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Truck accidents in Maryland, particularly those involving blind spots, pose unique challenges and dangers on the road. A Maryland blind spot truck accident can cause life-changing challenges for accident victims. Of course, when you see a truck on the road, your first thought may be to avoid their blind spot. While 18-wheeler safety technology has only improved, this is still the biggest cause of truck accidents in Maryland. Maneuvering such a large vehicle is difficult, even for the professionals. And yet, they are held to a professional standard. They are not held to the same standard that an ordinary driver who steps into a truck for the first time is held to. It is understandably difficult for someone unaccustomed to that size of a truck.
However, a truck of that size and weight can be fatal if the driver is not careful. Accordingly, the law places a professional standard of care as opposed to an ordinary standard of care for the average car. Understanding the dynamics of these blind spots, the legal framework governing such incidents, and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risks associated with truck accidents. Traffic is often heavy in Maryland. That always increases the odds of a rear-end collision. But even in more free-flowing traffic, a Maryland blind spot truck accident can occur. If you find yourself in a blind spot accident, there are steps you should take to protect your legal rights. While you may be accustomed to the steps after a standard motor vehicle accident, you may be surprised to learn that the steps to take after a blind spot truck accident differ slightly.
A Maryland blind spot truck accident can occur at any moment. It may be caused by a simple turn at an intersection or by adverse weather conditions that make it more challenging to see. However, the most common causes of blind spot accidents for truckers are discussed below.
When a trucker changes lanes, they should proceed with extreme caution. If they need to take an exit to get off a highway in Maryland, they should merge to the right with miles to spare. This is because changing lanes in an 18-wheeler is extremely dangerous. An experienced truck driver knows to change lanes slowly. They should use their blinker for the appropriate amount of time and merge. If possible, they should check their blind spot. Of course, a rear-view mirror is unavailable to the driver in many trucks. This is due to the large cargo traveling behind them. In more advanced trucks, a camera shows the driver what is behind the truck. Nevertheless, a trucker only requires a side-view mirror to see what cars may be traveling in the lane they intend to merge into. At the least, the truck should have a smaller mirror on that side-view mirror to see the blind spot.
This is a cost-effective method that saves lives. An improper lane change can result in a couple of scenarios. The most common one is the one that does not result in an accident. This is when the vehicle in that new lane slams on its brakes or merges into another lane to avoid an accident. That car may hold its ground in less fortunate examples, and a collision ensues. When this happens, particularly with a large truck, the accidents can be catastrophic and affect everyone in the immediate vicinity.
Merging onto a highway is another scenario that large trucks struggle with. Fully loaded, a truck can take about 60 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour from a standstill. So naturally, merging onto a highway is always tricky for truckers. This is especially true on a faster highway, many of which exist in Maryland. Given that the truck has less time to catch up to speed, they may prematurely merge onto the highway. This may happen because the trucker does not have enough time to check for vehicles in the new lane or because of higher traffic density. When this happens, devastating results can occur. Undoubtedly, you owe it to yourself and everyone else in your vehicle to protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your injuries.
But how can you proactively prevent a blind spot accident from occurring in the first place?
You can take many steps to avoid a Maryland blind spot truck accident. Of course, none of these steps are foolproof for avoiding an accident. Preventing an accident is impossible on some level, especially if it is a larger truck. However, you can take steps to mitigate risk on the road. The first step is to understand what a blind spot is. Familiarize yourself with blind spots, which are significantly larger for a truck than for the average vehicle. Second, maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and a truck. In other words, avoid staying in a truck’s blind spot for too long. This does not mean speeding excessively past trucks to avoid their blind spots or to merge away recklessly. Instead, simply avoid staying in a blind spot longer than necessary.
Third, be visible. This is especially important in poor weather conditions. So, you should use your headlights and not be afraid to honk to alert the truck that you are there. Fourth and finally, watch for turning trucks. Maneuvering such a large vehicle is challenging. Even for professionals, it requires focus to execute a wide turn. Do not make it more difficult for the trucker than it already is. Be extra cautious at intersections and when trucks are turning. Trucks make wide turns and may initially swing in the opposite direction before turning.
The first thing you should do following a Maryland blind spot truck accident is ensure your safety. It may be best to pull over to the side if you are in the middle of the road. Not only does this mitigate the risk of another careless driver striking you or your car, but it also allows traffic to flow following the accident. Then, while it is critical to exchange information with all parties if you are seriously injured, seek medical attention immediately. If you must leave the scene to receive immediate medical care, try to make at least sure the police are called. They will do their best to collect information and create an information exchange sheet. If you do not need to leave the scene, exchange information with the trucker once your medical needs are addressed.
This means collecting insurance information, including the name, address, license plate number, and make and model of the truck. It may also be beneficial to identify the corporation the driver works for. If the driver is uncooperative and leaves the scene without exchanging information, at least take a picture of their license plate. Generally, we can determine who the truck is registered to based on that information.
Our attorneys have over 70 years of experience offering legal advice to our clients and battling in court. We have handled countless cases of Maryland blind spot truck accidents and stand ready to fight for your recovery.
Contact our office today for a free consultation and case evaluation at (202) 331-7227.
Copyright © 2024 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.