Understanding Blind Spot Truck Accidents in Georgia
Why No-Zone Crashes Are a Major Risk for Georgia Drivers
When an 80,000-pound truck changes lanes without seeing a vehicle beside it, the result can be catastrophic. Blind spot truck accidents—also called “no-zone” crashes—are a serious problem on Georgia roads. Passenger cars, motorcycles, and even SUVs can disappear from a trucker’s view in seconds, leading to devastating sideswipe collisions and underride crashes.
At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we’ve represented many Georgia families dealing with the aftermath of these wrecks. If you were injured in a blind spot truck accident, a Georgia truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine who is responsible.
Truck Blind Spots Are Bigger Than Most Drivers Realize
Large commercial trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides—especially on the right-hand side and directly behind the trailer. These areas are often called “no-zones” because it’s extremely difficult or impossible for the trucker to see vehicles in them without turning or using additional mirrors or cameras.
The four main blind spots on a truck include:
- Front No-Zone: The first 20 feet in front of the cab
- Right Side No-Zone: Extends across multiple lanes
- Left Side No-Zone: Smaller, but still dangerous
- Rear No-Zone: Can extend 200 feet or more behind the trailer
Drivers of smaller vehicles often assume truckers can see them, but the truth is that unless you can see the truck driver in their side mirror, they likely can’t see you. When a truck veers into your lane or suddenly stops, it may be too late to react.
How Blind Spot Truck Accidents Happen in Georgia
Blind spot crashes often occur when a truck changes lanes, merges, or makes a turn without checking thoroughly. These wrecks are especially common on interstates like I-75, I-285, and I-85, where traffic congestion and frequent lane shifts increase the risk.
Common causes include:
- Merging into occupied lanes
- Improper lane changes
- Wide right turns without checking the mirror
- Backing up into a vehicle in the rear no-zone
- Distracted or fatigued driving
- Failure to install or use proper safety equipment
In many of these cases, the truck driver has a legal responsibility to ensure the lane is clear before making a move. Just because a car was in a blind spot doesn’t mean the trucker is off the hook.
Atlanta Blind Spot Truck Crashes Often Involve Local Delivery Vehicles
Inside the I-285 perimeter in Atlanta, most large tractor-trailers are restricted unless actively loading or unloading. But smaller commercial trucks—like box trucks, delivery vans, and utility vehicles—still cause serious blind spot accidents in the city.
These vehicles may not be as long or heavy as 18-wheelers, but they still have significant visibility issues. In neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown Atlanta, narrow streets, bike lanes, and heavy pedestrian traffic add to the danger.
Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are especially vulnerable when a delivery truck turns without checking for someone beside or behind them. These wrecks can lead to crushed vehicles, pinned cyclists, or severe pedestrian injuries—all because of a missed glance or ignored mirror.
Evidence That Can Prove a Blind Spot Crash Was the Truck’s Fault
To hold a trucking company accountable, it’s crucial to gather evidence quickly. Our Georgia truck accident lawyers work fast to secure:
- Black box data and telematics
- Dashcam or traffic footage
- Truck maintenance and inspection logs
- GPS and driver route information
- Eyewitness accounts and scene photos
In many cases, the truck’s own technology reveals the driver’s actions before the crash. For instance, if a lane change occurred without signaling or at an unsafe time, that data can support your injury claim.
Trucking Companies Must Train Drivers to Handle Blind Spots
Federal regulations require commercial drivers to be trained in safe driving practices, including proper mirror checks, blind spot awareness, and defensive driving. If a company fails to provide this training—or hires someone without proper experience—they may be liable for the crash.
Some companies also cut corners by not equipping their vehicles with safety tools like blind spot mirrors, backup cameras, or lane departure alerts. When those decisions lead to injury or death, the victim’s family can pursue justice through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
What Injured Victims Can Recover After a Blind Spot Truck Crash
The injuries from these wrecks are often severe. Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Multiple fractures
- Crushed limbs or amputations
- Severe PTSD or anxiety after the wreck
Compensation may include:
- Emergency medical care and ongoing treatment
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Disputes Over Fault and Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Rule
In blind spot truck accidents, determining fault can be complex. Trucking companies and their insurers often argue that the other driver lingered in the truck's "no-zone" and thus share responsibility for the collision. This strategy seeks to reduce the trucking company's liability by shifting blame to the injured party.
Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence system. According to this rule, an injured party can recover damages only if they are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. If the injured party is deemed 50% or more responsible, they are barred from recovering any compensation.
For example, if a driver is found to be 30% at fault for an accident and the total damages amount to $100,000, they would be eligible to recover $70,000. However, if the driver is found to be 50% or more at fault, they would not be entitled to any compensation.
Given these stakes, it's crucial to gather compelling evidence to establish the truck driver's negligence.
An experienced Georgia truck accident attorney can help collect and present this evidence effectively, countering attempts by trucking companies to shift blame and ensuring that your rights are protected under the state's comparative negligence laws.
Legal Support for Victims of Blind Spot Truck Accidents in Georgia
Holding a trucking company accountable after a blind spot crash takes more than proving you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It takes evidence, legal strategy, and a deep understanding of trucking regulations.
At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we’ve built our reputation on standing up to powerful insurance carriers and helping victims recover what they’re owed. We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and industry professionals to present a compelling case on your behalf.
Contact a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer If You Were Injured in a Blind Spot Crash
If you were hit by a truck while riding beside it, behind it, or in its blind spot, don’t assume the wreck was your fault. Let us investigate what happened, preserve the evidence, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Give us a call or contact us online for a free case evaluation. We’re ready to listen—and we know how to take on the trucking companies.
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