Blind Spot Truck Accidents in Atlanta

As a key transportation hub for the Southeast, commercial truck traffic in Atlanta is heavy. Tractor trailers, tanker trucks, and other big rigs can pose serious hazards to other drivers. One of the biggest threats is truck “no-zones.”

No zones are large blind spots that surround commercial vehicles and make it difficult for truck drivers to see other motorists. Driving in a truck blind spot can lead to potentially devastating crashes. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyer explains more about the risks and who may be liable.

Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?

Blind spots on a commercial truck are much larger than those in passenger vehicles. Getting caught in one causes you to disappear from the driver’s view and increases the risk of potentially life-threatening collisions.

When sharing the road with truckers in Atlanta, be aware of where truck blind spots are located. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these include:

• Front blind spot: Extends about 20 feet ahead of the truck’s cab, making smaller vehicles invisible to truckers.
• Right-side blind spot: The largest no-zone, covering multiple lanes. Drivers who pass a truck on the right are at a higher risk.
• Left-side blind spot: Extends one lane outward, meaning truckers may not see vehicles in this zone when turning or merging.
• Rear blind spot: Stretches 30 feet behind the trailer, making it difficult for truckers to see vehicles following too closely.

Truck drivers must check their mirrors and use cameras or sensors to minimize blind spot risks. However, truck accidents in Atlanta can still happen due to negligence, defective parts, and recklessness on the part of other motorists.

Who Is Liable in an Atlanta Blind Spot Truck Accident?

The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety warns that truck accidents in Atlanta pose significant risks and can cause devastating injuries. Driving in truck no-zones is a common contributing factor.

If you or someone you love gets hurt in this type of crash, it is important to be aware of who can be held liable. This includes:

• The truck driver: Truckers may be liable for not checking their blind spots before merging, changing lanes, or turning, as well as for other negligent behavior.
• Trucking companies: They can be at fault for failing to properly train truck drivers about no zones or for failing to install equipment that could have prevented a crash.
• Truck parts manufacturers: They can be held liable for defective cameras, blind spot sensors, or other parts.
• Other motorists: They may have engaged in reckless behavior that caused a crash, such as driving in truck no zones and cutting truckers off.

Contact Our Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Today

Blind spot truck accidents in Atlanta cause devastating harm. If you or someone you love is involved in this type of crash, Shiver Hamilton, LLC fights for the compensation you deserve.

We provide trusted legal representation for clients in Atlanta, Savannah, St. Simons Island, Decatur, Johns Creek, and all of DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. Contact our office and request a consultation with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers today.

Sources:

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/know-your-no-zones

gahighwaysafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2021-Large-Trucks-Georgia-Traffic-Safety-Facts.pdf