Do you know how to stay safe around big trucks on Mississippi roads? Many drivers do not realize just how easily a few seconds in a truck’s blind spot can turn into a truck blind spot accident in Mississippi. But with the right information and smart habits, you can protect yourself and others.
If you already got hurt in a blind spot wreck, a truck accident injury lawyer in Mississippi from Mama Justice – MW Law Firm can help you figure out what went wrong and what to do next. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What Are Truck Blind Spots (No-Zones)?
Truck blind spots, also called no-zones, are large areas around a truck where the truck driver has limited visibility. Truck drivers rely on mirrors to check these spots, but even with proper equipment, areas like the space immediately behind the truck are impossible to see.
If you drive right beside or behind a truck for too long, the driver might not know you are there. That is why these blind spots are so hazardous.
Where Are the Most Dangerous Blind Spots Around Commercial Trucks in Mississippi?
Big trucks have large no-zone areas that are extremely dangerous for drivers in smaller vehicles. Here are the four main blind spots around a typical truck:
- Right side – The blind spot along a large truck’s right side stretches across several lanes. Because the right side sits opposite the driver, it is often the hardest for them to monitor.
- Left side – Truck drivers have better visibility on the left, but smaller blind spots still run alongside the cab and trailer. Cars that travel too close here can disappear from the driver’s view.
- Rear – The space directly behind a semi-truck offers no visibility to the driver. A tailgating passenger vehicle will not appear in the truck’s mirrors.
- Front – The front no-zone starts at the truck’s front bumper and extends several feet forward. Drivers who cut in too closely after passing risk getting hit if a truck driver cannot stop in time.
Common Causes of Blind Spot Crashes in Mississippi
Blind spot truck accidents happen when a truck driver does not see a smaller vehicle, motorcyclist, or pedestrian while turning, merging, or changing lanes. Common causes of these wrecks include:
- Unsafe lane changes – Some truck drivers switch lanes without checking their mirrors or signaling first, which puts road users in their blind spots in danger.
- Improper mirror adjustment – A truck driver who does not set their mirrors correctly might have larger blind spots that make it harder to keep track of nearby traffic.
- Failure to check surroundings – Rushed or inattentive truckers sometimes maneuver without scanning their surroundings, which increases their risk of hitting someone in a blind spot.
- Distracted driving – A truck driver who is focused on their phone or their lunch instead of the road might miss a road user in one of their blind spots.
- Fatigue or drowsiness – Drowsy truck drivers are more likely to lose focus and fail to keep track of traffic beside or behind them.
- Improper merging – If truckers enter a highway without a full view of surrounding traffic, they can strike other vehicles in their blind spots.
Safety Tips for Drivers to Avoid Truck Blind Spot Accidents
Some truck blind spot accidents happen because car drivers do not realize how limited a truck driver’s view can be. That is why it is so important to stay alert and make smart choices when sharing the road with trucks.
Here are some truck no-zone safety tips to help you avoid truck blind spot crashes:
- Know where a truck’s blind spots are.
- Always pass trucks quickly but safely.
- Do not cut in front of a truck too closely after passing.
- Use your turn signals early.
- Keep a safe distance behind trucks.
- Avoid distractions when driving near trucks.
- Watch for turn signals on big rigs.
- Give trucks extra room in bad weather.
- Look for a truck’s mirrors so you know the driver can see you.
- Be extra cautious around trucks making wide turns.
Can a Trucking Company Be Responsible for a Blind Spot Crash?
Yes, a trucking company can be responsible if its driver is involved in a blind spot accident. Trucking companies must hire safe drivers, train them properly, and inspect and maintain their trucks regularly. If a company fails to do that, and a blind spot crash happens as a result, the company could be partially or fully at fault.
A trucking company would also be vicariously liable for the trucker’s negligence if the truck driver was an employee, not an independent contractor.
Our Mississippi truck accident lawyers often look at company records to see if a company’s poor choices contributed to the wreck. Many of these cases focus on blind spot truck crash prevention, or lack thereof, and what the company should have done to avoid the crash.
What to Do After a Blind Spot Truck Accident
The steps you take after a truck accident can affect your ability to recover physically and financially. Here is what you can do to protect your rights and make it easier to move forward:
- Contact a knowledgeable truck accident attorney from Mama Justice as soon as possible.
- Get medical attention right away, even if you feel fine at first.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all appointments.
- Collect all medical records and bills related to the crash.
- Save contact information for any witnesses.
- Request a copy of the accident report.
- Take photos of your injuries and damage to your vehicle.
- Avoid talking to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster.
- Do not post about the accident or your injuries on social media.
Why You Need a Mississippi Truck Accident Attorney
Blind spot truck accident cases are often more complex and involve more injuries and losses than regular car accident cases. Many trucking companies and their insurance companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters who work hard to limit their payouts.
You deserve someone who works just as hard for you. You need someone who will fight like a mother for the compensation you deserve.
An attorney from Mama Justice can collect evidence on your behalf, deal with the insurance companies for you, negotiate for a fair settlement, and take legal action if necessary. Without legal help, you could miss out on the money you need to cover your losses.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Mississippi
If you got hurt in a Mississippi blind spot truck accident, Mama Justice is ready to help you. As the fastest-growing, female-owned law firm in the United States with 400+ five-star reviews from satisfied clients, Mama Justice has earned a strong reputation for both results and compassion.
When you contact our Mississippi truck accident lawyers for help, we will walk you through your legal options, connect you with medical care teams if necessary, and fight for every dollar the law allows. The consultation is free, and we do not get paid unless you win.
