PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
Nashville | Murfreesboro | Brentwood
Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Understanding the Risks and Securing Legal Help
Serving Nashville, Davidson County, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities, the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. is dedicated to representing victims of serious truck accidents, including those caused by blind spots. When a truck driver fails to account for these massive zones of limited visibility, the consequences for nearby drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians can be devastating.
Blind spot truck accidents are tragically common on highways, city streets, and rural roads across Tennessee. These collisions often result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and, in many cases, fatalities. At our firm, led by attorney John Day, we bring decades of experience to every case, offering thorough legal guidance and compassionate representation to individuals and families affected by trucking negligence.
What Are Blind Spot Truck Accidents?
Commercial trucks—especially tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and delivery trucks—have significantly larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. These blind spots, also known as “No Zones,” are areas around the truck where the driver has limited or no visibility, even when using mirrors properly.
Key Truck Blind Spots Include:
- Front Blind Spot: Extends approximately 20 feet in front of the truck cab.
- Side Blind Spots: Both sides of the truck have blind spots, but the right side is especially dangerous due to limited mirror coverage.
- Rear Blind Spot: Can extend up to 200 feet behind the truck trailer.
When another vehicle travels in these zones, the truck driver may not see it. If the truck driver changes lanes, turns, or brakes without awareness of nearby vehicles, a collision may occur. Despite common assumptions, these crashes are not always the fault of the other driver. Truck drivers and trucking companies have a legal duty to operate safely, adjust mirrors properly, and account for their vehicle’s limitations.
Why Blind Spot Accidents Happen
Blind spot accidents can result from multiple failures—by the driver, the trucking company, or even maintenance providers. Understanding the underlying causes is essential to establishing liability.
Common Contributing Factors:
- Failure to Check Mirrors: Drivers must regularly and deliberately scan their mirrors, particularly before lane changes or merging.
- Improper Use of Turn Signals: Failing to signal deprives other motorists of the chance to respond and avoid a collision.
- Driver Distraction or Fatigue: Tired or distracted drivers are less likely to scan for vehicles in blind spots.
- Poor Training: Inadequate training leaves drivers unequipped to handle the unique challenges of commercial vehicle operation.
- Incorrect Mirror Adjustment: Mirrors must be adjusted based on trailer size, vehicle type, and load. Poor adjustment can create or worsen blind spots.
- Weather Conditions: Fog, rain, and snow reduce visibility and increase stopping distances, making blind spot collisions more likely.
Legal Standards Governing Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Truck accident claims are governed by a combination of federal and state laws. These laws set the standards that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow—and violations may support your personal injury claim.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
The FMCSA enforces regulations designed to promote highway safety. Relevant rules for blind spot cases include:
- Mirror Requirements: Trucks must have properly adjusted mirrors to minimize blind spots.
- Hours-of-Service Rules: Designed to reduce driver fatigue, which impairs awareness and reaction time.
- Inspection and Maintenance Regulations: Trucks must be regularly maintained, including mirror and lighting systems.
- Driver Qualifications and Training: Employers must ensure drivers are trained in blind spot awareness and defensive driving.
Violations of FMCSA regulations can establish negligence on the part of the driver or trucking company.
Tennessee Traffic and Negligence Laws
In Tennessee, truck drivers are legally obligated to drive safely and exercise due care under T.C.A. § 55-8-101 et seq., the state’s “Rules of the Road.” Blind spot accidents caused by failure to maintain awareness may be clear evidence of negligence.
Tennessee law provides that if a person is injured because of the negligence of a truck driver they may file a lawsuit to recover money damages for any injuries arising from the wreck. The law also permits pursuit of a wrongful death lawsuit if the wreck results in death. Tennessee also applies a modified comparative fault rule, meaning:
- If the injured or deceased party is less than 50% at fault, they can recover damages.
- Their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
- If they are 50% or more at fault, recovery is barred,
- Thus, do not let an accusation of fault on the part of the injured or deceased person stop you from calling us to see if we can help. Our experienced personal injury and wrongful death lawyers will talk with you, learn what happened, and advise what needs to be done next.
Injuries Caused by Blind Spot Truck Accidents
The physical consequences of blind spot collisions are often catastrophic due to the weight and speed of commercial trucks. Smaller vehicles stand little chance against an 18-wheeler traveling at highway speeds.
Common Injuries Include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): May cause memory loss, cognitive impairments, or lifelong disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Including paralysis or severe mobility restrictions.
- Orthopedic Injuries: Such as broken bones, crushed limbs, and joint damage.
