A blind spot accident occurs when two vehicles are involved in a crash because one driver was unable to see the other vehicle. Large commercial trucks and 18-wheelers have several large blind spots, meaning that it is very common for truck drivers to fail to see other drivers. Therefore, if you are driving next to, behind, or in front of a semi-truck, you should be aware of the fact that you may be in their blind spot, and they are likely unable to see you.

The four main blind spots on large commercial trucks

Large commercial trucks and 18-wheelers have four main blind spots, which include:

1. The area behind the trailer, which can extend up to 30 feet.
2. The right side of the truck, which extends all the way back toward the trailer.
3. The left side of the truck, extending past the trucker driver’s window.
4. The front area of the truck. It can extend up to 20 feet in front of the truck.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) describes a truck blind spot as part of the “No-Zone.” The FMCSA states that “the ‘No-Zone’ represents the area around your truck where crashes are more likely to occur.” Unfortunately, about one-third of all truck accidents take place due to automobile vehicles being in the truck drivers’ blind spots or no-zone areas.

Driving in a trucker’s blind spots is very dangerous. If you are driving close to a large truck, you should try to not stay in their blind spot for long. If you are not sure if you are in one of their blind spots, the general rule is that if you cannot see the truck driver in their mirrors, they most likely cannot see you either.

What are some common causes of truck blind spot accidents?

Most truck blind spot accidents occur because the truck driver cannot see the other vehicle. The truck driver may decide to change lanes, turn, or even back up without knowing that there is a vehicle in their blind spot. This can turn into a very dangerous and deadly situation quickly. Some of the most common causes of truck blind spot accidents are:

• Motor vehicle drivers staying in the truck driver’s blind spots for too long
• Motor vehicle drivers being unaware of where semi-trucks’ blind spots are
• The truck driver following or tailgating a vehicle in front of them too closely
• The truck driver failing to check their mirrors before making a lane change or turning
• Motor vehicles cutting off a truck and abruptly getting in front of them
• The truck driver cutting off a driver and getting in front of them
• The truck driver lacking the proper qualifications, experience, or training

As you can see, truck blind spot accidents are not always the truck driver’s fault. Most people assume that truck drivers are automatically liable for any type of truck accident. However, determining who is liable is based on several different factors, which your Knoxville truck accident lawyer will work to find out.

How does a Knoxville truck accident attorney prove fault for a blind spot accident?

Evidence is one of the key elements of a successful truck accident case. In order to prove fault for any type of accident, your truck accident attorney will need to collect evidence to support your claim. A few of the important pieces of evidence that they will use to prove fault includes:

• Photographs: Photos of your accident may be able to help your lawyer show where your accident happened, who is at fault, why it happened, where your vehicle was struck, and more.
• Video and surveillance footage: Videos are also beneficial to showing insurance companies, judges, and jury members how an accident happened, who is responsible, and where it occurred.
• Truck black box device information: Many 18-wheelers are equipped with black box devices. These devices provide specific information about the 18-wheeler, which may be helpful to your case.
• Eyewitness testimonies: If an individual saw your accident occur, they may be able to provide testimony about what they saw happen. They may be able to state that the truck driver failed to check their mirrors, was speeding, or ran a red light when your crash occurred.
• Expert witness statements: Expert witness statements are usually provided by doctors, researchers, or other individuals who are experienced and trained in a certain profession. When an expert gives a statement, they use their knowledge to explain what may have happened and how your injuries may have occurred.
• Medical records/bills: Your medical records and bills show that you were seriously injured. These are important to have because the insurance companies or jury members need to see proof that you suffered injuries from the accident.

The truck accident lawyers at Banks & Jones are experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable when it comes to truck blind spot accidents. Our team has what it takes to thoroughly investigate, gather the proper evidence, and build a strong case against the parties responsible for your accident. We have a solid reputation around the Knoxville area and are known for using an aggressive approach to seek maximum compensation for our clients’ injuries and other losses. Fill out our contact form today if you are ready to hire truck accident attorneys who will stand up and Fight 2 Win.