting Number: 1-800-692-6326
Online Claim Portal: Go to site
Learn Fault Factors
How Fault Is Determined
Were you speeding? Nearly one-third of all car accidents can be attributed to speeding.
Was anything obstructing your view? Over half of all states have windshield obstructions laws.
What were the weather conditions? Slippery roads can reduce traction and cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Who had the right of way? The law gives the right of way to no one, but it does state who must yield (give up) the right of way.
What were the Traffic Conditions? Crashes of all types are at their highest Monday through Friday between the hours of 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Were you distracted? (Radio, Phone) Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving.
Were you wearing a seatbelt? Seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes.
Was a citation given out? In most instances, any driver violating traffic law will be held largely responsible for a resulting car accident.
Pro Tip: Do not give any recorded statements until you have the opportunity to consult with legal counsel.
Schedule a Free Strategy Session
Been in an accident? We’re here to help. Fill out the information below to arrange a free consultation
Interactive Car Accidents Form
Call For A No Obligation Conference With A Top-Rated Truck Wreck Attorney
The Baumgartner Law Firm has been successfully prosecuting serious injury and wrongful death blind spot accidents for over 30 years. If you have been seriously injured or lost a family member call a Houston truck accident lawyer immediately for a no-obligation consultation regarding your rights and options.