Due to their size and weight, commercial truck accidents can be catastrophic. One common cause of these accidents is the truck’s large blind spots, known as no-zones. These are areas around the truck where the driver’s visibility is severely limited, making it difficult to see other vehicles.

Liability in a truck blind spot accident can be complex because it can involve multiple parties and various evidence. Explore who might be responsible for your injuries after a trucking collision and how our Alabama truck accident lawyers can protect your rights when seeking compensation.

Understanding No-Zones Around Large Trucks

No-zones are specific areas around a truck where smaller vehicles can easily disappear from the truck driver’s view. Accidents occur when smaller vehicles linger in these no-zones, and the truck driver is unaware of their presence. The most dangerous no-zone areas include:

• Front No-Zone: This area extends about 20 feet in front of the truck and is dangerous because the truck driver sits high above the ground and cannot see anything immediately in front of the vehicle.

• Rear No-Zone: The rear no-zone stretches about 30 feet behind the truck. It’s particularly risky during sudden stops or reverse maneuvers, as the passenger vehicle driver may not have time to react.

• Side No-Zones: These are located on both sides of the truck, extending about one lane on the left side and two lanes on the passenger side. Vehicles in these areas are not visible in the truck’s side mirrors, making passing hazardous.

Proving Truck Driver Negligence

Determining liability in a truck blind spot accident depends on proving negligence. Negligence is established by demonstrating four legal elements:

• Duty of Care: The truck driver is legally obligated to operate the vehicle safely and ensure they do not harm others on the road. This includes being vigilant about no-zones and making adjustments to minimize risks.

• Breach of Duty: This occurs when the truck driver fails to uphold their duty of care. Examples include not checking mirrors before changing lanes, driving while distracted, or failing to signal.

• Causation: Victims must showthat the truck driver’s breach of duty caused the accident. An example might be if a truck driver changes lanes without signaling and collides with a vehicle.

• Damages: The accident resulted in damages, such as injuries or harm to property. Medical records, repair bills, and other documentation can substantiate the extent of these damages.

Key Considerations and Evidence

Several types of evidence can help determine liability and prove negligence in a truck blind spot accident, including: 

• Dashcam Footage: Video evidence from dashcams can provide a clear account of the events leading up to the accident. This footage can show whether the truck driver signaled, checked mirrors, or was distracted.

• Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts offer valuable insights into the accident. Witnesses may have observed the truck driver’s behavior or the position of vehicles in no-zones and can provide impartial testimony for accident claims.

• Black Boxes: Commercial trucks have electronic logging devices (ELDs) or black boxes that record data like braking patterns, speed, and service hours. Attorneys can use this information to reconstruct the accident and identify driver errors.

• Accident Reports: Police and accident reports can provide an official account of the incident, including statements from drivers and witnesses and citations issued. Your legal team can obtain and use the crash report to bolster your claim.

• Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the evidence and provide professional opinions on how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Our attorneys at The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers may consult with experts to support your case and help you win fair compensation.

Challenges in Truck Accident Cases

Trucking companies typically have teams of insurance adjusters and lawyers working to minimize liability. These professionals are skilled at protecting their clients and can make proving your claim as an injured victim challenging.

To level the playing field, you need experienced legal representation. At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we support you throughout the legal process, protecting your rights against aggressive trucking company insurers and their legal teams.  When you work with us, you can expect the following:

• Experienced Legal Representation: Our skilled attorneys specialize in the complexities of truck accident cases. We’re ready to counter the tactics of trucking companies and their insurers, safeguarding your rights and managing your case with expertise.

• Strategic Legal Planning: Our approach includes meticulous planning and tailored strategies for your case. We identify the best legal tactics to ensure your claim stands firm against the trucking company’s defense.

• Communication With Insurance Adjusters and Lawyers: We handle all communications with the trucking company’s insurance adjusters and lawyers, shielding you from manipulation and negotiating your case from a position of strength.

• Detailed Evidence Collection and Analysis: Our team collects and analyzes all crucial evidence—accident reports, witness statements, and video footage—to build a rock-solid case for your compensation.

• Aggressive Advocacy In and Out of Court: We fiercely advocate for your best interests, whether negotiating a settlement or fighting for you in court. Our goal is always the best possible outcome, be it a favorable settlement or a court victory.

• Support Through the Legal Process: We guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and each stage of the proceedings. We aim to make the process as stress-free as possible while pursuing fair compensation for your injuries.

Get Qualified Legal Support for Your Trucking Accident Claim

If you’ve been involved in a truck blind spot accident, you must act fast and seek legal assistance. The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers have the experience and resources to protect your rights to financial compensation. Our legal team will gather vital evidence, prove negligence, and fight relentlessly for fair compensation.

Don’t let the trucking companies and their lawyers intimate you into a lower settlement than you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us secure the recovery you need.