Blind Spot and No-Zone Accidents: Can a Truck Driver See You?

Navigating Pennsylvania highways is tricky when you’re sharing the road with tractor-trailers—and thanks to the state’s strong trucking industry, that’s always likely. Imagine pulling up next to an 18-wheeler in dense traffic. You’re only there for a matter of seconds before you realize that the truck is trying to merge into your lane. This situation is all too common due to the massive blind spots that large commercial trucks have. Collisions in these areas are incredibly dangerous and often result in catastrophic injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a blind spot truck accident, it’s time to find out if you can pursue a personal injury claim against the driver or the trucking company. Call KBG Injury Law to explore your legal options now.

Where are a truck’s blind spots?

Trucks have much larger blind spots than smaller passenger vehicles. When we’re driving cars, vans, or SUVs, we can typically get around our blind spot problem by looking over our shoulder when switching lanes—not just relying on sideview mirrors. It’s not quite that easy in a large commercial truck. A truck’s blind spot extends roughly 20 feet in front of it and approximately 30 feet behind it, per the FMCSA.

On the driver’s side, the driver cannot see anyone in the lane next to them between the driver’s door and the halfway point of the trailer. On the right side, the blind spot crosses two lanes. When turning right, a truck driver should approach the turn as close as practicable to the right-hand curb. However, that still leaves them with a massive blind spot along their right side. With so many danger zones on a truck, it’s easy for an unaware or inexperienced driver to linger in one of these areas.

Examples of no-zone accidents

The many different blind spots on a commercial truck lay the groundwork for a variety of devastating accidents. Some of the most common scenarios include:

• Sideswipe accidents: When a truck driver merges into a lane without realizing that there is a smaller vehicle in their blind spot, they can swipe the side of the smaller vehicle. In some cases, they may even run them off the road or into another vehicle.
• Underride accidents: Underride accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents. A car following a truck too closely may get stuck underneath the trailer, which generally results in the car getting crushed.
• Right-turn accidents: Trucks making wide right turns may unintentionally trap smaller vehicles in their right-side blind spot.
• Rear-end collisions: When a car cuts in front of a truck in the front no-zone, the truck may be unable to stop in time.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: In heavy traffic, blind spot collisions can lead to chain reaction collisions that involve multiple cars and severe injuries.

These accidents put victims at grave risk of traumatic brain injuries, crush injuries, spinal cord injuries, and death.

The importance of holding trucking companies accountable

When these accidents happen, trucking companies often claim that blind spots are an unavoidable part of driving a large vehicle. And that’s true—in part. Blind spots exist, but that doesn’t absolve drivers of their obligation to drive safely. Truck drivers have a legal duty of care to be aware of their blind spots, check their mirrors, and take extra precautions before changing lanes or turning. While individual truck drivers may be at fault for accidents, liability can also extend to their employer if the truck driver was acting within the scope of employment.

Trucking companies can also be held accountable for their decisions that lead to accidents. They may set unrealistic deadlines, putting pressure on drivers to weave in and out of traffic unsafely to cut minutes off their drive. They may also fail to provide adequate training on how to manage blind spots, which sets drivers up for failure and dramatically increases the risk of a collision.

Per federal law, motor carriers have an obligation to inspect, maintain, and repair all commercial motor vehicles in their control. While mirrors are required, cameras and blind spot detection systems that help drivers spot vehicles in their blind spots are optional.

It all comes down to the fact that not seeing another vehicle in your blind spot isn’t a legal defense for causing an accident—but that won’t stop trucking companies from trying to use it as one. Drivers have a legal responsibility to properly look and actively check for other vehicles before turning, merging, or changing lanes.

Your legal rights after an accident

After you’re injured in a Pennsylvania truck accident, you may have the right to seek compensation from any and all at-fault parties. Depending on the details of your collision, that may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or blind spot detection system, and maintenance providers. With a strong and evidence-backed personal injury claim, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other accident-related losses.

Because trucking companies, their insurers, and their legal teams fight aggressively to limit payouts and protect their profits, it is crucial that you work with a legal team that’s capable of pushing back and protecting your best interests. The right truck accident lawyer for you will be able to use a wide range of evidence to support your case, including:

• Federal regulations
• Photo and video footage from the crash scene
• The truck’s event data recorder
• The truck’s electronic logging device
• Information on the trucking company’s hiring and training protocols

Don’t trust the trucking company to do what’s right for you. Choose an attorney whose only concern is getting you what you deserve.

Take the first step in your truck accident claim with KBG Injury Law

If you’ve been injured in a blind spot truck accident, we’re here to help you hold the negligent party accountable. Set up a free consultation by filling out our online contact form or calling us today.