You should be able to drive safely and securely on roadways without fear of other vehicles, but accidents happen. Truck accidents pose even greater dangers, especially if you end up driving directly behind those vehicles, which can increase your risk of getting into a wreck. Drivers often cannot see people behind them due to the larger vehicles’ blind spots.
If you are injured in a blind-spot truck accident in Richland, you have the right to pursue compensation from the negligent party. Our dedicated truck accident attorneys can guide you through the process of filing a legal claim for compensation and stand by you along the way.
Trucks are often much longer and larger vehicles than your average, especially if a they are hauling a trailer container. With limited visibility and longer braking times, trucks can be more difficult to operate safely, requiring a special Commercial Driving License (CDL) in most cases. And, of course, larger and longer vehicles can cause more damage and injury to other drivers, vehicles, and pedestrians.
If you are following a truck, the driver may not be able to see you. Even with convex side-view mirrors, a truck driver may not be able to see a car directly behind them until it is too late, resulting in a blind-spot accident.
A truck needing to make a wide turn can trap a car and cause a collision, and a truck stopping short can cause a trailing car to crash into and even end up under the trailer. Cars in front of trucks can end up in a blind spot as well.
While many drivers worry that they are at fault for these accidents because they were driving in a trucker’s blind spot, that is not always the case. A Richland attorney can gather evidence to prove the driver or the trucking company’s negligence and that they should compensate you.
Most personal injury and property damage claims are brought under negligence law—the legal concept of holding a person responsible for reckless behavior that causes injury to someone else. Negligence generally requires you to prove the following:
In the case of truck accident, truck drivers have a higher duty to operate trucks safely, beyond that of a normal driver, and they can breach that duty by:
Working with an attorney can make sure that you can prove your claim against the truck driver or company that caused the accident in line with these elements of negligence. Your lawyer can interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and inspect the scene of the action.
There is a statute of limitations of three years for bringing personal injury and property damage claims under Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.080. If you do not file a legal claim before that three-year period ends, you will lose your right to sue, so seeking legal advice quickly after an accident can be crucial.
Your own actions leading up to an accident can affect your compensation. This state uses a system of negligence that portions out fault to everyone involved, including the victim who is bringing the suit. Under RCW § 4.22.005, your negligent actions can decrease your compensation by the percentage of your own responsibility, though they cannot stop your recovery unless no one else is to blame. A lawyer in Richland can help you show that you were driving safely and carefully when a blind-spot accident occurred.
After an accident, you should first seek medical attention above all else. Nothing is more important than your health, but once you are safe, you should also think about making a compensation claim.
Speaking with our attorneys about blind-spot truck accidents in Richland can help you explore your legal options after a crash. At Telaré Law, we will give you in-person attention and our insight into your case, so call our office today for a consultation.