Heavy goods vehicles have blind spots—or no-zones—which can lead to serious roadway collisions. These blind spots stretch along both sides of the vehicle, behind the trailer, and directly in front of the cab. Smaller vehicles can disappear from the truck driver’s view in these blind spots, leading to sudden and devastating crashes.
If you sustained injuries in such a collision, you may be facing a long recovery, permanent injuries, and financial strain from medical bills and lost income. A Price Benowitz truck crash attorney can help victims of blind-spot truck accidents in Baltimore understand their legal options and pursue recovery.
How Do Blind-Spot Truck Crashes Occur?
Commercial trucks have large blind spots that can hide entire vehicles. Collisions often occur during lane changes, merges, or wide right turns, when truck drivers cannot see cars traveling alongside them. These crashes are especially dangerous at high speeds, where drivers have little time to react.
Common causes of no-zone vehicle collisions in Baltimore include driver fatigue, distraction, or insufficient training. Even with mirrors and cameras, truck drivers must carefully monitor their surroundings before making a move. When they fail to do so, a single lapse can lead to severe injuries. To establish fault, attorneys often examine dashcam footage, electronic logging data, and witness accounts to reconstruct how the wreck happened.
Liability and the Importance of Legal Representation
Determining fault after a blind-spot collision can be complex. While the truck driver may be directly responsible, liability may extend to other parties. Trucking companies may be responsible for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or unsafe scheduling practices that push drivers to take risks. Maintenance providers and cargo loaders may also share responsibility if poor upkeep or improperly secured freight contributed to the crash.
In many Baltimore no-zone accidents involving commercial vehicles, insurers argue that motorists caused themselves harm by lingering in a no-zone. However, MD Transp. Code § 21-309 and § 21-604 require truck drivers to make safe lane changes and use proper signals. The state follows contributory negligence, so if the fact finder determines that even a small degree of fault is attributed to the injured party, they may not receive compensation.
Experienced attorneys play a critical role in proving liability. Legal counsel can take measures to secure company records, preserve electronic data, and present testimony to show how the crash occurred. This proactive approach ensures that vital evidence is not lost and gives victims the best chance of obtaining fair compensation.
Legal Deadlines and Available Compensation
Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-101 generally gives accident victims three years to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline generally prevents recovery, regardless of the evidence. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence, such as electronic control-module data and driver logbooks, which may be lost or destroyed over time.
For someone hurt in a tractor-trailer no-zone collision in Baltimore, compensation may cover financial and non-economiclosses, including:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term care needs
- Assistance with household tasks or caregiving responsibilities
Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 11-108, caps non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, with limits adjusted periodically. Attorneys often work with medical and economic professionals to determine injured parties’ current and future needs, so that claims reflect the full scope of the harm sustained.
Speak With a Baltimore Lawyer About Your No-Zone Truck Collision Today
The aftermath of a truck collision is stressful, but you do not need to face it alone. If such a collision caused your injuries, an experienced attorney can investigate your claim, challenge insurance tactics, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our firm is committed to protecting victims of blind-spot truck accidents in Baltimore and holding negligent truck drivers and companies accountable. Contact Price Benowitz today for a free case evaluation to learn how we can help you move forward after a serious crash.
