Blind Spot Truck Accidents: Understanding No-Zone Crashes and Legal Rights

Truck blind spots, commonly referred to as "no-zones," are areas around a commercial truck where the driver's view is obstructed or severely limited. Unlike passenger vehicles with relatively small blind spots, large trucks have massive blind zones due to their size, height, and lack of rear-view mirrors. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) identifies four primary no-zones: directly in front of the cab (up to 20 feet), directly behind the trailer (up to 30 feet), along the left side (one lane width), and along the right side (two lane widths).

The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous because it extends across multiple lanes and is the location where most blind spot accidents occur. When a truck driver needs to make a right turn or change lanes to the right, they may not see vehicles in this zone, leading to sideswipe collisions or crushing accidents. The rear blind spot is equally hazardous—if you're following too closely behind a truck, the driver cannot see you in their mirrors, and if they need to brake suddenly, you may rear-end the trailer or become trapped underneath it.

Modern trucks are equipped with multiple mirrors, including flat mirrors, convex mirrors, and sometimes cameras, but these tools have limitations. Mirrors can be misaligned, dirty, or obstructed by weather conditions. Even with properly adjusted mirrors, there are still significant blind zones where vehicles simply disappear from view. This is why truck drivers are required to perform head checks, use turn signals well in advance, and exercise extreme caution when changing lanes or turning—and why they can be held liable when they fail to do so. If you've been injured in a blind spot accident, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to protect your rights.

Blind spot accidents take several forms, each with distinct characteristics and injury patterns. Lane change accidents occur when a truck driver merges or changes lanes without seeing a vehicle in their blind spot, resulting in a sideswipe collision that can push the smaller vehicle into other lanes, guardrails, or off the road entirely. These accidents often happen on highways during heavy traffic when trucks need to navigate between lanes. These accidents share similarities with car accidents but involve much greater forces and damages.

Right-turn accidents are another common type, particularly at intersections. When a truck makes a wide right turn, the driver may not see vehicles, motorcycles, or pedestrians on their right side. The truck's trailer can swing into the adjacent lane or onto the sidewalk, crushing anything in its path. These accidents are especially dangerous in urban areas where trucks share the road with cyclists and pedestrians.

Merging accidents occur when trucks enter highways from on-ramps or merge from one highway to another. If a vehicle is in the truck's blind spot during the merge, the truck may collide with it or force it off the road. Backing accidents also fall into this category—when trucks reverse in loading docks, parking lots, or delivery areas, the rear blind spot makes it nearly impossible for drivers to see vehicles or pedestrians behind them without the assistance of spotters or backup cameras.

California law imposes strict duties on commercial truck drivers to operate their vehicles safely and avoid blind spot accidents. Under California Vehicle Code Section 22107, drivers must signal their intention to turn or change lanes at least 100 feet before doing so, giving other motorists adequate warning. Truck drivers must also check their mirrors and blind spots before executing any maneuver, and failure to do so constitutes negligence.

Federal regulations also apply to commercial trucks operating in California. The FMCSA requires trucking companies to ensure their drivers are properly trained in blind spot awareness and safe driving techniques. Trucks must be equipped with functioning mirrors that provide adequate visibility, and drivers must perform pre-trip inspections to verify that mirrors are clean and properly adjusted. Violations of these regulations can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury lawsuit.

California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that even if you were partially at fault for a blind spot accident—for example, by lingering in a truck's no-zone—you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you're found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000. This makes it crucial to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who can minimize your assigned fault and maximize your recovery. Our experienced attorneys understand how to navigate California's comparative negligence laws to maximize your recovery.

Determining liability in a blind spot truck accident requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the crash. The truck driver is often the primary defendant, as they have a duty to check their blind spots before changing lanes, turning, or merging. If the driver failed to use their mirrors, didn't signal, or made an unsafe maneuver, they can be held liable for negligence.

However, liability often extends beyond the driver to the trucking company under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability or respondeat superior. If the driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, the company can be held responsible for the driver's negligence. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable if they failed to properly train the driver, hired a driver with a poor safety record, or pressured the driver to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines that encouraged unsafe driving.

