Large commercial trucks are ubiquitous on Tennessee highways these days, and their blind spots rank among the most dangerous hazards they create. These unseen zones around a tractor-trailer can completely hide a passenger vehicle from the trucker’s line of sight, making collisions far more likely under certain circumstances.
If a truck driver fails to properly verify their clearance, the outcome can be catastrophic for victims. The sheer size difference between an 80,000-pound big rig and a standard car means that blind spot truck accidents frequently result in life-altering injuries. Learning about where these danger zones exist is an important step toward protecting yourself on the road. Contact our experienced Nashville commercial vehicle accident attorneys if you’ve experienced a preventable wreck.
Truck Blind Spots (“No-Zones”)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses the term “No-Zones” to describe a truck’s blind spots. These are areas around the vehicle where the driver has little to no visibility. A typical tractor-trailer has four major No-Zones that every motorist should know:
- Right side: The largest and most hazardous blind spot. It extends along the full length of the trailer and can span several lanes of traffic.
- Front of the cab: Since the driver sits so high off the ground, anything within roughly 20 feet ahead may be completely out of view.
- Behind the trailer: There is no rearview mirror on a semi-truck, so vehicles following within about 30 feet of the rear are invisible to the driver.
- Left side: Smaller than the right, but a notable blind spot still exists near the cab area.
A significant portion of all crashes between large trucks and smaller vehicles happen inside these No-Zones. Truck drivers have a legal responsibility to check their mirrors and confirm that surrounding lanes are clear before turning. Unfortunately, not every driver takes that precaution.
How Tennessee’s Comparative Fault Law May Apply
Tennessee operates under a modified comparative fault system with a 50% bar. This means you can still pursue compensation after a truck accident even if you share some of the blame for the collision. However, your total award will be reduced by whatever percentage of fault is assigned to you.
The stakes are high here. If a court finds that you were 50% or more at fault for the crash, you lose the right to recover any damages at all. The trucking company’s legal team may try to argue that you were driving in a blind spot or failed to pass the truck safely. Having an attorney on your side can help push back against those claims and protect your right to full compensation.
Contact a Trusted Truck Accident Attorney With Woodard Injury Law for a Free Consultation
Blind spot accidents involving commercial trucks can result in life-changing injuries. Tennessee law does allow injured victims to seek compensation when another party’s negligence caused the wreck, but the state’s comparative fault rules mean your own conduct behind the wheel will face scrutiny.
If you were recently injured in a truck accident, reaching out to an experienced attorney for a free case review is one of the smartest moves you can make. Call Woodard Injury Law today to get started at 615-640-1487.