Free Case Evaluation
Cherry Hill Truck Blind Spot Accident Attorneys
Skilled representation when you’re injured in a blind spot or lane shift accident in South Jersey
When large commercial trucks share the road with smaller vehicles, the risk of blind spot accidents increases significantly due to the limited visibility inherent in these massive vehicles. These accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and profound emotional trauma for those involved.
At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill truck accident attorneys recognize the unique challenges posed by blind spot truck accidents and are committed to providing expert legal guidance and advocacy to accident victims. Our experienced Cherry Hill blind spot accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights, navigate the challenges of your case, and seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Free Case Evaluation
Where are a truck’s blind spots?
Trucks have four main blind spots:
- Front blind spot. This blind spot is located directly in front of the truck and extends about 20 feet. It is caused by the truck's long nose and high hood.
- Left blind spot. This blind spot is located on the left side of the truck and extends from the back of the truck to the front of the trailer. It is caused by the truck's long trailer and the driver's position on the left side of the cab.
- Right blind spot. This blind spot is located on the right side of the truck and extends from the back of the truck to the front of the trailer. It is also caused by the truck's long trailer and the driver's position on the left side of the cab.
- Rear blind spot. This blind spot is located directly behind the truck and extends about 200 feet. It is caused by the truck's long trailer and the fact that trucks do not have rearview mirrors.
In addition to these four main blind spots, trucks also have smaller blind spots below the cab and behind the trailer.
Drivers can reduce their blind spots by using mirrors and adjusting their seats. However, it is important to remember that trucks will always have some blind spots. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the location of truck blind spots and to drive carefully around trucks.
What is a lane shift truck accident?
A lane shift truck accident occurs when a large commercial truck, such as a tractor-trailer or big rig, is involved in a collision while navigating a lane shift or merging into a different lane on the roadway. Lane shifts typically occur in construction zones, areas of road maintenance, or due to traffic congestion where the flow of traffic must be rerouted temporarily. These accidents can happen for various reasons and often result in serious consequences due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
Common causes of lane shift truck accidents include:
- Inadequate signage. Insufficient or unclear signage in construction zones or areas with lane shifts can confuse truck drivers and other motorists, leading to accidents.
- Speeding. Truck drivers who fail to reduce their speed appropriately when approaching a lane shift can lose control of their vehicles, especially if the shift involves a significant change in direction.
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting in-cab technology, can prevent truck drivers from noticing lane shifts or other vehicles merging.
- Impaired driving. Truck drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications may struggle to navigate lane shifts safely.
- Fatigue. Fatigued truck drivers are more likely to make errors in judgment and reaction time when faced with unexpected lane changes or merges.
- Inexperienced drivers. Inexperienced truck drivers may lack the skills needed to handle lane shifts, especially in challenging conditions.
- Weather conditions. Adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make lane shifts treacherous. Reduced visibility and slippery roads increase the risk of accidents.
- Mechanical failures. Equipment failures, such as brake problems or tire blowouts, can result in a loss of control during a lane shift.
Due to the potential severity of lane shift truck accidents, both truck drivers and other motorists must exercise caution, follow posted speed limits, and be vigilant when encountering construction zones or areas with lane shifts.
How can I avoid blind spot truck accidents in Cherry Hill?
Here are some tips on how to avoid truck blind spot accidents:
- Stay out of truck blind spots. This is the most important thing you can do to avoid a truck blind spot accident. Truck blind spots are the areas around the truck where the driver cannot see. The largest blind spot is directly behind the truck, but trucks also have blind spots on the sides and in front of the cab.
- Use your mirrors. Check your mirrors frequently to make sure that you are not in a truck's blind spot. Pay special attention when changing lanes or merging.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the road and other vehicles and be prepared for unexpected events. Be aware of the truck's position and its turn signals.
- Signal your intentions. Use your turn signals to let the truck driver know what you are doing. This will help the driver to avoid making a sudden lane change or turn that could put you in their blind spot.
- Be patient. Trucks are large and slow-moving vehicles. Be patient and allow trucks plenty of space.
- Pass trucks quickly. If you need to pass a truck, do so quickly and safely. Do not linger in the truck's blind spot.
- Do not tailgate. Tailgating a truck puts you in the truck's rear blind spot. It also makes it difficult for you to react if the truck needs to stop suddenly.
- Be especially careful when driving around trucks at night. Trucks are more difficult to see at night, and their blind spots are even larger.
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and others safe on the road. If you are involved in a truck blind spot accident, it is important to contact an experienced Cherry Hill truck accident attorney from Ferrara & Gable to discuss your legal rights and options.
What should I do after a Cherry Hill lane shift accident?
If you are involved in a truck lane shift accident, it is important to take the following steps:
- Check for injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you do not think you are injured, it is important to be checked out by a doctor, as some injuries, such as whiplash and concussions, may not cause symptoms immediately.
- Move to a safe location. If your vehicle is blocking traffic, move it to the side of the road if possible.
- Exchange information with the truck driver. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
- File a police report. The responding police officer should fill out a police report. This will create a record of the accident and will be helpful when you file a claim with your insurance company.
- Take pictures of the scene. This includes photos of the damage to your vehicle, the truck, and the surrounding area.
- Get witness statements. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information and statements.
- Contact your insurance company. File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you investigate the cause of the accident, identify the responsible parties, and file a claim for compensation.
Do you have a Cherry Hill truck blind spot and lane shift accident attorney near me?
Ferrara & Gable maintains an office at 601 Longwood Avenue in Cherry Hill, NJ. There is parking available, and a bus stop right up the block on Rt. 38. If you are too injured or ill to travel, we can schedule a phone or video consultation.
Cherry Hill, NJ truck accident attorneys protecting clients throughout South Jersey
Were you or someone you love injured in a truck blind spot accident? Talk to our lane shift accident attorneys today to find out your rights to compensation for your injuries. Our team of skilled Cherry Hill blind spot accident attorneys is here to help you recover, both physically and financially. Call our offices or contact us today for a confidential consultation. Proudly serving Camden County, Burlington County & all of South Jersey.
