Every vehicle has blind spots. However, given the sheer size and dimensions of commercial trucks, these motor vehicles have major blind spots that, if not properly observed, can be the catalyst for a major roadway accident.
Blind-spot truck accidents in Clearwater are a leading cause of serious injuries and damages in roadway collisions. If you have been harmed in this kind of accident, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim seeking compensation for the losses that you have endured. Our experienced auto collision attorneys could review the particular facts and circumstances of your wreck to determine the best path forward for your case.
How Do Blind-Spot Truck Wrecks Happen?
Blind-spot truck crashes in Clearwater happen far too often, and the outcome can be catastrophic for multiple parties involved. Semi-trucks are notorious for having the worst and most wide-ranging blind spots compared to other commercial vehicles, which means that any instance of negligent driving could result in a terrible and even deadly accident.
Among the most notable blind spots that semi-trucks have are at the front and back of the truck, as well as the sides of the tractor-trailer. Because of this, if a truck driver fails to operate the vehicle with reasonable care—such as by making an illegal or unsafe lane change, not checking their mirrors, or driving distracted—the chances of an accident ensuing are extremely high. Other leading causes of blind-spot truck accidents include alcohol or drug-impaired driving, insufficient training, and even mechanical failure in some cases.
Avoiding Blind-Spot Truck Accidents
Blind-spot truck wrecks in Clearwater can lead to serious physical injuries and severe damage to your vehicle. Avoiding these accidents should be a priority, and there are steps you can take to do so.
To avoid blind-spot truck accidents, you should be mindful of what a truck driver can see and do. Avoiding a truck’s blind-spots entirely is ideal; if you do not have a line of sight to a driver’s face in their mirrors, then they will not be able to see your vehicle alongside or behind their truck. If you do find yourself following a truck in a blind spot or needing to move around a truck, try to leave as much space as you can.
Truck drivers and trucking companies also have roles to play in avoiding blind-spot truck collisions. Government regulation limits the hours that truckers can drive consecutively before taking required breaks, which trucking companies must enforce. Drivers also have a responsibility not to drive if they are too tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Unfortunately, even with the best precautions and intentions, blind-spot truck crashes can still happen. After an accident, our seasoned lawyers at Perenich Law Injury Attorneys could talk you through your potential legal options.
Liability for Blind-Spot Truck Collisions
The question of who is liable in a blind-spot semi-truck accident in Clearwater will depend on the details and chain of events that led to the crash. Evidence that could be vital in establishing liability for the incident includes:
- The police report
- Dashcam footage
- Photos of the crash
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
A diligent attorney could handle all aspects of this investigation while building a compelling case for any compensation that may be owed to you.
Depending on the circumstances of the collision, the truck driver, the truck company, or both could be liable. If another motorist’s actions contributed to the crash, they could also bear legal liability. In cases where a faulty vehicle part had a role in the incident, the truck or truck component manufacturer could potentially be liable.
Collecting Compensation after a Blind-Spot Truck Crash
Blind-spot truck crashes can inflict long-lasting and even life-threatening injuries, depending on the angle, speed, and other details of the collision. These injuries can include:
In the state of Florida, even if a negligent truck driver causes an accident, the injured victim will still generally need to file a claim with their own insurance company to recover the cost of their medical bills and other expenses like lost wages. Only if their injury meets the bar of a serious injury is it possible to file a claim directly against the truck driver or other negligent party.
A blind-spot truck accident lawyer in Clearwater could help you determine whether your case meets this threshold and the best next steps for your legal recovery. If you were seriously injured in this type of collision, you could be entitled to recover the cost of not only your medical bills and lost wages, but pain, suffering, and other key losses.
Contact a Clearwater Blind-Spot Truck Accident Attorney Today
Blind-spot truck accidents in Clearwater can point to multiple sources of liability. It is critical to work with an attorney who not only has extensive experience successfully managing these claims both in and outside of the courtroom, but also who has the resources and knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call Perenich Law Injury Attorneys today to schedule your no-obligation, one-on-one case consultation with one of our committed legal professionals.
(727) 669-2828