In some cases, third parties may also share liability. If the truck's mirrors were defective or improperly designed, the manufacturer could be held liable under product liability laws. If the truck was poorly maintained and the mirrors were misaligned or broken, the maintenance company could be at fault. If another driver's reckless behavior contributed to the accident—such as cutting off the truck or driving aggressively in the truck's blind spot—they may share liability as well. A comprehensive investigation by your attorney will identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your compensation. For more information about trucking company liability, visit our dedicated resource page.

To recover compensation in a blind spot truck accident case, you must prove four elements of negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages. The truck driver owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely and check their blind spots before maneuvering. They breached that duty by failing to do so. Their breach caused the accident, and the accident caused your injuries and damages.

Evidence is critical to proving these elements. Your attorney will gather the truck's electronic logging device (ELD) data, which records the truck's speed, braking, and other operational details at the time of the accident. Dashcam footage from the truck or nearby vehicles can show whether the driver checked their mirrors or signaled before changing lanes. Witness statements from other motorists who saw the accident can corroborate your version of events. Similar evidence is used in motorcycle accident and pedestrian accident cases.

Expert testimony is often necessary in blind spot cases. An accident reconstruction expert can analyze the physical evidence—skid marks, vehicle damage, debris patterns—to determine how the accident occurred and whether the truck driver could have avoided it. A trucking industry expert can testify about the standard of care for truck drivers, including proper mirror use and blind spot checks, and whether the driver's actions fell below that standard. Your attorney will also obtain the truck driver's training records, employment history, and driving record to identify any patterns of negligence or violations.

Blind spot truck accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Side-impact collisions, which are common in blind spot accidents, expose vehicle occupants to direct impact forces with minimal protection. This can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and severe lacerations. Victims may also suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.

Underride accidents, where a smaller vehicle slides beneath the truck's trailer, are particularly deadly. The top of the passenger vehicle is often sheared off, causing catastrophic head and neck injuries or decapitation. Even with underride guards, these accidents frequently result in fatalities. Survivors may suffer permanent disabilities, including paralysis, cognitive impairments, and disfigurement.

The psychological trauma of a blind spot truck accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, particularly if they witnessed the death of a loved one or suffered permanent disabilities. These psychological injuries are compensable in California personal injury cases, and your attorney will work with mental health professionals to document their impact on your life and include them in your damages claim.

If you're involved in a blind spot truck accident, your first priority is safety. Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 immediately. Even if you don't think you're seriously injured, you should be evaluated by paramedics—many truck accident injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Refusing medical treatment at the scene can also be used against you by insurance companies to argue that your injuries weren't serious.

Document the accident scene thoroughly. Take photos and videos of the vehicles' positions, damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get the truck driver's name, license number, and insurance information, as well as the trucking company's name and DOT number (displayed on the truck's door). Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. Do not admit fault or apologize—even casual statements like "I'm sorry" can be twisted by insurance adjusters to suggest you were responsible.

Contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24-48 hours. Trucking companies and their insurers move quickly to investigate accidents and protect their interests, often sending investigators to the scene within hours. Your attorney will conduct an independent investigation, preserve critical evidence like the truck's black box data and driver logs, and handle all communications with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. Early legal representation significantly increases your chances of a favorable outcome. Learn more about what to do after any type of accident on our resources page.

Victims of blind spot truck accidents in California can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include all quantifiable financial losses: medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment), lost wages (past and future income if you're unable to work), property damage (vehicle repair or replacement), and out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries. These damages are similar to those available in catastrophic injury and serious injury cases.

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that don't have a specific dollar value but profoundly impact your quality of life. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium (the impact on your relationship with your spouse). California law does not cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases, so you can recover the full value of these losses.

In cases involving egregious negligence—such as a truck driver who was texting while driving, under the influence, or had a history of blind spot accidents—you may also be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages can significantly increase your total recovery, sometimes by millions of dollars. Your attorney will evaluate whether your case qualifies for punitive damages and present the necessary evidence to support this claim.

Trucking companies and their insurers are highly motivated to minimize or deny liability in blind spot accidents, as these cases often result in substantial verdicts and settlements. One common tactic is to blame the victim, arguing that you were driving in the truck's blind spot and should have known better. They may claim you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to yield the right of way. This is why having strong evidence—dashcam footage, witness statements, expert testimony—is essential to counter these arguments.

