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Across Chicago, big trucks account for about 1 in 7 vehicles on the road. As a freight hub of America, it sees a significant amount of travel on all sides. Unfortunately, that heavy vehicle traffic can mean an increased accident risk for other drivers nearby. Blind spot truck accidents in Chicago are one of the biggest dangers on the road. Anyone who was harmed in one of these incidents should contact our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys right away.
Big trucks have large blind spots on all four sides of the vehicle: areas where the truck driver cannot see anything moving around him. Even a full-size SUV can quickly disappear into those blind spots, making it impossible for the driver to figure out whether he can safely maneuver in that area. Many trucking companies, in order to compensate for those blind spots, use technology to help drivers identify other vehicles in their blind spots. Older-model trucks, however, may not have that technology, and it does not always offer a perfect solution.
Blind spot accidents occur when a truck driver attempts to move into an area of the road already occupied by another vehicle, but cannot see that vehicle due to the poor angle. Blind spot truck accidents can occur in Chicago because:
Unfortunately, many truck drivers do not safely share the road with other cars, and could drive unsafely, ignoring their blind spots and putting other motorists in a difficult situation.
Chicago’s heavy traffic may increase the risk of blind spot collisions, since truck drivers may need to merge or change lanes while there are numerous cars around them. Those accidents can pose serious danger to other vehicles. As a truck moves sideways, a vehicle trapped in its blind spot may have no room to get out of the way. The heavy mass of a big truck often means severe damage to the vehicle, and blind spot collisions often occur to a vehicle’s side, where it offers less protection to its passengers.
Victims of truck blind-spot crashes in Chicago can pursue compensation for their medical costs, wage losses, and pain and suffering. Illinois drivers who carry MedPay coverage may need to use it to cover the initial cost of medical care, though the high medical bills associated with a blind spot collision may exceed that coverage. Truck drivers often carry extensive insurance policies to help with the aftermath of those accidents. Talk to a lawyer about the compensation you should expect as part of a truck accident claim.
If you suffer injuries in Chicago because a truck was not paying attention to its blind spots, you need a personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the claim process and maximize the compensation you can recover. Reach out to McCready Law today for a free consultation that will help you learn more about your rights.