Commercial trucks are larger and heavier than other vehicles, and their blind spots are much bigger. This increases the risk of devastating injuries during blind-spot truck accidents in Pasadena. When an accident involves a commercial vehicle driven by someone performing their job, determining liability and getting compensation can be more complicated. If you or a loved one was injured in a blind spot-related crash, a local truck collision attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. This will allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries instead of your financial worries.
How Does a Blind-Spot Accident Happen in Pasadena?
Blind spot accidents happen when another vehicle is in a truck’s blind spot and the truck hits the smaller vehicle because the driver cannot see it. Large trucks have blind spots directly behind them, on both sides, and in the front where smaller cars are below the truck driver’s line of sight. The right-side blind spot is the largest and can cover multiple lanes of a highway.
Accidents are most likely to happen when one of the vehicles is turning, backing up, merging, or changing lanes. Because blocked visibility causes blind spot accidents, any other factors that limit visibility or a driver’s ability to pay attention to the road can increase the risk. These factors include bad weather, distracted driving, or neglected maintenance, especially of a vehicle’s mirrors.
Who Is at Fault for an Accident in a Truck’s Blind Spot?
Determining fault in a blind spot accident in Pasadena, TX can be difficult. Texas uses an at-fault car insurance system, which means fault needs to be determined whether the injured person files a lawsuit or not. In a personal injury lawsuit, the person responsible needs to be considered negligent to be held liable. This means they had a duty to behave a certain way and injured someone else by failing to uphold that duty.
Generally, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and take reasonable safety precautions, like trying to stay out of a truck’s blind spots. In many cases, both drivers will share some responsibility. For example, if a driver is in a truck’s blind spot and the truck driver changes lanes without making an effort to check the blind spot and hits the car, both might be partially responsible.
If the accident involves a commercial truck and the truck driver is working when it happens, the employer might be liable. When an employee is negligent in the course of their work, the employer is considered responsible for the employee’s action. This can be good for the injured person because a company likely has better insurance coverage and more financial resources than an individual. However, it can also make determining where and how to file a claim more difficult.
Discuss Your Blind-Spot Accident Case With a Pasadena Lawyer Now
Larger trucks have larger blind spots, which increases the risk of serious injuries when these vehicles are involved in accidents. Blind-spot truck accidents in Pasadena can be complicated, and if you have been injured, consulting with a lawyer is a good idea. An attorney can help you determine who is legally responsible for the accident and what your best option for getting compensation is. Making sure your lost income and medical bills are covered allows you to focus on your health, so contact Schechter, Shaffer & Harris to discuss your options today.
