The State Bar of California
The State Bar of California
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The Florida Bar, 1950
Client Distinction Award

Blind Spots

Los Angeles Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Truck Accident Victims

Many people in Southern California must drive alongside and behind commercial trucks on a daily basis. Unfortunately, big rigs and tractor-trailers have numerous large blind spots that are easy to get stuck within. When a truck driver is unaware of a car in his or her blind spot, there is a greater possibility that the trucker will switch lanes or brake in a way that can cause harm to people in the passenger car. If you are hurt because of a careless driver, the Los Angeles truck accident lawyers at Sharifi Firm may be able to represent you in a suit for damages.

Holding Truckers Accountable for Negligence

Blind spots around a truck include the rear of the truck, the right rear side, and the left rear side. Although commercial vehicles have mirrors, they may not catch activity around the points of the truck farthest from the driver. Moreover, truck drivers do not necessarily realize that someone is driving just behind the tractor-trailer. When a driver stops suddenly, the car following can end up driving under the truck in an underride accident, which can result in a crushed car roof and traumatic brain injuries or death.

If you are hurt in a truck accident because a truck driver failed to see you, you are likely to suffer catastrophic injuries. You can sue the driver if the driver was negligent, and you may also be able to sue the driver's employer under a theory of vicarious liability or respondeat superior. In order to recover compensation, you must prove the driver's negligence by a preponderance of the evidence. The truck company also can be held accountable when the trucker was driving in the course and scope of employment, and furthering the employer’s business, at the time of the accident.

In a blind spot case, the defendant’s attorney may allege you were comparatively negligent by staying within the blind spot for a long period of time. California follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence. This means that a defendant can ask the jury to evaluate a plaintiff's own degree of fault. The jury can decide whether and to what extent a plaintiff was negligent and assign both the defendant and the plaintiff a percentage of fault as appropriate. The plaintiff's total damages will be reduced by his or her degree of fault. For example, if a jury finds that your damages are $300,000 and that you were 10 percent responsible, you still may be able to recover up to $270,000.

Consult an Attorney after a Motor Vehicle Collision in Los Angeles

After getting into an accident caused by a negligent truck driver, you may be able to recover both special damages (economic damages) and general damages (non-economic damages). However, you are likely to recover more if you are represented by a motor vehicle collision lawyer who has helped people in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California assert their rights. At the Sharifi Firm, we understand the regulations of truck driving and the type of evidence that may help your case. Contact us at (866) 422-7222 or via our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney. We also represent clients in Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula, and Riverside, among many other communities.

Client Reviews

★★★★★
Attorney, Jubin Sharifi, and his staff are truly a rare find. He has handled a couple of cases for my family with great results. Him and his staff are courteous, professional and caring. They always keep us informed of the status of our case on a regular basis and they really know how to deal with insurance companies and their attorneys. I highly recommend the Law Office of Jubin Sharifi. Matt N.
★★★★★
Law Offices of Jubin Sharifi was able to obtain exceptional results in a very timely fashion for my car accident case. I highly recommend his law office to anyone with an injury case. A. Pak
★★★★★
Attorney Jubin Sharifi handled an accident case for me, and obtained exceptional results in a timely manner. I was extremely pleased with his work and he was there to answer my questions and concerns. I recommend any one with an injury claim to contact him right away. P. Zare
★★★★★
Mr. Sharifi & Firm; Your special ways and generous heart make a beautiful difference. Thank you so much! p.s. Please pass along my gratitude to all involved. Catherine
★★★★★
I had a car accident case. My car was repaired in 2 weeks and got a great settlement from the insurance company. Highly recommended. A. Aminian