Commercial trucks are especially prone to blind-spot accidents due to their length, especially when they are pulling a trailer behind them. While these vehicles do have extended mirrors, their blind spots are still larger than those of a typical car or even an SUV. Accidents are common when truckers try to make a lane change and fail to see another vehicle driving beside them.
The immense size and weight of a tractor-trailer often leads to severe injuries and extensive property damage in the event of a crash. Victims may be entitled to compensation, but it can be difficult to seek payment without help from an experienced attorney. Contact a Chicago blind spot truck accident lawyer for help holding the at-fault driver or company accountable for your losses.
Comparative Negligence in Truck Accident Cases
In Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois, personal injury cases use a concept known as comparative negligence. This means juries assign blame to all parties involved in an accident. If the victim is 51 percent or more at fault for the accident, they cannot recover any compensation. They can still recover a portion of their damages if they 50 liable or less, but the total award would be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, someone who is 20 percent at fault for a crash can only recover 80 percent of their total damages.
This sometimes comes into play in truck accident cases because many tractor-trailers have signs warning other drivers of the blind spot. However, just because a truck driver has signs does not mean they have the right to drive however they please. Everyone on the road has a duty to drive safely, and a failure to do so may constitute negligence.
A Chicago blind spot truck accident attorney could help victims gather compelling evidence to demonstrate that the truck driver was solely responsible for the accident. If the trucker or insurance company attempts to push blame back onto the plaintiff, an attorney could help refute these claims.
Recoverable Damages After a Tractor-Trailer Collision
Truck accident victims in Chicago can pursue compensation, or damages, for the full extent of their losses. Common damages include payments for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Notably, damages are available to cover both past and future expenses. For example, if the injured person has a permanent disability and can no longer work, they could seek payment for their loss of future earning capacity. An attorney could help victims identify the full scope of their losses, calculate a fair value, and pursue appropriate compensation.
Contact a Chicago Blind-Spot Truck Accident Attorney for Help With Your Case
Truck drivers who fail to check their blind spots before merging may have an obligation to compensate victims for their losses. However, it can be intimidating to take on a large trucking or insurance company by yourself, and you deserve to rest after your crash. For help with your case, consider retaining an experienced Chicago blind-spot truck accident lawyer. Call today to schedule a consultation.