Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles pose a significant danger for several reasons, but their large blind spots are a critical factor. A truck driver can easily collide with cars in front of, behind, or to either side of them because the driver can’t see them. To make matters worse, the size and weight of commercial trucks means they’re much more likely to inflict catastrophic injuries in a blind spot accident.
As a Lafayette truck accident lawyer, Attorney Omar Thibeaux of The Thibeaux Firm understands your needs. Our law firm knows how to prove that the truck driver, trucking company, or another party caused the crash and hold them accountable. We can also document your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering to maximize the value of your claim. Additionally, you don’t owe us any fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Call now or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation with a blind spot truck accident lawyer.
How The Thibeaux Firm Helps After a Lafayette Blind Spot Truck Accident
People in Lafayette and throughout Louisiana know Attorney Thibeaux as “The 25% Attorney.” We charge a 25 percent flat fee for personal injury cases, including blind spot truck accident claims. While other firms take 30 percent or more of your compensation in fees, you keep more of your money when you work with us. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and Attorney Thibeaux has over 20 years of experience representing injury victims.
Don’t take our word for it, though. Here’s what one client said about their experience with us:
“I had gotten in an accident. I was at the red light on Louisiana Avenue turning, and there was a truck that had sideswiped me while I was turning into the turning lane. I hired The Thibeaux Firm because I needed a lawyer and it’s a Black business, so why not support Black law firms? The settlement amount of my case was $40,000. I was beyond happy with my settlement. I would definitely recommend The Thibeaux Firm to everyone who gets in an accident, or anyone who needs a lawyer in general. The Thibeaux Firm is your firm to go to.” — Brook H.
Should you choose us to represent you in a blind spot accident claim, we can help you in the following ways:
- Investigating the crash to identify how it happened and who caused it
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Handling all communication and correspondencInjured in a blind spot truck accident in Lafayette? The Thibeaux Firm can help you recover maximum compensation. Call now for a free consultation with a trusted truck accident lawyer.e with the insurance company
- Calculating the value of your case
- Fighting for a fair settlement or going to court if no appropriate settlement can be reached
Understanding Blind Spot Truck Accidents in Lafayette
Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles have four significant blind spots:
- Front Blind Spot – The front blind spot on a truck stretches about 20 feet in front of the cab. Because of the cab’s height, the driver often can’t see vehicles directly in front of them and may be unable to stop in time if traffic slows suddenly.
- Rear Blind Spot – The blind spots behind a truck’s trailer can extend up to 30 feet. Since trucks don’t have rearview mirrors like regular cars, drivers can’t see vehicles following closely. Drivers who stay in this area put themselves in danger if the truck has to stop or back up suddenly.
- Right-Side Blind Spot – This is a truck’s most prominent blind spot and can stretch across several lanes. Truck drivers have limited visibility on the passenger side, so cars traveling or passing here are often completely hidden from view.
- Left-Side Blind Spot – While smaller than the right-side blind spot, trucks still have a large blind spot along the trailer’s left side. The driver might not see vehicles that stay here for too long, especially when the truck is changing lanes or making a turn.
All truck drivers should be aware of these blind spots and exercise extra caution when turning, changing lanes, passing, merging, or slowing down. Unfortunately, careless or aggressive truck drivers often fail to think or act carefully, which puts other vehicles at risk. Accidents can also occur if other drivers cut off a truck or move quickly into its blind spots.
Common Causes and Consequences of Blind Spot Accidents
Some common causes of Lafayette blind spot accidents involving trucks include the following:
- Truckers failing to check their mirrors before changing lanes or turning
- Aggressive driving or sudden lane changes by truck drivers
- Truck drivers following too closely behind another vehicle
- Improper mirror adjustment or poor visibility
- Truckers receiving inadequate training on how to manage blind spots
- Distracted or fatigued driving by truck drivers
- Other drivers lingering in a truck’s blind spots
- Unsafe passing by other vehicles, especially on the right side
Blind spot truck crashes often result in devastating injuries due to the size and weight of trucks, which are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles.
Common injuries and other consequences in these cases may include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Severed, crushed, or amputated limbs
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ injuries
- Severe burns
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Expensive medical bills
- Permanent physical or mental disabilities
- Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions
Determining Liability in Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Liability is a complex issue in blind spot truck crashes because a truck driver or trucking company can easily argue that you or someone else caused the crash. You’ll need strong evidence to support your claim and prove what happened.
For example, eyewitness testimony or surveillance footage may show a truck driver moving into an occupied lane and hitting your car. Similarly, the police crash report may include any citations issued by the officer to the driver, as well as the results of any drunk driving tests.
An experienced personal injury attorney in Lafayette can gather and review the available evidence to determine who’s responsible for your truck accident injuries and owes you compensation.
Steps to Take After a Blind Spot Truck Accident
Once you call 911 and seek medical attention after a blind spot accident, take the following steps in the coming weeks and months to protect your legal rights:
- Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Save your medical records, receipts, and invoices for later use, as they can help show the extent of your losses.
- Don’t discuss the accident or your injuries on social media.
- Don’t talk to any insurance adjusters without consulting an attorney first.
- Hire a Lafayette truck accident lawyer to review your case and explain your rights.
Contact The Thibeaux Firm’s Lafayette Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Trust The Thibeaux Firm to fight for your future after a Lafayette blind spot truck accident. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a reputable truck accident lawyer.