Another tactic is to destroy or "lose" critical evidence. Trucking companies are required to preserve evidence like electronic logging device data, driver logs, maintenance records, and training files once they're on notice of a potential claim. However, some companies conveniently "lose" this evidence or claim it was automatically overwritten. Your attorney can send a spoliation letter immediately after the accident, putting the company on notice that they must preserve all evidence, and can seek sanctions if they fail to do so.

Insurance companies also use delay tactics, hoping you'll become desperate for money and accept a lowball settlement. They may drag out the investigation, request unnecessary documentation, or make unreasonably low offers. Never accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney—once you sign a release, you cannot pursue additional compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially thought. An experienced truck accident lawyer will negotiate aggressively on your behalf and won't settle for less than the full value of your claim. For more information about dealing with insurance companies, see our guide on personal injury claims.

Expert witnesses play a crucial role in blind spot truck accident cases, providing specialized knowledge that helps judges and juries understand complex technical and medical issues. Accident reconstruction experts use physics, engineering principles, and computer simulations to recreate the accident and determine factors like vehicle speeds, impact forces, and sight lines. They can testify about whether the truck driver should have seen your vehicle and had time to avoid the collision.

Trucking industry experts testify about the standard of care for commercial truck drivers, including proper mirror use, blind spot awareness, and safe driving practices. They can review the driver's training records and identify deficiencies in the trucking company's safety programs. If the driver violated federal regulations—such as hours-of-service rules or vehicle maintenance requirements—the expert can explain how these violations contributed to the accident.

Medical experts are essential for documenting the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact. They can testify about your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and future medical needs. If you've suffered permanent disabilities, a life care planner can calculate the cost of your future care, including medical treatment, assistive devices, home modifications, and personal care services. Economic experts can calculate your lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation. These experts provide the foundation for a comprehensive damages claim that reflects the true cost of your injuries. Our firm has successfully handled numerous truck accident settlements and can help you too.

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the truck driver, trucking company, or other liable parties. If you miss this deadline, your case will be dismissed, and you'll lose your right to compensation—no matter how strong your case is. There are very limited exceptions to this rule, such as if the defendant fraudulently concealed their identity or if you were a minor at the time of the accident.

For wrongful death claims arising from blind spot truck accidents, the statute of limitations is also two years, but it runs from the date of death rather than the date of the accident. If your loved one survived for some time after the accident before succumbing to their injuries, the two-year clock starts on the date they passed away. Wrongful death claims can be brought by the deceased person's surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, or other heirs.

While two years may seem like a long time, it's important to act quickly. Evidence deteriorates, witnesses' memories fade, and trucking companies may destroy records if they're not promptly preserved. Additionally, investigating a truck accident, gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and building a strong case takes time. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Most truck accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay anything unless they recover compensation for you. If you've been injured, don't wait—contact us today for a free consultation.

While truck drivers bear the primary responsibility for avoiding blind spot accidents, motorists can take steps to protect themselves when sharing the road with large commercial trucks. The most important rule is to stay out of the no-zones. If you can't see the truck driver in their side mirror, they can't see you. Avoid lingering alongside trucks, especially on the right side where the blind spot is largest. When passing a truck, do so quickly and safely, and don't cut back in front of the truck until you can see the entire cab in your rearview mirror.

Maintain a safe following distance behind trucks—at least four to five seconds in good weather, more in rain or fog. This gives you time to react if the truck brakes suddenly and ensures the driver can see you in their mirrors. Never tailgate a truck, as you'll be in their rear blind spot and at risk of an underride accident if they stop abruptly. When approaching an intersection where a truck is turning, give them plenty of space—trucks need wide turning radii and may swing into your lane.

Be predictable and use your signals. Truck drivers need time to react due to their vehicles' size and weight, so signal your intentions well in advance and avoid sudden lane changes or braking. Be especially cautious in construction zones, on-ramps, and other areas where trucks frequently merge or change lanes. If you're involved in a near-miss with a truck, report it to the trucking company and the California Highway Patrol—your report could prevent a future accident. By staying alert and respecting the unique challenges of operating large commercial vehicles, you can reduce your risk of a blind spot truck accident.