Truck blind spot accidents are a significant concern on the roadways, often leading to severe injuries and fatalities. Due to the large size and design of trucks, there are multiple blind spots where smaller vehicles can become “invisible” to the truck driver. Understanding where these blind spots are and how accidents occur in these zones can help in both prevention and legal actions following an accident.

Truck Blind Spots

The main blind spots for trucks are:

Directly in front: Trucks have an elevated driving position which creates a blind spot immediately in front of the vehicle. Cars that are too close to the front of the truck may not be seen by the truck driver.

Along each side: The length of the truck creates significant blind spots along both sides. These are often referred to as the “No-Zone” areas.

Rear blind spot: Trucks do not have rear-view mirrors, relying instead on side mirrors. This creates a substantial blind spot directly behind the truck where the driver cannot see vehicles that are too close to the rear.

Causes of Blind Spot Accidents

Blind spot accidents typically occur due to:

Lane changes or merging: When a truck changes lanes or merges, a vehicle in the blind spot can be sideswiped or forced off the road.

Turning at intersections: Trucks making wide turns might not see smaller vehicles on the inside of the turn, leading to crushing or trapping the vehicle against other objects.

Sudden stops: If a vehicle is in the truck’s rear blind spot and the truck brakes suddenly, the following vehicle may not have enough time to react, resulting in a rear-end collision.

Preventive Measures

To reduce the risk of blind spot accidents:

Use of technology: Trucks can be equipped with blind spot detection systems that alert drivers when a vehicle enters a blind spot.

Improved mirror settings and camera systems: Properly adjusted mirrors and the use of camera systems can help decrease the size of blind spots.

Driver education: Truck drivers should receive training on the locations of blind spots and how to check them before taking any action. Other road users should also be educated about these blind spots and advised to avoid lingering in them.

Visible markings: Trucks can be marked with signs indicating the presence of blind spots to alert other drivers to stay clear of these areas.

How Miller Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help: 

Miller Personal Injury Attorneys is adept at handling cases involving truck blind spot accidents, providing expert legal representation for our clients. Here’s how we can help if you’ve been involved in such an accident:

In-depth Investigation: We understand the critical nature of gathering comprehensive evidence following a truck blind spot accident. We conduct a thorough investigation, utilizing accident reconstruction experts and obtaining surveillance footage, driver logs, and vehicle maintenance records. This detailed approach helps us establish how the accident occurred and pinpoint liability.

Expert Testimony: We collaborate with traffic safety experts who specialize in truck operations and blind spot dynamics. These experts can provide compelling testimony regarding the role of blind spots in your accident, which is instrumental in illustrating the truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence.

Dealing with Insurance Companies: Navigating the interactions with insurance companies can be daunting and complex. Our firm will handle all negotiations, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that undervalues your injuries and losses. We strive to secure the maximum compensation possible, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Litigation Experience: If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we are fully prepared to litigate your case. We have extensive experience litigating truck accident cases, providing thorough representation to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

Comprehensive Compensation: We are committed to securing comprehensive compensation for all damages suffered. This includes immediate and long-term medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost earnings, reduced earning capacity, as well as compensation for pain and suffering and emotional distress.