Louisville 18-Wheeler Blind Spot Collision Lawyers

Large commercial trucks are the workhorses of the transportation industry. These large and powerful machines crisscross the country delivering essential goods. However, the sheer size of these trucks also makes them dangerous because they block the truck driver’s ability to see their surroundings. When a driver can’t in their surroundings, blind spot collisions can be the ultimate result.

Blind spot accidents can be devastating. A driver who is unaware that a passenger car is in their vicinity doesn’t know to slow down, change direction, or take other actions to mitigate a crash. Passenger cars caught in a truck driver’s blind spot can be hit, crushed, or run off the road, and injuries may be significant.

At Sampson Law Firm, we have seen the devastating consequences of blind spot accidents. We know how difficult and painful the recovery process can be. That’s not to mention the challenging battle of getting the trucking company and their insurer to provide fair compensation for a victim’s injuries.

If you have been injured in a blind spot accident with a commercial truck that wasn’t your fault, talk to an experienced Louisville truck accident attorney from Sampson Law Firm today. We will do everything in our power to help you get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve while holding the negligent driver and potentially their employers accountable. For a free case evaluation, call our office at (502) 584-5050 today.

What Is a No-Zone Accident?

Blind spots are also known as “no-zones.” These zones are areas of a truck where the driver is unable to see their surroundings. Due to their size and shape, trucks have several no-zones, zones large enough to make an entire passenger car invisible to a truck driver.

A no-zone or blind spot accident occurs when a car is hidden in a truck’s no-zone. While the driver may be using their mirrors consistently, if a car is traveling in a no-zone, a truck driver may try to turn or make a lane change and crash into the other vehicle. That is why it is important for truck operators to constantly be attentive to their surroundings, use their mirrors, and exercise caution when making a maneuver.

Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?

Large trucks have several areas that mirrors cannot reach. A good rule of thumb to be aware of is that if you are unable to see the driver in their side mirror, the driver is unable to see you. The main blind spots to be aware of include:

• Front No-Zone. The front no-zone is a blind spot located directly in front of the vehicle. Despite being higher up, truck drivers cannot see everything laid out in front of them. Generally, a driver is unable to see anything 20 to 25 feet directly in front of them.
• Rear No-Zone. Drivers are also unable to see anything directly behind them. Due to the size and shape of the containers that many truck drivers haul there are no rear-view mirrors in large commercial vehicles. Without a rear-view mirror, truck drivers are unable to see cars directly behind them. This blind spot extends approximately 200 feet behind the truck.
• Side No-Zones. Large trucks hauling trailers or containers are wide and bulky. This bulk obscures a driver’s view on both sides of the vehicle. The left-side no-zone is substantially smaller than the right-side no-zone since the left side is where the driver sits. The left no-zone covers approximately one lane from the back of the driver’s cab to the end of the trailer. The right no-zone covers two lanes starting at the front of the cab and extending to the rear of the trailer. Due to the size of the right-hand no-zone, it is extremely risky to try and pass a truck on the right side.
• Wide Turns. Negotiating turns can be challenging for large vehicles. It may be necessary for a truck driver to swerve left to negotiate a right turn. Cars located too close to the side or rear of a truck can be hit as the driver makes a turn. Give turning trucks plenty of space when you see their turn signal flashing.

Truck drivers are aware of the limitations of their vehicles and are expected to operate them with caution and care. Although you should always avoid remaining in a truck’s blind spot for an extended amount of time, truck drivers should also take measures to be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Injuries Common in No-Zone Accidents

Blind spot accidents can occur because a truck driver does not realize that a car is present. If the truck driver doesn’t see the car, the driver cannot slow down or take evasive actions to avoid a collision. A blind-spot collision can quickly turn into a rollover or jackknife crash and cause significant and debilitating injuries. Blindspot accidents may also result in undercarriage crashes, another serious type of truck accident. Some of the most common injuries associated with a blind spot accident involving a large or commercial vehicle include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Paralysis
• Concussion
• Other head, neck, or spinal injuries
• Amputation
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Wrongful death

Recovering from these types of injuries can take time and money. Medical bills can mount quickly, and trucking companies may be unwilling to part with what should be considered full and fair compensation. If you have been involved in a blind spot accident, turn to an experienced truck accident attorney for help.  

An Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

The legal team at Sampson Law Firm wants the chance to represent you. We will aggressively work to pursue the compensation that you deserve and help you get your life back on track after a traumatic blind spot collision with an 18-wheeler that wasn’t your fault. Before you accept any offer from a trucking company or their insurer, talk to an experienced truck accident attorney first.

For a free and confidential case evaluation, call us at (502) 584-5050. We will take the time to sit down and discuss the specifics of your case with you. We will also answer your questions and lay out a plan to move forward with your claim. Contact our office today and let us help you get the money you deserve.