Because of the sheer size and weight of their vehicles, it is especially important for commercial truck drivers to stay alert behind the wheel. Beyond remaining focused and making appropriate use of their mirrors, truck operators must also be sure to check their blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Failing to do so could lead to a devastating accident with another vehicle in their path.
If you got hurt because a commercial trucker did not check their blind spot, you may have options for civil recovery. At the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd., we have over 30 years of experience handling blind spot truck accidents in Kenosha and can work to increase your odds of a favorable outcome in your case. Let a knowledgeable lawyer guide you through the process of getting compensation for your losses.
Where are a Commercial Truck’s Blind Spots?
Every motor vehicle has “blind spots” where the driver cannot easily see other vehicles around them from the driver’s seat. Since trucks are much larger than commuter cars and their drivers sit higher off the road, the blind spots on tractor-trailers are larger than those on most other vehicles. These blind zones extend 20 to 30 feet in front of and behind the cab and trailer, as well as the length of the cab on the driver’s side and the full length of the cab and trailer on the passenger side.
Liability for Blind Zone Tractor-Trailer Collisions
Although checking blind spots is more difficult for a truck driver than for a commuter car driver, this does not excuse a trucker from the responsibility of checking them anyway. A truck driver’s failure to check their blind spots before making a maneuver on the road could constitute negligence. If it directly leads to a collision, the trucker or their employer could bear civil liability for ensuing damages.
However, proving a truck operator’s negligence can be difficult without dedicated legal counsel. An experienced attorney at our firm could explain how liability works for blind spot truck crashes in Kenosha and help take effective legal action on behalf of an injured victim.
Recovering Damages for a Kenosha Blind Spot Truck Wreck
If an injured victim and their attorney can prove that negligence by a truck driver, their employer, or some other third party was the proximate cause of their injuries, the victim can seek financial restitution for every financial, physical, and personal loss related to the accident. Depending on the severity of damages in the blind spot tractor-trailer crash, a skilled lawyer in the area could help recover for:
- Past and future medical expenses, including rehabilitative care
- Vehicle damage, potentially including replacement of a totaled car
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost work income, including lost future earning capacity
- Emotional repercussions of a serious disability or disfigurement, including lost enjoyment of life
Talk to a Kenosha Attorney About Blind Spot Truck Accident Claims
Tractor-trailers are massive machines that can cause immense harm if operated irresponsibly. Anyone involved in a collision with this type of vehicle may suffer catastrophic harm and require expensive medical treatment to recover. Fortunately, you have legal rights to work with an attorney skilled at handling blind spot truck accidents in Kenosha and get the compensation you deserve.
After a truck wreck, the legal team at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. is ready to help you hold the at-fault party accountable for your losses. Call today to discuss your legal options and determine an effective strategy moving forward.