Blind Spot Truck Accidents: Who is Responsible?
Blind spot truck accidents are a serious issue on the roads. If you’ve been injured in a blind spot truck accident, you might have questions about who is responsible and whether you can obtain compensation for your losses. Keep reading to learn who could be liable for these types of accidents, what legal rights you have, and how an experienced lawyer can help.
What Causes Blind Spot Truck Accidents?
Blind spots around trucks are especially large due to the size of these vehicles, and when truck drivers don’t properly check their blind spots before changing lanes, they can cause devastating collisions with other motorists. Common causes of blind spot truck accidents include:
- Trucks passing too closely to smaller vehicles in their blind spots
- Truck drivers failing to check all mirrors and take note of blind spots before merging into another lane
- Poorly positioned side-view mirrors that create larger than normal blind spots
Who Is Responsible For A Blind Spot Truck Accident?
When it comes to determining who is liable for a blind spot truck accident, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. Here are some parties that could be liable for a truck accident:
Truck Driver
When a truck driver fails to take appropriate precautions or abide by safety regulations, the driver may be held liable for any resulting accident. This can include failing to check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, driving too fast for road conditions, or operating the vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
In cases where a truck driver has acted negligently, they—or their employer—may be held liable for any damages resulting from an accident.
Manufacturer of Truck or Parts
In some cases, a blind spot truck accident may be caused by a malfunctioning/defective vehicle component.
For instance, if the brakes fail on a large commercial truck, it can lead to an accident if the driver cannot stop in time. In such cases, the manufacturer or another party responsible for supplying and maintaining the vehicle components may be held liable for any damages incurred as a result of an accident caused by the malfunctioning part.
Government Entity
In some instances, unsafe road condition could be at least partially responsible for causing an accident involving a large commercial truck. Examples include poor visibility due to insufficient lighting or potholes that cause vehicles to swerve into other lanes unexpectedly.
In such cases, local authorities, or state departments responsible for maintaining roads may be held liable if they were aware of, but failed to address, an unsafe road condition prior to an accident taking place.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You with Your Claim
Getting into a truck accident can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced lawyer who understands the complexities of truck accident claims. A lawyer can help you in the following ways:
Obtain Compensation for Damages and Medical Bills
A truck accident lawyer will help to ensure that you get the compensation you need to cover medical bills, car repairs, and any other financial losses resulting from the accident. They will help negotiate with insurance companies or litigate in court if necessary.
Your lawyer will also make sure that all legal documents are properly filled out and filed on time.
Access to Expert Witnesses
Your lawyer will also have access to expert witnesses who can provide testimony regarding any aspects of the case that need clarification. These experts may include medical professionals, vehicle engineers, accident reconstructionists, or other specialists whose knowledge of the industry is essential in making sure that you get fair compensation for your losses.
This type of expert witness testimony can be invaluable in helping to prove negligence on behalf of another party involved in the accident.
Hiring an Charleston truck accident lawyer is one of the best ways to ensure that your rights are protected after an accident occurs. They understand all relevant laws and regulations pertaining to these cases and can guide you through every step of filing a claim. If you need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
