Blind Spot Truck Accidents in Hammond
Large vehicles such as semi-trucks also have large areas of limited visibility on the road, known as blind spots. If a truck driver fails to check their blind spots before turning or changing lanes, they may end up veering into a smaller vehicle, potentially resulting in extensive property damage and physical injuries.
After a blind spot truck accident in Hammond, your legal options may depend on what you and the trucker were doing immediately prior to the wreck. Once retained, an experienced truck accident attorney can examine the circumstances leading up to your collision, determine whether you have grounds to file suit, and guide you through every step of pursuing compensation for your losses.
Where Are Tractor-Trailer Blind Spots?
On a typical tractor-trailer, there are several areas that the driver of the truck cannot easily see from their seat in the cab. Some of these blind spots may not be visible at all, even with assistance from side mirrors. These include the following areas:
- About 20 feet in front of their front bumper
- About 30 feet behind their trailer
- Directly under the driver’s side door
- Most of the passenger side of the cab and trailer
Both truck drivers and other motorists on the roads in Hammond should be aware of these blind-spots to reduce the possibility of collisions.
Who Is At-Fault in Blind Zone Truck Crashes?
As part of the duty of care they owe to other people on the road, commercial truck drivers must remain alert at all times and ensure their blind spots are completely clear before making any driving maneuvers. However, the drivers of smaller vehicles owe a similar duty to truck operators to be aware of their blind spots and stay out them whenever possible.
If an injured plaintiff is found partially responsible for an accident in Hammond because they stayed in a truck’s blind spot for an unreasonable amount of time, Louisiana Civil Code § 2323 allows the court to reduce their final damage award to reflect their percentage of fault. Because of this, it is important for injured victims to retain skilled legal counsel to contest allegations of comparative negligence.
Recoverable Damages After a Hammond Blind Spot Truck Wreck
If they can prove the trucker’s negligence in causing an accident, an injured victim and their local attorney should be able to seek restitution for both economic and non-economic forms of harm. For example, a person who suffered a broken arm when a truck driver swerved into their vehicle could pursue compensation for their medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, pain and suffering, and any wages they missed because they were unable to work while recovering.
Catastrophic or permanent injuries like paralysis and significant brain trauma may justify more extensive recovery for future damages. These could include:
- Cost of rehabilitative medical care
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Cost of home adaptations to accommodate a new disability
A knowledgeable lawyer in the area could clarify what damages a victim may be able to factor into their blind spot truck accident lawsuit or settlement demand.
Work With a Hammond Attorney Experienced in Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Because commercial trucks are so large and unwieldy, their operators must take extra care to check blind spots and keep other vehicles safe on the road. Unfortunately, negligent drivers frequently cause blind spot truck accidents in Hammond that can result in severe injuries.
If you were hurt because a truck driver failed to check their blind spots, you may be able to pursue civil recovery. Contact a seasoned lawyer at our firm to discuss your case.