Filing a VA Lawsuit for Truck Accidents Caused by Blind Spots

Every vehicle has blind spots. But the blind spots on a commercial truck are huge compared to those on a passenger vehicle, often spanning multiple lanes of traffic. Truckers know how dangerous these areas can be. They are trained to check their blind spots carefully before moving in traffic. Failure to do so can be a recipe for disaster. But disasters happen every day.

Did you sustain injuries in a blind spot accident in Virginia? You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and crash-related losses. The skilled truck accident attorneys at Lichtenstein Law Group PLC can review your case and determine whether you have a valid claim in a private case review.

Many crash victims are surprised to learn that a truck accident may not be only the trucker’s fault. Our talented legal team will determine who is liable for your injuries and pursue compensation from all available sources.

Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a Virginia truck accident lawyer.

How Many Blind Spots Do Trucks Have?

Trucks have four major blind spots. Also known as the No Zones, these are the areas motorists should avoid whenever possible:

• Front: Blind spots in the front of a truck can extend as far as 20 feet in front of the cab, making anyone within that range invisible to the driver. For this reason, truckers must not tailgate other vehicles. Similarly, drivers should not cut too closely in front of a truck or risk being unseen and struck from behind.

• Right-side: The largest blind spot on a semi-truck is on the right. Starting just behind the cab and extending the entire length of the trailer, the right No Zone can stretch across three lanes of traffic.

• Left-side: The blind spot on the left side of an 18-wheeler is smaller than on the right but still dangerous. It begins behind the driver’s door and continues at an angle down the trailer across as many as two lanes of traffic.

• Rear: The rear-end No Zone on a truck reaches at least 30 feet behind the end of the trailer. With no rearview mirror in the cab, truckers have no idea what’s behind them, especially if a driver is following too closely.

All drivers should be aware of the dangers of driving in a semi-truck’s blind spots. Yet in heavy traffic, on narrow roads, and in many other situations, it is impossible to stay out of the blind spots completely. The responsibility also falls on truck drivers to be aware of their vehicle’s blind spots and utilize all available mirrors and technologies to avoid accidents.

Why Do Blind Spot Accidents Happen?

Most blind spot accidents are due to some type of driver error. Common causes of blind spot truck accidents in Virginia include:

• Failure to check blind spots
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Lack of driver training
• Impaired driving
• Aggressive driving
• Poorly adjusted or missing mirrors

Who Is Liable in a Blind Spot Accident?

Truck drivers undergo specialized training before receiving a commercial driver’s license (CDL). That includes instruction on the location of blind spots, what can be done to minimize their size, and the types of blind spot detection systems available to reduce the risk of crashes. Truckers who disregard their training and fail to check their blind spots can be held liable if they cause a blind spot crash.

Trucking companies could also be liable for damage caused by their employees during working hours. Employers must conduct background checks to verify that their drivers have a safe driving record before hiring them. Truck companies should also ensure each trucker understands the blind spots on their fleets and what blind spot technologies are installed to reduce the chances of a crash.

Unfortunately, trucking companies do not always accept responsibility when an accident occurs. Virginia is one of the few states that follows a contributory negligence law. This harsh standard means that if a claimant is found even one percent responsible for a wreck, they cannot collect any compensation.

Because contributory negligence can easily strip injured people of collecting money they deserve, it’s crucial to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer if you’ve been hurt. You can count on trucking companies and their high-powered attorneys to attempt to shift the blame onto you to avoid paying for your injuries. A proven truck accident lawyer from Lichtenstein Law Group PLC can build a compelling case seeking maximum compensation for your losses.

How Do I File a Truck Blind Spot Accident Lawsuit?

Filing a Virginia lawsuit for truck accidents caused by blind spots is a complex process. It should start with hiring a trusted personal injury lawyer with experience handling truck accident cases. Because federal and state laws govern the trucking industry, you need a lawyer who understands how both types of laws apply to your case.

Next, your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into what caused the crash and determine who should be held liable. Then your legal team will collect the evidence needed to support your claim, including an inventory of your injuries and the financial and personal losses you suffered due to the crash. That information goes to the truck company’s insurance company with a demand for compensation.

Ideally, your case will resolve in a full and fair settlement negotiated between your lawyer and the at-fault party(s). However, at Lichtenstein Law Group PLC, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That way, we can pivot quickly if the trucking company refuses to provide the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Truck Blind Spot Accident Lawyer in Roanoke Today

With over 100 years of combined experience, the Roanoke truck accident attorneys at Lichtenstein Law Group PLC provide exceptional representation to injured people. Let us focus on building a strong case for compensation while you put your energy into healing and getting your life back on track. There’s nothing to lose by scheduling a free consultation. Call or contact us today to get started.