Every truck has areas where the operator cannot see their surroundings no matter what they do. When truck drivers fail to check these blind spots – also called no-zones –thoroughly, they risk colliding with smaller vehicles. Crashes due to limited visibility can result in severe injuries for people in cars or smaller trucks. The devastating consequences highlight the importance of safe driving.
When you or a loved one are injured because a truck driver failed to check their surroundings, you should consider financial recovery options. Accidents with large commercial vehicles can be complex and involve multiple liable parties. People injured in these crashes typically require legal guidance to navigate what happens next. Our experienced truck accident attorneys are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our team after you have experienced a blind spot truck accident in Metairie.
Understanding Blind-Spot Collisions
Big commercial vehicles have larger blind spots than smaller cars. However, many accidents also occur due to the truck operator’s negligence. Some common reasons include:
- Lack of proper training
- Failure to align all mirrors
- Distracted driving, such as texting or eating food
- Fatigue
- Tailgating
- Alcohol or drug use
- Aggressive conduct
The statute of limitations, the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury, is only one year from the date of a crash. There are few exceptions, and injured people who do not file their claim on time will lose their opportunity for compensation. A lawyer in Metairie could meet all deadlines to preserve an injured person’s rights after a blind-spot truck accident.
The Pathway to Winning a Case
A truck accident lawsuit may involve several liable parties, including the driver, their employer, mechanics, manufacturers, or government entities. To have a successful claim, the injured person must demonstrate the responsibility of each party.
The trucker’s insurance company will do everything possible to prove they were not at fault for the accident. They want to protect their interests and pay as little as possible. Companies may claim the injured party was speeding, texting, not paying attention, or otherwise not driving safely to take responsibility off the truck driver.
Individuals can seek compensation by litigating their case before a judge or settling with insurance companies. An attorney can advocate for financial damages, both economic and non-economic, from the responsible parties. These damages may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Vehicle repair costs
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death benefits
- Loss of companionship
- Decreased quality of life
- Physical disabilities
In a pure comparative fault state, a plaintiff recovers compensation even if they are mostly at fault for the accident. In other words, even if a plaintiff is 99% responsible, they will recover damages equal to 1%. Strong evidence is important to prove that the other driver, company, or manufacturer was mainly responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries. A dedicated Metairie lawyer will work to prove the other side’s liability and obtain the best compensation for blind-spot truck accident injuries.
Contact an Attorney in Metairie After a Blind-Spot Truck Accident
Every motorist should constantly check their blind spots. However, blind-spot truck accidents in Metairie are more likely to happen due to the size of the truck.
If you or someone you care about was harmed when a trucker failed to check their surroundings, you need an experienced attorney’s help. They can handle the legal issues while you focus on healing. Reach out to us by phone or email to schedule a consultation.