Blind Spot Truck Accidents in Killeen
Every motor vehicle has blind spots where even attentive drivers cannot easily see physical obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles in their immediate vicinity. Therefore, all other drivers, including commercial vehicle drivers, need to check their blind spots, carefully using mirrors and any other tools available before changing lanes or making a turn. Causing a crash by failing to do so can often qualify as legally actionable negligence.
Blind spot truck accidents in Killeen can result in serious and long-lasting injuries, as well as being difficult to file suit over for a number of reasons. If you were injured in this sort of crash recently, seeking help from a seasoned truck accident attorney can be a vital first step towards ensuring your civil claim has the best possible outcome.
Blind Spots and Driver Duties
All motor vehicles have blind spots directly in front of the front bumper, directly behind the back bumper, and below each side of the vehicle. Tractor-trailers have blind spots in more or less the same locations, but because of how long the average commercial truck is and how much higher above the driver sits, a truck’s blind spots are typically much larger than a car’s. For instance, a big rig’s blind spot can obscure multiple vehicles from view.
Any truck driver who does use their mirrors and/or collision detection systems before merging onto or off of a highway, making a lane change, or making a turn at an intersection may be considered at fault for any ensuing traffic accident, since they have “breached” the duty of care they had to act responsibly and follow all applicable traffic laws while driving. By the same token, though, people driving near tractor-trailers also have a duty to know where those truck drivers’ blind spots are and avoid staying inside them for an unreasonably long time.
Any driver in Killeen who acts negligently around a semi-truck might end up being found partially liable for causing their own blind spot truck wreck, which in turn could lead to them missing out on much needed compensation. While this might sound intimidating, an experienced attorney can help with avoiding allegations of comparative negligence after a blind spot trucking trash.
Recovering for All Available Damages
Assuming a plaintiff does not face any allegations of partially causing a blind spot truck accident, they can usually demand restitution for their injuries and losses. Common examples of compensation include repayment for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost work income and/or working ability
- Personal property damage or loss, including the cost of vehicle repairs/replacement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment/quality of life
- Emotional and psychological distress
It can be challenging for a plaintiff to determine the scope of compensation they deserve after a blind spot truck wreck, but a dedicated Killeen lawyer can help with assessing an injured person’s losses and determining the value of potential payments.
Contact a Killeen Attorney After a Blind Spot Truck Accident
Not checking your blind spots regularly while driving can put both you and everyone around you at risk of serious harm. Any truck driver who acts irresponsibly in this way and causes a wreck can and should be held financially liable for the repercussions of their misconduct.
Civil claims based on blind spot truck accidents in Killeen are much easier to handle if you have seasoned legal counsel on your side. Call today to learn more.
