While all vehicles have blind spots, the road and surrounding areas that cannot be seen through rearview mirrors are much larger for massive commercial freight carriers than passenger cars. Accordingly, blind spots are often a contributing factor to collisions between tractor-trailers and conventional vehicles. Such accidents often cause severe injuries to those involved and result in substantial medical bills.
If you or someone close to you have been injured in this type of traffic accident, a seasoned tractor-trailer accident attorney could provide necessary support in seeking compensation. The legal team at Tittle & Perlmuter has experience handling blind spot truck accidents in Elyria, and we are ready to help you pursue accountability and the financial resources you need to aid in your treatment and recovery.
Contributing Factors in Low Visibility Truck Crashes
The blind spots for passenger cars tend to be relatively narrow and affect the vehicle’s periphery. However, large semi-trucks have limited visibility on the side, front, and rear of their cabs and attached trailers. As such, truck drivers must pay heightened attention to their blind zones to avoid devastating collisions.
Negligent behavior by truck drivers increases the risks posed by their vehicle’s limited range of sight. The following factors often contribute to blind spot truck crashes in Elyria:
- Speeding;
- Failing to yield to other vehicles;
- Failing to compensate for changing weather conditions;
- Making ill-advised lane changes amid traffic;
- Driving while distracted or fatigued; and
- Driving while intoxicated.
If driver negligence contributed to a blind spot truck collision, an experienced attorney could help pursue compensation to which the victim is entitled.
Assessing Liability in Tractor-Trailer Blind Zone Accidents
In addition to truck operators, other parties may be liable for injury claims arising from blind spot accidents. For instance, when a negligent driver causes a blind zone collision, an injured party may pursue claims against the trucking company that employs for negligent hiring, failing to provide sufficient driver training and supervision, or for neglecting to equip their vehicles with the proper safety gear for preventing blind spot collisions.
An experienced attorney can assist injured individuals in identifying liable parties and recovering damages against those held accountable.
Contributory Fault in Elyria Blind Spot Collisions
A trucker’s duty to pay proper attention to their blind zones does not relieve other motorists from their obligation to operate their vehicles safely, maintain a proper distance between themselves and tractor-trailers, and remain alert around large commercial semi-trucks.
However, under Ohio Rev. Code §23.15.33, even if an injured victim is found to have contributed to a trucking collision, they may still be able to recover damages if their share of the blame does not exceed 50 percent. A consultation with a knowledgeable local attorney is crucial to understanding how Ohio’s contributory fault laws might impact a particular blind spot truck accident case.
Seek Justice for Elyria Blind Spot Truck Accidents with an Attorney
The aftermath of a severe truck crash often involves mounting medical bills, significant therapy and rehabilitation costs, lost wages, physical suffering, and emotional trauma. When another person’s negligence causes these hardships, an attorney could help pursue justice and recover the necessary financial resources to compensate victims for their losses.
If you face these kinds of challenges after a serious truck accident, call the law offices of Tittle & Perlmuter. Our legal team understands Elyria blind spot truck accidents and can help you make informed choices about asserting your rights and safeguarding your future.