Every vehicle has blind spots, but trucks have more prominent ones on their sides. Truckers must use their side-view mirrors to see around their 18-wheeler, but those mirrors do not give them a complete view. Although a commercial vehicle driver has a higher duty of care than the average motorist, there are times when they cannot always ensure that their blind spots are evident.
Defensive driving suggests that motorists should try to stay out of the blind spots for big rigs. However, it is not always possible to stay out of their blind spots permanently, as trucks will often pull up next to motorists who might not have time or an option to get out of the way. When you have been injured from a blind spot truck accident in Dawsonville, contact a well-practiced commercial vehicle attorney from Smith Hulsey Law. Our legal team could investigate your case to determine if there is any compensation you are entitled to.
The severity of injuries in a blind-spot truck accident depends on multiple factors, including the size of the vehicles, the speed of the accident, weather, and the angle of the collision in Dawsonville. Some accidents may lead to minor injuries, like cuts, bruises, or scrapes. Other accidents can lead to severe injuries or even death.
Some of the potential severe injuries include:
For many people who have sustained an injury in a truck collision, these injuries will be life-changing and could result in an inability to work or care for themselves. The financial, physical, and emotional consequences can be overwhelming. Our legal team is experienced in handling truck accident claims and will tirelessly advocate for an injured motorist so that compensation is just.
Georgia Code § 51-11-7 describes a crucial comparative negligence rule for 18-wheeler cases. When a person has been injured in a truck wreck and had the opportunity to avoid the accident but failed to take it, the decision may bar recovery from the accident. That provision is unlikely to apply in a blind spot accident but is a potential defense that a trucker may use to deny responsibility.
Additionally, Georgia Code § 51-12-33 discusses modified comparative negligence. When an injured motorist is less than 50 percent responsible for an accident or injury, they can recover from the parties responsible for the claim. However, their recovery is reduced in proportion to their share of the responsibility.
Contributory negligence takes a realistic approach to accidents. Frequently, both drivers have some responsibility in an accident. Although it seems unfair to treat them the same when they hold different shares of the blame, an experienced lawyer could investigate the facts surrounding the Dawsonville wreck to determine the share of responsibility in a blind-spot truck accident.
The aftermath of blind-spot truck accidents in Dawsonville can be overwhelming. You and your family may be dealing with severe injuries, financial pressure, and emotional trauma. However, a knowledgeable attorney from Smith Hulsey Law could help you during this difficult time.
Our legal team could review the events of the accident, discuss liability, and determine any potential damage awards depending on the facts of a person’s case. Schedule a consultation today to get started.
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