Because of the way modern cars and trucks are designed, there are “blind spots” around every vehicle—usually just beyond the front and rear bumpers as well as alongside both of the vehicle’s sides—which the driver cannot see directly into from the driver’s seat. On a tractor-trailer, these blind spots are big enough to hide entire commuter cars from view. That makes it especially important for truck drivers to be diligent about checking their blind spots before switching lanes on a highway or making turns at an intersection.
Unfortunately, not every person operating a big rig in the Silver State is as responsible behind the wheel as they should be. As you may have learned the hard way, that sometimes leads to blind spot truck accidents in Reno. Fortunately, you have help from our skilled truck accident lawyers at Shook & Stone with filing a civil suit and demanding comprehensive compensation for the harm another person’s negligence has caused you.
Is It Illegal for Truck Drivers to Not Check Their Blind Spots?
While traffic law in Nevada explicitly requires drivers to use their turn signals to indicate when they are about to make a turn or change lanes, there is no specific language regarding how and when drivers should check their blind spots. While not checking blind spots is not a ticketable traffic offense in the same way failing to signal is, both actions are considered a “breach” of the broad “duty of care” all drivers have to act responsibly behind the wheel.
Someone who causes an otherwise preventable traffic accident through such a “breach of duty” is legally “negligent” and can be held financially liable for all injuries and losses that others involved in the incident sustain. This is how a blind spot truck collision in Reno could serve as grounds for civil litigation if you can prove the wreck only happened because a truck driver failed to check their blind spots properly.
Building a Strong Claim Against a Negligent Truck Driver
Knowing that you were hurt because of a trucker’s misconduct is one thing, but being able to prove it during settlement negotiations or in front of a judge or jury is another. To achieve a favorable case result, you must have compelling evidence showing that your crash only happened because the defendant truck driver you are suing did not check their blind spots. You also need to prove that the “damages” you are seeking compensation for stemmed directly and mainly from that accident.
Depending on the circumstances, this could mean finding, preserving, and making effective use of evidence like:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Crash scene photos/videos
- Surveillance/dashboard camera footage
- Data from a truck’s onboard “black box” recorder
- Medical reports from your treating physicians
- Pay stubs, bills, and other documents establishing your financial losses
Support from a knowledgeable legal professional can be essential to handling all this information efficiently and giving yourself the best possible chances of getting the financial recovery you need after a blind spot truck crash in Reno.
A Reno Attorney Can Help After a Blind Spot Truck Accident
Negligent truck drivers can and should be held liable for any reckless or careless act that leads to a traffic collision. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of legal and procedural obstacles that may get in your way while pursuing this sort of civil claim. Getting around them effectively is not something you should expect to accomplish on your own.
Hiring and working closely with the seasoned 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Shook & Stone will make a substantial difference in your chances of fair recovery following a blind spot truck accident in Reno. Call today to learn more during a free consultation.
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