Truck drivers carry a commercial driver’s license qualifying them to handle a complicated vehicle that is deadlier than any other vehicle on the road due to its size. For this reason, truckers have a heightened duty of care to avoid causing harm. This can be done by following traffic laws, not driving fatigued, and checking their blind spots.
When a truck driver fails to effectively check their blind spots, they can cause devastating damage to nearby vehicles. If you were injured in a blind spot truck accident in Staunton, our legal team is here to help you navigate the process of seeking restitution.
A blind spot is an area near a vehicle that the driver cannot see, even in the mirror. For big rigs, the blind spot can be larger, sometimes large enough for an entire automobile to go unseen, which poses a substantial danger of collision.
Since a trucker is elevated in the cab, anything below the sightline can disappear into a blind spot. Furthermore, due to most 18-wheelers having large trailers, drivers are unable to see directly behind the vehicle. This means passenger vehicles should avoid following too close behind a semi-truck as a rear-end collision could prove fatal.
Due to the large size and weight of large tractor-trailers, any collision between these vehicles and smaller passenger vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. Near Staunton, Interstate 81 and Interstate 64 are hot spots for tractor trailer accidents. If you are sideswiped by a truck driver who failed to check his or her blind spots, you should do the following:
A local lawyer could help determine if a trucker’s negligence in checking his or her blind spots caused the accident.
In order for a plaintiff to recover compensation, he or she must prove the truck driver failed to uphold his or her duty of care, resulting in the vehicle collision. For instance, if a truck driver in Staunton struck another motorist while changing lanes, it could be argued that he or she failed to check the blind spots efficiently.
It is important to work with an experienced lawyer who could help you calculate your total damages for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and future consequences of the accident. The US Code of Federal Regulations § 387.9 mandates that interstate commercial carriers carry $750,000 in liability insurance and up to $5 million if hauling hazardous freight.
It is the responsibility of a truck driver to efficiently and regularly check his or her blind spots to avoid colliding with nearby motorists. Failure to do so could result in devastating harm to the occupants of smaller vehicles.
If you or a loved one were harmed in a blind spot truck accident in Staunton, most likely from Interstates 81 and 64, do not hesitate to seek legal representation. Call The Warren Firm today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
