Types of Truck Blind Spots and the Impact on Texas Personal Injury Cases

Texas is known for its heavy truck traffic, largely due to its central role in the nation’s logistics and transportation network. With numerous ports, distribution centers, and manufacturing hubs, Texas sees a significant amount of freight movement, making the state a key player in the national supply chain. This, in turn, leads to increased truck traffic on Texas highways, with large trucks often sharing the road with passenger vehicles, which can create unique safety challenges.

Truck blind spots are especially crucial to consider when it comes to preventing accidents. Due to the size and design of trucks, their blind spots are much more extensive, covering areas to the sides, front, and rear of the vehicle. These “no-zones” can range from directly behind the truck to up to several feet on either side, especially on the right side where visibility is often more limited.

In the event of an accident, an experienced truck accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process, determine who is liable, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Blind Spots (No-Zones)

Blind spots, or “no-zones,” refer to areas around a vehicle that are not visible to the driver through their mirrors or direct line of sight. These areas can be dangerous because drivers may not see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in these zones, increasing the risk of accidents. In large trucks, these blind spots are significantly larger than those in regular passenger vehicles, making them more challenging to navigate safely.

The heavy truck traffic in Texas, combined with the challenges posed by blind spots, significantly increases the likelihood of accidents. Due to the sheer volume of trucks on the road, drivers of smaller vehicles often find themselves traveling in a truck’s blind spots for extended periods, particularly on busy highways or during high-traffic hours. 

To reduce these risks, it is crucial for both truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers to be aware of truck blind spots and exercise caution. Truck drivers should be diligent in checking mirrors, using advanced safety technologies, and signaling their intentions clearly. Meanwhile, passenger vehicle drivers should avoid lingering in blind spots, ensure they’re visible to truck drivers, and give trucks ample space on the road, especially when passing or merging.

Types of Truck Blind Spots

Blind spots can be hazardous on highways and urban roads, and they significantly impact the safety of both truck drivers and other motorists. Understanding these blind spots is crucial for preventing accidents.

• Left blind spot: this blind spot can be dangerous when the truck is making a left turn or changing lanes. Smaller vehicles in this area are not visible to the truck driver, leading to potential side-swipe accidents.
• Right blind spot: the right blind spot is larger than the left blind spot due to the truck’s design, particularly on long-haul rigs. When a truck makes a right turn, smaller vehicles in this blind spot can be overlooked, causing a crash.
• Rear blind spot: This is one of the most hazardous blind spots, as the truck driver may not see any vehicles directly behind them, especially when reversing or in heavy traffic. Rear-end collisions are common in this situation, especially if a vehicle is tailgating or following too closely.
• Front blind spot: although less common, this blind spot can create problems when trucks make wide turns or merge.
• Wide turns and lane changes: trucks require more space to turn and change lanes. When making such maneuvers, they may unintentionally invade other lanes, putting vehicles in blind spots at risk.

The Role of Truck Drivers and Companies

Truck drivers must always check their blind spots before changing lanes or making turns. This duty is essential for ensuring that a driver is aware of any vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians that may be in their blind spots, which could lead to accidents if not noticed. Mirrors are an essential tool for truck drivers, helping them monitor their surroundings and make informed decisions. Drivers should make regular adjustments to mirrors to maximize their field of view. 

Ensuring that truck drivers are properly trained to monitor blind spots and maintaining vehicles are critical responsibilities for trucking companies to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure driver and public safety. Training should include practical skills, such as using mirrors, maneuvering in various traffic conditions, and utilizing available technologies along with defensive driving.

Companies should invest in maintaining their fleet with up-to-date safety equipment. This includes installing and maintaining advanced technologies like cameras, sensors, collision warning systems, and automatic braking systems. These tools can assist drivers in detecting hazards that may not be visible otherwise, further enhancing road safety. Regular maintenance to ensure all safety equipment is functioning is also a critical responsibility for trucking companies.

By focusing on these responsibilities, both truck drivers and companies play an essential role in reducing accidents and ensuring safer roads for everyone.

Legal Implications: Liability in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents that occur due to the failure to properly monitor blind spots often lead to significant legal consequences for both the truck driver and the trucking company.

When a truck driver fails to check their blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn, it can be considered negligent driving. In the legal context, negligence occurs when a driver fails to take reasonable precautions to avoid causing harm to others. If an accident results from negligence, the driver may be held liable for the damages caused to the victim.

The following are examples of truck driver mistakes:

• Failure to check blind spots
• Speeding
• Improper turn or lane change
• Distracted driving

In many cases, trucking companies can also be held accountable for accidents caused by their drivers. If the company has failed to ensure that its drivers are adequately trained to monitor blind spots, or if it has failed to enforce safety protocols, the company could be held liable under the legal principle of “vicarious liability.” This principle holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions are conducted within the scope of their employment.

Victims of truck accidents caused by blind spots can seek various types of compensation which include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Accidents involving trucks are more severe due to the size and weight of the vehicle and can result in devastating injuries or fatalities. Determining fault in cases involving blind spots can be complex. If a driver failed to check their blind spot, it can be harder to prove negligence without clear evidence (witness statements, video footage, or accident reconstruction). This can make the claims process longer and more complicated for victims.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

At Thomas J. Henry Law, we understand how difficult it is to work when you have been severely injured by a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle. That is why we can advance your court costs and litigation expenses. We can also advance money for living and medical expenses. 

You spend nothing and you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win your case. We do this because we have the confidence that comes with experience. Don’t wait—consulting an attorney early can help protect your rights and give you the best chance at a fair settlement.