Blind Spot Truck Accidents: Why They Happen and How a Lawyer Can Help

The Hidden Dangers of Truck Blind Spots on Tennessee Roads

When you drive alongside an 18-wheeler on I-65, I-40, or any busy road in Middle Tennessee, it can feel intimidating. There is good reason for that. Large trucks have massive blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to see nearby vehicles. These blind spots are sometimes called “no-zones” because cars, motorcycles, and even other trucks can vanish from the truck driver’s view entirely.

At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, we have seen the heartbreaking consequences of blind spot truck accidents. Many of our clients were doing nothing wrong. They were driving carefully and responsibly when a tractor-trailer suddenly veered into their lane, sideswiped them, or forced them off the road. These crashes often cause severe injuries and turn lives upside down.

If you were hurt in a collision with a commercial truck, you should not have to pay the price for a professional driver’s mistakes. An experienced Nashville truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, investigate what happened, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Where Are the Blind Spots on a Tractor-Trailer?

Unlike passenger vehicles that have relatively small blind spots near the rear corners, large trucks have extensive areas around them where visibility is limited or completely blocked.

These blind spots can extend:

Directly in front of the truck: Because of the height of the cab, the driver often cannot see objects or vehicles within about 20 feet ahead.
Along each side: The right side blind spot is especially large and can stretch across multiple lanes. The left side also has a blind spot, typically from the driver’s door to just behind the trailer’s midsection.
Directly behind the truck: A truck’s rear blind spot can reach up to 200 feet. Drivers cannot see vehicles following closely behind.

Given these huge no-zone areas, it is no surprise that blind spot collisions are so common. Even with large side mirrors, truck drivers must carefully check before turning or changing lanes. When they fail to do so, the results can be catastrophic.

Why Blind Spot Truck Accidents Happen

Truckers are supposed to be professional drivers who are trained to be aware of their blind spots. However, several factors contribute to these crashes.

Some of the most common reasons include:

Improper lane changes: When a truck driver changes lanes without thoroughly checking mirrors or signaling long enough, they may sideswipe a car riding in the blind spot.
Wide turns: Trucks making right turns often swing left first, which can confuse drivers next to them and lead to serious collisions.
Driver fatigue: A tired driver is less attentive and more likely to forget checking blind spots. Fatigue remains one of the biggest safety risks in the trucking industry.
Distracted driving: Even a few seconds of looking at a phone or GPS can cause a trucker to overlook a vehicle traveling in a no-zone.
Inadequate mirrors or equipment: If a trucking company fails to install proper convex mirrors or maintain cameras and sensors, the risk of blind spot accidents increases.
Inexperience: Not all truck drivers have enough training or road hours to properly judge the space needed to maneuver such large vehicles safely.

It is also important to note that trucking companies share responsibility. They are obligated to ensure their drivers are well-trained, rested, and operating trucks with the right safety equipment. When they cut corners to protect profits, innocent people often suffer the consequences.

Injuries and Costs After a Blind Spot Truck Accident

Due to the sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers, blind spot accidents often result in devastating injuries, such as:

Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Spinal cord damage that may lead to partial or complete paralysis
Broken ribs, arms, legs, and pelvis fractures
Internal bleeding and organ injuries
Severe neck and back injuries, including herniated discs

Beyond the physical pain, these injuries often bring long-term consequences. Many victims cannot work for months or even return to their previous jobs at all. Medical bills pile up, and ongoing physical therapy or home modifications may be necessary.

Insurance companies know how costly these cases can be. They often look for ways to blame the injured person or argue that the victim was riding in a blind spot too long. That is why having a tough, experienced Nashville truck accident lawyer on your side is so critical.

How a Lawyer Proves Liability in a Blind Spot Crash

One of the challenges with blind spot accidents is that insurance companies love to claim the smaller vehicle was at fault. They might argue you should have known to stay out of the truck’s no-zones. But under Tennessee law, truck drivers have a duty to operate safely, watch for nearby vehicles, and avoid collisions.

At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, we know how to counter these tactics. We investigate thoroughly to gather evidence that shows the truck driver or company failed in their responsibilities.

This might involve:

Obtaining dash cam or surveillance footage that captures the crash or shows unsafe driving patterns.
Analyzing the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data to see if the driver was fatigued or violating hours-of-service rules.
Interviewing witnesses who saw the truck change lanes or turn without warning.
Bringing in accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate how the collision happened and prove the trucker could have prevented it.

This level of work is essential. Without it, insurance companies will try to lowball your claim or deny liability entirely.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Blind Spot Truck Accident?

Every case is unique, but in general, victims of serious truck crashes in Tennessee may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses, including future surgeries or therapy
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous work
Pain and suffering related to your physical injuries and emotional distress

In wrongful death cases where a loved one was killed in a blind spot accident, family members may also pursue damages for funeral costs, lost financial support, and the profound loss of companionship.

Contact a Nashville Truck Accident Lawyer Who Will Put Your Needs First

Blind spot accidents involving tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles are not minor fender benders. They often leave victims with life-altering injuries and questions about how they will ever recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Attorney Eric Beasley understands the pressure you are under. For over 25 years, he has fought against insurance companies and trucking corporations to help Tennessee families seek justice and accountability.

We handle everything so you can focus on healing. That includes investigating the crash, dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters, calculating the full value of your claim, and taking the case to court if necessary. Our firm does not shy away from tough cases, and we do not settle for less than what our clients truly deserve.

If you or someone you care about was hurt because a truck driver failed to account for blind spots, do not wait. Contact the Law Office of Eric Beasley today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions honestly, and give you the guidance you need to move forward with confidence.

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