Truck drivers must complete extensive classroom and behind-the-wheel training to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) before operating large vehicles, such as semi-trucks. A significant risk they must remain aware of while transporting cargo is checking the blind spots, also called no-zones, regularly.
You could be eligible for compensation when you sustain damages because a trucker failed to check all the vehicle’s blind spots before switching lanes or other maneuvers. Meet with an experienced truck accident attorney at Smith Hulsey Law who is skilled in handling claims resulting from blind-spot truck accidents in Cleveland. As a local law firm, we are here to advocate for you and help you understand your best legal options.
Semi-trucks have four significant no-zones, and they are located at the vehicle’s front, back, and sides. While truckers in Cleveland are responsible for checking blind spots before maneuvering to avoid a collision, motorists could also help keep themselves safe by avoiding riding in dangerous areas for too long. Semi-truck no-zones are as follows:
An 18-wheeler’s no-zone starts at the front of the cab and extends out for 20 feet. The substantial blind spot and the trucker’s inability to come to quick stops make cutting them off extremely dangerous.
Semi-trucks have a substantial blind spot on both sides of the vehicle, with the larger area on the right. The vehicle’s left side no-zone begins at the side-view mirror and extends out approximately two lanes, while the right side reaches nearly three lanes.
When following behind an 18-wheeler, motorists should ensure they can see the trucker in the side-view mirrors. The truck’s hazardous zone starts at the bumper and reaches approximately 30 feet. When other drivers cannot see the trucker in their side mirrors, the driver likely cannot see the cars traveling behind them either.
The trucking company’s insurance provider will usually reach out quickly to drivers involved in collisions with 18-wheelers. The provider represents the trucker and seeks to minimize fault and the payout to motorists who sustained damages in the crash. Therefore, speaking with them without legal guidance could negatively impact the party’s compensation.
A Cleveland blind-spot truck crash attorney could handle communications on the injured party’s behalf and negotiate a fair compensation. They could guide the individual through the civil court process if they cannot agree upon an acceptable settlement amount.
State regulations limit the time people have to file a lawsuit to collect damages in personal injury cases. Under the guidelines provided in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 9-3-33, the individual injured in the truck crash must begin legal action within two years of the cause of injuries and losses. However, when the injured party is a minor at the time of the crash, the time will not run out until their 18th birthday.
With a few exceptions, missing the deadline will likely result in losing eligibility to collect compensation from the liable party. A lawyer knowledgeable in blind-spot truck collisions in Cleveland could go through the statute and answer questions about the applicable laws during the consultation.
Crashes with massive trucks, such as 18-wheelers, could leave you and everyone riding in the car with catastrophic injuries and other damage that may change the course of your life. You have the right to pursue legal action to collect a settlement from the at-fault party when trucker negligence is to blame for the crash.
A skillful attorney at Smith Hulsey Law who is experienced with blind-spot truck accidents in Cleveland could guide you through the recovery claims process with powerful legal advice and support to help you collect the fair settlement you need and deserve. Call soon to begin preparing your claim to file before the court-enforced deadline.
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