All vehicles have blind spots where the driver is unable to see other vehicles and obstacles around them. Checking your blind spots is a crucial part of navigating the road. While not checking blind spots can be dangerous for passenger cars, it can become catastrophic for tractor-trailers.
Truck drivers are responsible for following the rules of the road. Not checking blind spots could constitute legal liability in the event of a crash. If you were involved in a blind-spot truck accident in Gainesville, contact the experienced truck wreck attorneys at Smith Hulsey for legal support.
The massive size of trucks means these vehicles have larger areas where drivers cannot see other motorists and pedestrians. These blind spots are along the front, back, and sides of 18-wheelers. A truck’s no-zones include the following:
While truckers must ensure they check these blind spots before switching lanes, motorists can help avoid crashes by quickly knowing which places to avoid and moving out of a no-zone.
Though other drivers can do their part to prevent these accidents, liability often falls on the truck driver and the company that employs them. A Gainesville attorney with experience handling blind-spot truck collisions could review a case to determine whether a commercial truck driver followed safety rules and regulations leading up to a collision.
Trucking businesses must ensure all drivers are eligible and hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Major driving offenses will automatically disqualify individuals from carrying or obtaining a CDL and driving a truck. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. § 40-5-151, the following offenses could disqualify drivers from carrying a Class A CDL and operating vehicles that require licenses:
A Gainesville lawyer could investigate whether a truck driver was qualified to operate the vehicle at the time of the blind spot crash. If a trucker was not carrying proper certifications or had not received appropriate training, they could be held liable for providing financial compensation to injured motorists and pedestrians.
After a crash, truckers commonly argue that the motorist traveling in a blind spot should be liable for damages. However, truck drivers must obtain a CDL to operate the vehicles and are professional drivers. Therefore, traffic laws hold them to a higher standard than other drivers to take every step possible to avoid a collision. When CDL drivers fail to follow procedure and check the truck’s blind spots before maneuvers, the court could hold them financially accountable for the resulting damages.
After a blind-spot truck accidents in Gainesville, get in touch with a dedicated attorney right away. The legal team at Smith Hulsey could guide you through every step of the injury claim process to get the compensation you deserve.
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