Blind Spot Errors by Truck Drivers & Potential Legal Claims

Trucks have large blind spots because of their size and rear view obstruction. While truck drivers often do the best that they can to avoid accidents, they do regularly make blind spot errors. Put simply, a blind spot error is an accident caused by a truck driver who hit someone in their blind spot.

If you are involved in a blind spot accident with a truck driver, you may be able to take legal action against the truck driver. They have an obligation to avoid people in their blind spots, and failing to do so can result in legal issues. Discuss your case with a truck accident attorney at Kash Legal for more detailed information about your case, but here are the basics of what you should know about blind spot errors by truck drivers and the potential legal claims that follow.

Blind Spots in Trucks and Cars

Blind spots are the result of a vehicle’s shape and structure. In cars, blind spots are caused by the posts that keep the roof up and problems with getting rear-view mirrors to see enough space around the vehicle. Trucks have a similar problem, but it is more pronounced for trucks. They are longer and wider than most cars, making it even harder to cover all of a truck’s possible blind spots.

When a truck changes lanes or makes a turn, they have a duty to ensure that it is completely safe. Even if they think the way is clear, they can be held responsible for the accident.

How Are Blind Spot Accidents Handled?

Blind spot accidents are treated just like any other accident involving a truck. The police investigate to see who is at fault and then recommend charges to the appropriate court system. Truck drivers are often held liable for such accidents, although there is a chance that they might not be.

If the police determine that the other vehicle was driving recklessly or irresponsibly, it could contribute to the accident, and the driver may face some of the blame. Likewise, if the truck driver is employed by a company and that company creates unsafe working conditions for the driver that could cause the accident, the company may be held responsible. However, it is most likely that the driver will be charged.

When the truck driver is found liable for the blind spot accident, you, as the victim, have the option of filing a civil lawsuit against the driver.

Possible Damages After a Blind Spot Accident

The damages that you can file depend on the accident, but there are three essential damages that you can apply. Each one covers a different type of impact from the accident. Your options include:

Property damage
Personal injury
Lost wages

These damages are common because they outline the most basic parts of the accident. However, there are several other options that you can file. Let’s look at each one more closely.

Property Damage

Property damage claims are targeted at getting compensation for any of your property that is damaged. The most prominent thing that shows up in property damage claims is your vehicle. However, you can include any of your property that was damaged in the accident.

That means anything in the car, like your phone, your clothes, or a laptop, can be filed in the lawsuit if damaged in the accident. Most people don’t realize this at first, but you could lose a lot of money on replacing other things if you only focus on the cost of your vehicle.

Personal Injury

Personal injury claims focus on recovering compensation to pay for things like medical treatments related to injuries you received during the accident. You can file for not only hospital and emergency room bills but also physical therapy and other long-term recovery costs.

Lost Wages

If you have to miss work while you recover from the accident, you can retrieve compensation your lost wages in the lawsuit. This is common since serious injuries can easily stop you from working for a while after the accident.

You can also claim lost wages if you are unable to get to work due to the destruction of your vehicle and if you can’t get another ride to work.

Consult a Lawyer Before It Is Too Late

Recovering from an accident takes all of your focus, but you should talk to a truck accident lawyer sooner rather than later. If you wait too long, the statute of limitations will expire, and you won’t be able to file your claim.

Work with a qualified legal team to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Kash Legal by calling us at (888) 527-4128 or filling out our contact form to arrange a free consultation.