Truck Blind Spot Accidents

Huntsville Truck Blind Spot Accidents Lawyers

Here for you when you’re injured in a truck accident in Alabama

Sharing the road with large commercial trucks is something most of us do every day without a second thought. But driving next to an 18-wheeler comes with real risks, especially when it comes to blind spots, also called “no-zones.” These blind spots are much bigger than what you find on passenger cars and, when not handled correctly, can lead to serious or even fatal accidents.

At Martin & Helms, our Huntsville truck accident lawyers represent people who’ve been hurt in collisions caused by truck drivers who failed to check their blind spots or follow safety procedures. If you or a loved one was injured in one of these crashes, we can help you hold the at-fault driver or company accountable and fight for the compensation you need to compensate you for your losses, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

How can we help? We can help you by answering the following questions:

 

What are truck blind spots?

All vehicles have blind spots, but semi-trucks and tractor-trailers have much larger areas around them where the driver can’t see. These are called no-zones, and they exist on all four sides of a large truck:

  • The front blind spot extends about 20 feet in front of the cab.
  • The rear blind spot extends about 30 feet behind the trailer.
  • The left-side blind spot covers one lane, starting at the driver’s door and stretching back.
  • The right-side blind spot is often the largest and most dangerous, and can cover two or more lanes.

Because of the truck’s size, height, and the positioning of the mirrors, drivers often can’t see other vehicles traveling in these zones. If a truck changes lanes or makes a turn without knowing a car is there, the results can be catastrophic.

How do Huntsville blind spot accidents happen?

Blind spot accidents usually occur when a truck driver changes lanes, merges onto the highway, or makes a wide turn without properly checking for nearby vehicles. Common scenarios include:

  • A truck may move into an adjacent lane without seeing a car in its no-zone, sideswiping the smaller vehicle.
  • Trucks often swing wide when turning right. If a car is in the right-side blind spot, it may get crushed or pushed off the road.
  • A car following too closely may be in the truck’s rear blind spot and could get hit if the truck brakes or reverses suddenly.
  • A car that cuts in front of a truck may not be seen in time for the truck to slow down, resulting in a rear-end crash.

All of these incidents are preventable, but only if truck drivers follow the safety rules they’re trained to follow.

What are a truck driver’s responsibilities?

Truck drivers are held to a high legal standard because of the danger their vehicles pose. Under both federal and Alabama law, commercial drivers must:

  • Use their mirrors properly. Drivers are trained to scan their mirrors regularly and be aware of what’s around them.
  • Check all blind spots before changing lanes or turning. This includes using mirrors and, when possible, physically turning their heads to look.
  • Signal well in advance. Laws require truckers to signal 100 feet before turning or changing lanes.
  • Avoid distracted or drowsy driving. Fatigue or distraction can make drivers less aware of nearby vehicles.
  • Follow hours-of-service rules. These rules are designed to prevent fatigued driving.
  • Pass a commercial driver’s license (CDL) test. The CDL exam includes training on blind spots and other safety issues.

When drivers ignore these rules or rush through traffic without taking proper precautions, they put everyone around them at risk, and they can be held legally responsible for the injuries they cause.

Who can be held liable in a Huntsville truck blind spot accident?

In many blind spot accident cases, more than one party may share responsibility for what happened. Here’s who might be liable:

  • If the truck driver failed to check mirrors, didn’t use turn signals, or drove aggressively, they could be held personally liable for your injuries.
  • Under a legal theory called respondeat superior, an employer can be held responsible for its employee’s negligent actions. The company can also be directly liable if it failed to properly train the driver, forced unrealistic delivery schedules, or allowed unsafe driving behavior to continue.
  • Sometimes, blind spot accidents are caused in part by poor road design, faulty truck equipment, or another driver’s behavior.

We thoroughly investigate each case to identify every liable party.

How can your Huntsville truck blind spot accident lawyers help with my case?

When you’re hurt in a serious truck accident, you need someone on your side who understands how the system works. Trucking companies often have powerful legal teams and insurance companies that try to shift blame or pressure victims into low settlements. That’s where we come in.

Our team at Martin & Helms collects every piece of evidence we need to build a strong case:

  • Police reports
  • Driver logbooks and GPS data
  • Truck dash cam and surveillance footage
  • Event data recorder (“black box”) information
  • Witness interviews
  • Cell phone records
  • Truck maintenance and inspection reports

We also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the crash happened and whether blind spot negligence was involved.

We know what signs to look for when a trucking company has cut corners. Did they hire a driver with a history of violations? Did they encourage unsafe driving to meet deadlines? Were their safety policies lacking or outdated? If the company was negligent, we can work to hold them responsible.

Our lawyers are skilled negotiators, but we’re also prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes. We’ve represented clients in courtrooms across Alabama and have a strong track record of results.

What is my Huntsville truck blind spot accident claim worth?

If you were injured in a truck accident caused by blind spot negligence, you may be eligible for compensation such as:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatment
  • Lost income, if you missed work or are unable to return to your job
  • Pain and suffering, for the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on you
  • Permanent disability, if your injuries have changed your life long-term
  • Property damage, repair or replacement of your vehicle
  • Wrongful death damages, if you lost a loved one in a fatal crash

In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages if the trucking company or driver committed intentional misconduct, or acted with malice or a wanton disregard for others.

What should I do after a truck blind spot accident in Huntsville?

After a crash involving a commercial truck, your actions can make a big difference in protecting your rights. Here’s what you should do:

  • Call 911. Always report the accident and request medical help.
  • Get medical attention. Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
  • Take photos and videos. If it’s safe, document the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any injuries.
  • Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurer. They may try to get you to accept a low offer or say something they can use against you.

Then, call Martin & Helms. The sooner our Huntsville truck blind spot accident lawyers can start investigating, the better chance we have of preserving critical evidence.

Why choose Martin & Helms for my Huntsville truck blind spot accident case?

At Martin & Helms, we’ve been helping injured people in Huntsville and across North Alabama for decades. We focus on serious injury cases involving trucks, cars, and other vehicles, and we understand the special challenges that truck accident cases bring. We’re known for:

  • Experienced trial attorneys with deep knowledge of federal trucking regulations
  • Personal attention to every client—we take the time to listen and care
  • Aggressive representation against big trucking companies and insurers
  • Free consultations and no fees unless we win your case

You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process and fight for the outcome you deserve.

Do you have a Huntsville truck blind spot accident lawyer near me?

Martin & Helms serves clients from our two Alabama offices. Our Huntsville office is located at 2317 Market Place SW, Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35801. If you are too injured to come to us, let us know. We can make other arrangements. We’re here to help.

Talk to a Huntsville truck blind spot accident lawyer today

Blind spot accidents involving large trucks can cause life-changing injuries in just seconds. If a truck driver or company failed to follow safety rules and caused your crash, they should be held accountable, and Martin & Helms is here to help you do that. Call our offices or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We proudly serve clients in Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, and throughout North Alabama.