Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers have notoriously large blind spots. This can leave other motorists, especially those in small passenger vehicles, vulnerable in the event that a truck driver fails to properly check these spots. It only takes a few seconds for a careless truck driver to severely or even fatally harm others on the road, given the immense size and weight of these vehicles.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a blind spot truck accident in Baton Rouge, do not hesitate to take legal action. A dedicated truck wreck attorney can assess your case and pursue the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party.
Where Blind Spots Are Located on a Truck
Blind spots are something that most motorists are familiar with. While drivers of small cars generally just need to turn their heads to check their blind spot before changing lanes, dealing with spots of poor visibility can be much more complicated for truck drivers. Because they are pulling a large trailer, truck drivers have larger and more numerous blind spots.
The four primary blind spots on a large truck include:
- About twenty feet in front of the truck cab
- Directly behind the truck’s trailer for about thirty feet
- Immediately behind and under the driver’s side window
- Backward diagonally from the right side of the truck cab
Truck drivers are supposed to receive training on how to safely operate their vehicles and deal with these blind spots. Failure to account for spots of low visibility is negligent behavior, and can leave Baton Rouge truck drivers on the hook financially for injuries they cause in the event of a crash.
Typical Causes of Blind Spot Truck Accidents
When a truck driver fails to account for a blind spot, they can cause substantial injuries or even deadly harm to others on the road. Primary reasons for blind spot truck collisions include, but are not limited to:
- Failure to check mirrors or other safety devices
- Unexpected lane changes
- Vehicles following too closely
- Aggressive driving or braking
- Changing lanes in banned areas (construction zones, solid lines)
- Failure to signal before changing to a different lane
A skilled Baton Rouge attorney can help an individual determine the cause of their blind spot truck wreck and take legal action against the at-fault party.
Compensation in Baton Rouge Blind Spot Collision Cases
When a driver is injured in a blind spot truck collision, they could be entitled to monetary damages to help them recover. These damages can take two forms: economic and non-economic. Economic damages refer to tangible, calculable losses and can include lost income, medical bills, property damage, and other losses that can be given a definite number.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and disfigurement. While these losses are trickier to assign a particular number to, they can be awarded by the judge or jury in an amount they feel is appropriate. A local attorney can help an injured party pursue a monetary award that accounts for the full extent of the economic and non-economic losses after a blind spot truck wreck.
Let a Blind Spot Truck Accident Attorney in Baton Rouge Help You
After a serious accident with a semi-truck, your health and financial well-being are at risk. The last thing you need to worry about is fighting with trucking companies and insurers in court. Let our dedicated team at Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers handle the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on getting better.
To discuss your compensation options after a blind spot truck accident in Baton Rouge, get in touch with us today. We are here to help, and consultations are always free.