- Internal Injuries: Trauma to organs like the lungs, liver, or kidneys.
- Burns and Lacerations: Often caused by fuel fires or shattered vehicle parts.
- Psychological Trauma: Including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Many victims require surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, psychological counseling, and home modifications to accommodate disabilities—all of which justify substantial compensation.
How Law Offices of John Day, P.C. Can Help
Blind spot truck accident cases are complex and often involve multiple parties, including drivers, employers, vehicle manufacturers, and maintenance providers. Our legal team has the knowledge, tools, and dedication to uncover the truth and fight for full compensation.
Thorough Investigation
We begin every case with an investigation. As appropriate under the circumstances our team gathers and analyzes:
- Accident and Police Reports: These documents provide initial details and officer conclusions.
- Black Box and ELD Data: Electronic logging devices and event data recorders offer insight into the driver’s speed, braking, and activity before the crash.
- Driver Logs and Company Records: These may show violations of rest periods, maintenance failures, or dispatch pressures.
- Surveillance and Dashcam Footage: May capture the crash or unsafe driving behaviors.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Helps reconstruct events and confirm blind spot conditions.
Identifying All Liable Parties
We explore liability not only for the truck driver but also for:
- The Trucking Company: For hiring unqualified drivers, failing to provide proper training, or encouraging unsafe driving practices.
- Maintenance Contractors: If blind spot mirrors or detection systems failed due to poor upkeep.
- Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: In cases involving defective mirrors, cameras, or blind spot detection systems.
Our goal is to identify all responsible parties to pursue every available avenue for compensation.
Strategic Negotiation and Litigation
We aggressively negotiate with insurers to obtain fair settlements. If negotiations stall or the offer is inadequate, we are fully prepared to present your case to a judge and jury. Our litigation approach involves:
- Organizing strong evidence
- As appropriate, retaining expert witnesses in trucking safety and accident reconstruction
- Demonstrating your injuries and financial losses
- Showing the negligence that caused the crash
Supporting Clients Throughout Recovery
Truck accidents don’t just result in physical injuries—they also take a toll emotionally and financially. We assist clients with:
- Coordinating communication with insurance companies
- Understanding legal procedures and timelines
- Working with your health insurance company.
You are never alone in the legal process with our firm by your side.
Compensation for Victims
Blind spot accident victims may be entitled to substantial compensation under Tennessee law, depending on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their lives.
Available Damages May Include:
Economic Damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
- Property damage (vehicle repairs, personal belongings)
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Loss of financial support for surviving family members
We work with economists, medical experts, and life care planners to accurately calculate and present the full scope of your losses.
Statute of Limitations in Tennessee
In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Tennessee is one year from the date of the accident, under T.C.A. § 28-3-104.
This deadline is strict:
- Failure to file within one year may result in the loss of your right to recover compensation.
- It’s essential to speak with an attorney early to protect evidence, interview witnesses, and file timely claims.
The deadline for wrongful death claims is one year from the date of the incident which caused the injury which caused the death. Some Tennessee lawyer websites indicate that the one-year deadline begins to run on the date of death. That is only true if the injury-causing incident and the death occur on the same day. If the injured person dies one or more days after a truck crash, the legal right to bring the case will expire on the one-year anniversary of the injury, not the one-year anniversary of the date of death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I do immediately after a blind spot truck accident?
A: Call 911, seek medical attention, move to a safe location, and document the scene. Take photos, gather witness information, and contact a truck accident attorney before discussing the incident with insurance companies.
Q: Who can be held liable for my injuries?
A: Potentially responsible parties include the truck driver, their employer, maintenance contractors, or even parts manufacturers. Liability depends on the specific facts of your case.
Q: How does your firm assist in blind spot accident claims?
A: We handle all aspects of your case, including investigation, evidence collection, medical documentation, insurer negotiations, and—if needed—courtroom litigation.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Tennessee’s comparative fault law allows recovery if you are less than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Q: Will my case settle or go to trial?
A: Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation, but if a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: You typically have one year from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee.
Q: What does it cost to hire your firm?
A: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact Law Offices of John Day, P.C.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a blind spot truck accident, don’t delay in seeking the legal guidance you need. With a reputation for excellence and results, the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. is ready to help you move forward.
Serving Nashville, Davidson County, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, and the surrounding Middle Tennessee region, we are here to support you through every step of the legal process.
Call us today at 615-742-4880 or Visit us at www.johndaylegal.com to schedule your free consultation.
