If a truck driver who failed to check their blind spots caused your injury in an accident, DeMayo Law Offices can help you pursue compensation and hold them accountable for their actions. Blind spots on commercial trucks are significantly larger than those on small cars. If the driver does not take time to look at the areas to the sides, in front, and behind them, they could crash into another vehicle and cause a traumatic accident.
At DeMayo Law Offices, we believe accident victims deserve justice for the harm caused by other people and companies. If the truck driver was responsible for your suffering, you should be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. Everyone in the trucking industry must follow state and federal regulations to ensure the safety of others. If they violate any of these regulations, they could be held liable if someone sustains an injury.
For a free consultation or to find out more about how we can help you with your case, call us at (704) 333-1000 today.
Why Blind Spots Are More Dangerous for Truck Drivers
Commercial trucks have four blind spots around them:
- Front: 20-foot area in front of the cab.
- Rear: 30-foot area behind the trailer.
- Left side: Directly behind the cab extending to the back of the trailer and one lane over.
- Right side: Directly behind the cab extending to the back of the trailer and two lanes over.
You should always be aware of your of where you are in relation to any large truck you’re driving near. Take these necessary precautions to avoid getting into an accident:
- Don’t spend too long in the side blind spots if you are passing a truck.
- Keep your distance from the rear of a trailer, so you don’t crash into them if they have to slow down or stop suddenly.
- Always keep your headlights on, especially when it is dark outside.
- Be sure to use your turn signal far in advance if there is a truck following behind you.
- Stay away from the side of a truck if they are preparing to turn. They need to swing out wide and might not see you riding alongside.
Sometimes when you can’t avoid a truck driver’s blind spots, or they make an error that leads to a collision. Common examples of truck driver behavior that lead to blind spot accidents include:
- Tailgating
- Reckless driving, such as sudden braking or cutting off another driver
- Driver fatigue
- Merging or changing lanes without checking for other vehicles
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Preparing for a turn without looking at both sides of the trailer first
- Distracted driving
If you sustain injuries through no fault of your own, you might be entitled to compensation from the truck driver or their employer if they negligently hired them. DeMayo Law Offices will investigate who caused the crash and whether you should receive a monetary award for your losses.
Compensation That Might Be Available After a Blind Spot Accident
North Carolina follows a fault system when it comes to liability after a motor vehicle crash. That means the person who causes it becomes financially responsible for the injured person’s damages. There are two main types of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are expenses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Out of pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
Non-economic damages are intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
State laws require motorists to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $30,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. However, commercial trucks typically cause significantly worse damage and injuries than accidents between two passenger cars. For that reason, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires higher liability limits for truck drivers:
- $300,000 for trucks under 10,001 pounds carrying non-hazardous cargo
- $750,000 for trucks over 10,000 pounds carrying non-hazardous cargo
- $1 million for trucks transporting oil and hazardous materials
- $5 million for trucks transporting other hazardous materials
DeMayo Law Offices will use aggressive tactics to negotiate for a settlement we believe is fair during an insurance claim. If the insurance company denies your claim or refuses to settle for an appropriate amount, we can file a lawsuit to hold the truck driver or trucking company liable for your damages.
Why You Need To Hire An Experienced Lawyer
Insurance claims and lawsuits can be difficult to handle alone. You need someone experienced with the process to assist you. You could encounter roadblocks that you might not know how to handle or feel intimidated by the insurance company’s aggressive negotiating tactics. You also might be able to receive higher compensation if you hire DeMayo Law Offices than if you attempt to take on your case without seeking legal representation.
Our experienced legal team will take on the responsibility and handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovering your health after the truck accident. We will investigate and gather relevant evidence to prove the truck driver or trucking company was at fault. Examples of evidence we will need include:
- Crash report
- Security video surveillance
- Your medical records and medical bills
- Trucking company’s hiring procedures and records
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Accident scene photos
- A copy of the liability insurance policy
- Truck driver’s driving and employment history
We can file the insurance claim and provide the insurance company with all the evidence we found. When the time comes, we will negotiate for a settlement that covers your past and future damages, so you don’t have to pay for anything yourself. If there are any obstacles during the negotiating process, we might be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party and their insurance company to bring your case to court.
Contact DeMayo Law Offices Now
Our lawyers have over 150 years of combined experience representing accident victims. We have been able to recover significant insurance settlements and favorable jury verdicts for our clients. You can depend on us to keep your interests in mind and work hard to reach your legal goals.
If you were the victim of a truck accident due to a driver failing to check their blind spots, call DeMayo Law Offices at (704) 333-1000 for a free consultation.