Under federal law, a commercial truck and trailer combined can stretch up to 80 feet long, and even the widest possible mirrors cannot provide a truck driver with full vision of certain spots around a vehicle that large. These “blind spots” on trucks are far bigger than the equivalent areas on commuter cars, and they are among the most common causes of serious truck accidents in Maryland stemming from truck driver negligence.
Civil litigation over blind spot truck accidents in Prince George’s County can be complicated, which is why seeking professional legal help is crucial after getting hurt in a wreck of this nature. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney could provide the custom-tailored guidance you need to prove someone else civilly liable for your accident and hold them financially accountable for every compensable loss.
Who Is at Fault for a Blind Spot Truck Wreck?
Commercial trucks have four major blind spots: in front of the cab, from the driver’s side door down the lower left side of the truck, almost the entire right side of the cab and trailer, and behind the trailer. All these areas are big enough to completely hide even a large SUV or pickup truck from a trucker’s view. Truck drivers must make careful use of their mirrors and any collision detection devices their truck is equipped with to ensure they do not hit anyone in their blind spots while merging or changing lanes.
If a trucker causes a blind spot truck accident in Prince George’s County because they carelessly failed to check their blind spots, they could be considered at fault for any ensuing injuries caused by that incident. In addition to an individual truck driver being at fault, the company that employed them may bear vicarious liability for the incident based on a failure to provide proper training or screen potential employees for a history of traffic violations.
Importantly, though, commuter car drivers also have an implicit duty to be aware of the blind spots around commercial trucks and avoid coasting inside one for an unreasonable period. Because Maryland courts follow a “pure contributory negligence” system, any person found partially liable for a blind spot wreck because of behavior like this could be ineligible to recover civil compensation.
Recovering for Commercial Vehicle Damages
Through a successful lawsuit following a Prince George’s County blind spot truck crash, an injured plaintiff may demand restitution for every form of economic and non-economic harm they can trace directly back to their accident-related injuries, including:
- Medical bills
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Lost work wages and earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Lost consortium
However, Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 3-2A-09 sets a cap on recovery for “pain and suffering” damages that changes based on the year in which a plaintiff’s cause of action accrued. A dedicated attorney could clarify the limitations of a particular claim during a confidential consultation.
Let a Prince George’s County Attorney Help After a Blind Spot Truck Accident
Failure to account for blind spots results in countless collisions between commercial trucks and commuter cars every year, many of which cause severe and sometimes catastrophic injuries to occupants of the smaller vehicles involved. When you are hurt under circumstances like this, enforcing your legal right to pursue civil recovery may be crucial to preserving your best interests.
After a blind spot truck accident in Prince George’s County, your top priority should be contacting qualified legal counsel to discuss your options for litigation. Call today to schedule a meeting.
