Commercial trucks have significantly larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. The areas a truck driver cannot see extend along both sides of the trailer, directly behind the vehicle, and in front of the cab. If a trucker fails to account for these zones before making a move, the result can be a devastating collision that the other driver has no chance to avoid.
If you’ve been involved in a blind spot truck accident in Michigan, learning about how these cases work under state law is an important first step.
Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?
Generally speaking, commercial trucks have four primary blind zones:
- Front no-zone: Extends roughly 20 feet ahead of the cab, making vehicles that cut in too closely after passing invisible to the driver
- Rear no-zone: Stretches up to 200 feet behind the trailer, with no rearview mirror to compensate
- Left no-zone: Runs along the driver’s side from the cab through part of the trailer
- Right no-zone: The largest blind spot, spanning the full length of the trailer and sometimes extending across multiple lanes
If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, they likely can’t see you. However, regardless of positioning, the truck driver has a legal duty to verify the path is clear before changing lanes and turning.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Blind Spot Truck Accident?
Multiple parties may share responsibility for a blind spot truck accident in Michigan. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, you may be able to pursue claims against:
- The truck driver directly
- The trucking company that employs the driver
- An equipment manufacturer
- Other motorists
- Government entities
- Insurance companies for these parties
Federal regulations require interstate trucking companies to carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage for vehicles equal to or greater than 10,001 pounds GVWR, which means substantially more insurance is often available in these cases compared to a standard car accident.
What Are My Legal Options After a Truck Accident in Michigan?
Michigan’s no-fault system affects how compensation works after a truck accident. Your available options generally include:
- First-party PIP claim: Filed with your own auto insurer, this covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. Written notice must be provided within one year in most cases.
- Third-party lawsuit: Filed against the at-fault truck driver and trucking company for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. You have three years from the accident date to file if you are eligible.
Given the severity of most truck accident injuries, many victims meet the threshold for a third-party lawsuit. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate whether your injuries qualify and pursue every potential source of financial recovery on your behalf from there.
Contact a Troy Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Were you involved in a blind spot truck accident in Michigan? You may be entitled to compensation, but these cases can be difficult to pursue without an experienced legal advocate on your side.
Contact Khamo Law today for a free consultation to learn more at (248) 466-0606. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients so far and will work just as hard for you during your case.