Motorized vehicles have blind spots, areas where drivers cannot see using side and rear mirrors. The size of the blind spot increases with vehicle size. For trucks, the areas around the front, back, and sides are greater than on passenger vehicles, making it easier to lose sight of a car or SUV. When that happens, blind-spot truck accidents in Clark can happen. An experienced truck accident attorney can help those involved in truck accidents receive the compensation they deserve.
What Are Blind-Spot Truck Accidents?
When truck drivers fail to see a vehicle, it’s probably because they are in one of the following blind spots:
- Drivers cannot see cars to the left of the truck outward.
- Truckers cannot see vehicles in the space from the front bumper to about 20 feet.
- Drivers’ blind spots at the rear of a truck begin at the rear bumper and extend about 30 feet.
- Truckers cannot see cars riding to the right of a truck for the length of the truck across three lanes.
If truck drivers do not check their blind spots before maneuvering through traffic in Clark, they may cause a blind-spot truck accident
Receiving Compensation in Blind-Spot Truck Accidents
New Jersey follows a no-fault system for car accidents, requiring policyholders to file claims with their own insurance providers regardless of who caused the crash. However, those injured in truck accidents may still pursue a claim against the at-fault party. Although the deadline to file is two years, it is important to consult a truck accident lawyer in Clark promptly after a blind-spot truck accident to navigate the legal process effectively.
Property Damage
Policyholders with collision coverage may recover damages through their own insurance provider. The insurer then seeks reimbursement from the at-fault party’s carrier. Those without collision coverage must file a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Automobile insurance includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays for the policyholder’s medical expenses, essential services, and lost wages up to the policy limits. Depending on the type of coverage selected, an injured party may pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Drivers may choose either a limited or unlimited right-to-sue policy.
- Limited: An injured person may pursue compensation for pain and suffering if the case meets the state’s injury thresholds, such as loss of a body part or a permanent injury.
- Unlimited: Injured parties can file a personal injury lawsuit for pain and suffering regardless of the injuries.
The premiums are higher for the right-to-sue policies.
Comparative Negligence
Under the state’s comparative negligence system, an injured party may recover damages even if partially at fault. However, state law applies the 51% rule: anyone found 51% or more responsible for the accident is barred from recovering compensation. If the share of fault is less than 51%, the recoverable amount is reduced by that percentage.
For example, an injured person may be 10% at fault for an accident. If the settlement is $100,000, their portion would be $90,000, which is 10% less than the full amount.
Consult a Clark Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Blind-Spot Truck Accident Case
Blind-spot truck accidents in Clark often involve complex legal and insurance issues. Injured parties must understand their policy limits, meet injury thresholds, file claims with the appropriate insurers, and respond to ongoing requests—all while recovering from their injuries. Our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys could help clients navigate the system, gather evidence, and respond to insurance carriers.
If you were injured in a truck accident that was not your fault, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
