Fulton County Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer
Big-rig trucks are large and heavy, making them difficult to drive. In addition to lacking the agility of smaller vehicles, they also have significant blind spots on every side. When drivers fail to carefully check these blind spots, they cause serious accidents that often result in significant property damage and life-altering injuries.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation if another party was responsible. Assigning fault in these cases can sometimes be challenging, however, which is why having a Fulton County blind spot truck accident lawyer on your side critical to your claim’s success.
A detail-oriented truck accident attorney could review your case. If you have a viable claim, they could work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Big-Rig Blind Spots?
Big-rig trucks, also known as semi-trucks or 18-wheelers, have four primary blind spots where other vehicles, especially smaller passenger cars and motorcycles, are not visible. They are:
- Approximately 20 feet directly in front of the truck’s cab;
- Below and behind the truck driver’s window;
- Approximately 30 feet directly behind the truck’s trailer; and
- A large diagonal space on the right side of the cab and trailer.
Truck drivers are supposed to do their best to check these blind spots, if they fail to they can be held liable for any injuries they cause.
Truck Accidents and Injuries
Blind spot accidents typically happen when a truck driver changes lanes, brakes, or turns without seeing a smaller vehicle in the way. Specifically, these collisions often occur when:
- The truck driver fails to exercise reasonable caution in checking blind spots before maneuvering the truck;
- Either the truck or a passenger vehicle tailgates; or
- The truck driver is speeding or otherwise driving aggressively.
Given a truck’s size, collisions with passenger vehicles can result in a variety of serious accidents, including rollovers and underride accidents, where a smaller vehicle gets pinned under the truck’s trailer. These collisions can result in lacerations, crushed or broken bones, internal bleeding, burns, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
In some cases, victims may be paralyzed and suffer permanent brain damage, leaving them unable to work or care for their families. A Fulton County blind spot truck accident attorney could help victims pursue the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
Why is it Difficult to Determine Fault for Tractor Trailer Crashes?
Determining fault in blind spot truck accident lawsuits can be difficult. That is because truck drivers may argue that they exercised all reasonable care and caution in checking their blind spots, but still collided with a smaller vehicle in a blind spot. This is especially likely if they can claim that a driver remained in a blind spot for some time or was otherwise driving in an unsafe manner.
Comparative Negligence Doctrine
Truckers may argue that responsibility for the accident rested with the driver, not the truck driver. This determination is crucial because Georgia follows the modified comparative negligence doctrine which means is injured plaintiffs who are found to be 50 percent or more at fault cannot recover any compensation. However, if they are less than 50 percent at fault, they may be able to recover reduced damages. A skilled Fulton County lawyer with experience in blind spot truck accident cases could dispute claims that a driver was at fault.
Call a Fulton Country Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a family member was hurt in a trucking accident, you have rights. While a monetary reward cannot undo the physical damage and emotional trauma, it can alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses and lost wages. Call a Fulton County blind spot truck accident lawyer today to learn more about pursuing your case.
