Alpharetta Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyers
Tractor-trailers feature much larger blind spots than standard passenger vehicles due to their size. Blind spots are areas around the exterior of a truck that obstructs the view of the driver. And while federal law requires commercial vehicles to carry signage warning drivers of the dangers of blind spots, these warnings may not prevent a negligent truck driver from causing a blind spot accident.
If you suffered an injury in a collision caused by another person’s negligence, an Alpharetta blind spot truck accident lawyer could help you pursue compensation for your injuries. A well-versed truck accident attorney could thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your injuries to help you determine your options.
Large Truck “No Zones”
Every large commercial truck has four major blind spots, one on each side of the vehicle. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) operates a program intended to educate drivers on how to avoid these so-called “no zones.”
According to FMCSA recommendations, the safest practice is to travel at least 20 feet in front of or 30 feet behind a large truck. The recommendations also suggest avoiding driving in the lane directly on the driver’s side of a truck, or in the two lanes on a truck’s passenger side. While these safety tips may help avoid a blind spot collision, they do not absolve a truck driver of their duty to watch out for other drivers on the road.
Holding Negligent Truck Drivers Accountable in Alpharetta
Despite warnings from the FMCSA to avoid operating within a tractor-trailer’s “no zones,” the reality is that driving in a truck’s blind spot can be unavoidable. For example, in situations with high traffic volume, a driver may have no choice but to travel directly in a truck’s blind spot.
Regardless of the circumstances, a truck driver has an obligation to other drivers on the road to exercise due care at all times. For example, when attempting to change lanes, it is up to the operator of the large truck to ensure a lane is clear before entering it.
Staying out of a blind spot may be a best practice, but the burden is on the truck operator to avoid negligently causing a collision. When a truck driver causes a crash, an Alpharetta blind spot truck accident attorney may pursue that driver for damages on behalf of an injured party.
Shared Fault in Blind Spot Accidents
It could be possible to recover damages in a blind spot accident even in cases where the injured driver bears some of the responsibility. Under Georgia law, a driver who contributes to their own injuries may not be barred outright from recovering damages from a responsible party. However, according to Georgia Statute § 51-12-33(g), if a driver contributes to their own injury in an accident, the amount of their recovery from the other driver may be reduced in proportion to their own fault.
The legal theory behind Georgia’s statute is known as comparative fault. Under Georgia’s comparative fault statute, a driver will have an opportunity to recover at least partial damages so long as they are not found to be 50 percent or more at fault. However, if the injured driver is found to be primarily at fault, they may not be able to recover any compensation. Therefore, it is critical for injured victims to obtain the services of a skilled lawyer.
Let an Alpharetta Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer Help
Allowing a seasoned Alpharetta blind spot truck accident lawyer to pursue damages on your behalf may give you the best opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve. More than that, removing the stress of a lawsuit from your life could allow you to devote the focus you need to recover from your injuries. To learn how an attorney could help, call today.
