When you're driving near a semi-truck, there’s more at stake than you might think. One of the most critical—and often overlooked—factors in truck accidents is the existence of no-zones: massive blind spots around semi-trucks where your vehicle can virtually disappear from the driver’s view.
At Miller & Mallett, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these blind spot-related collisions can be. We’re here to help you understand how to stay safe on the road and what to do if tragedy strikes.
What Are Semi-Truck No-Zones?
No-zones are the large blind spots around a commercial truck where the driver’s visibility is severely limited. These blind spots are significantly larger than those on a passenger car and exist on all four sides of the truck:
- Front: A truck driver can’t see a car directly in front of their cab for about 20 feet.
- Rear: The area extending up to 30 feet behind the trailer is invisible to the driver.
- Left Side: A small blind spot runs down the driver’s side near the cab.
- Right Side: The most dangerous no-zone, stretching across two or more lanes.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these blind spots are a leading cause of passenger vehicle collisions with large trucks.
Why Are Blind Spot Accidents So Dangerous?
The combination of limited visibility, truck size, and long stopping distances creates a deadly mix. When a passenger car lingers in a no-zone, especially during lane changes or merging traffic, the truck driver may have no idea the vehicle is even there.
A sudden lane shift, brake, or turn can result in:
- Sideswipe collisions
- Underride crashes
- Run-off-road accidents
- Fatal crush injuries
In Arkansas, these types of truck crashes are sadly not uncommon. In fact, over 3,400 large truck crashes occurred in the state in 2022 alone, according to the Arkansas State Police Crash Summary Report. Many of these involved blind spot-related causes like unsafe lane changes or failure to yield.
Arkansas Law and Liability in Blind Spot Accidents
Under Arkansas Code § 27-51-302, drivers must not change lanes unless it can be done safely. This law applies to both truckers and passenger vehicles. When a truck accident occurs due to blind spot negligence, liability can fall on:
- The truck driver for failing to monitor surroundings or signal properly
- The trucking company for inadequate training or unsafe scheduling practices that cause rushed or fatigued driving
- The passenger driver in some cases, for failing to stay visible or driving aggressively in no-zones
Because Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault system (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-64-122), your ability to recover damages may be reduced if you're found partially at fault. That’s why working with a lawyer who understands the nuances of trucking law in Arkansas is crucial.
Tips to Stay Safe Around Truck Blind Spots
To minimize your risk of a no-zone crash:
- Stay out of blind spots. If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
- Don’t linger while passing. Pass quickly and on the left side when possible.
- Maintain a safe distance. This is especially true when merging in front of a truck.
- Avoid cutting off trucks. They need much more time and space to stop.
- Use your signals clearly and early when maneuvering around large trucks.
What to Do if You’ve Been Hurt in a Blind Spot Accident
Blind spot collisions can lead to devastating injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck blind spot accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries aren’t obvious
- File a police report to document the scene
- Preserve evidence like photos, videos, or dash cam footage
- Contact a truck accident attorney immediately because critical evidence, such as black box data and driver logs, may be lost if not preserved early
Let’s Talk About Your Case
Since 1986, we’ve proudly represented the community with integrity, compassion, and unwavering legal strength. Backed by over 80 years of combined experience, our team knows how to take on powerful trucking companies—and win.
Whether your accident involved a blind spot, driver fatigue, or mechanical failure, we’ll handle every detail: investigating the crash, proving fault, and pursuing full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. While you focus on healing, we’ll stand up to insurers and negligent parties on your behalf.
If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, don’t wait. Reach out today for a free consultation.
