Blind spots are often referred to as a truck’s “no zones.” Truck drivers are expected to monitor these areas by using properly adjusted mirrors, signaling well in advance, and confirming that adjacent lanes are clear before changing lanes or merging. When these precautions are not taken, the risk of a collision increases. The occupants of the passenger vehicles may sustain severe injuries leading to long-term or permanent disability.
Hiring a St Louis truck accident lawyer at Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C. is vital for obtaining adequate compensation for you and your family. Although this does not erase your pain or injury, it may begin the process of healing by providing the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life. While most truck blind spot accident claims are settled, we can take your case to trial if the insurer fails to agree to a reasonable settlement amount.
Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Because tractor-trailers and semi-trucks are significantly larger than passenger vehicles, there are areas around the truck where smaller vehicles may not be visible to the driver. Passing a semi-truck on the highway can be particularly hazardous, as a car may remain in the truck’s blind spot for several seconds before it becomes visible.
These no zones for trucks include:
- Front zone: Because large trucks require significantly longer stopping distances, vehicles that cut in front of a truck may be difficult or impossible for the driver to see or avoid. The front no zone generally extends approximately 20 feet in front of the cab, though the exact distance can vary based on speed and size.
- Side zone: Blind spots along a tractor-trailer extend down both sides of the vehicle, particularly alongside the trailer and toward the front. Vehicles traveling or lingering in these areas may not be visible to the truck driver, increasing the risk of sideswipe collisions during lane changes or turns.
- Rear zone: Tractor-trailers do not have a traditional rear-view mirror. The driver’s view directly behind the truck is blocked by the trailer, so truck drivers rely primarily on side-view mirrors to monitor surrounding traffic. Vehicles traveling too closely behind a truck may not be visible to the driver, and also have limited visibility of traffic conditions ahead. Maintaining a safe following distance reduces the risk of a rear-end collision, particularly if the truck must slow or stop suddenly.
Although most truck blind spot accidents take place at low speeds and involve sideswiping or side impact collisions, serious injuries may result. Many truck accident victims suffer severe, life-altering injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Due to the mechanics of a truck blind spot accident, the TBI typically results from the lateral motion of a side impact.
Truck Accident Liability
Truck accident liability may rest with one or more parties, depending on the circumstances of the crash, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, a vehicle or parts manufacturer, a maintenance provider, or a cargo loader.
Our attorneys evaluate the facts of each case to identify all potentially responsible parties. Truck drivers are subject to strict safety regulations, including prohibitions against distracted driving and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
To obtain and maintain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), drivers must meet qualification and testing requirements designed to ensure they understand vehicle operation, including managing blind spots and maintaining roadway safety.
Common Sites for Blind Spot Truck Accidents in St. Louis
Blind spot truck accidents are more common in areas with frequent lane changes and turning movements, such as busy streets with turn lanes, high-traffic intersections, and highway on- and off-ramps.
Areas in St. Louis with a high rate of blind spot truck accidents include:
High-truck Highways and “Weaving Zones”
- I-270 in North County, including the I-70 and Route H/Hall Street corridor leading toward the Chain of Rocks area: This is a primary freight bypass with very high volumes. There are many lane changes at closely spaced ramps, also known as weaving zones.
- I-270 / I-255 Outer Belt: One of the region’s most traveled freight corridors, connecting to I-70, I-64, I-44, and I-55 with multiple highway connections. Frequent merging and lane changes create more opportunities for vehicles to enter a truck’s blind spots, increasing the risk of collisions.
- I-64 (US-40), between the Kingshighway and I-170 interchanges: This highway features major interstate-to-interstate movement with dense ramp activity.
- Downtown interstates around the Poplar Street Bridge approaches (I-44, I-55, and I-64: The multiple route choices and short decision distances increase the likelihood of sudden lane changes and sideswipes.
- I-70, the airport and downtown approaches: Another major freight artery where traffic congestion is common. Conflicts are more likely in areas where vehicles enter or exit the highway and trucks must change lanes to position themselves for upcoming ramps.
Specific Interchanges to Scrutinize
Take special care when traveling on these interchanges, as this is where trucks most often make multi-lane merges or late lane changes:
- I-64 and I-170 interchange: A classic high-weave junction.
- I-270 and I-70 interchange: This is where the outer belt meets a major freight corridor.
- I-270 and Route H (Hall St / Riverview): Expect heavy commercial movements between the interstate and the industrial corridor.
When a collision occurs in these settings, a careful review of roadway conditions, traffic patterns, and driver actions is essential to determining responsibility and protecting the rights of those who were injured.
Contact Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien to Schedule a Free Consultation
It is critical to have experienced legal representation when filing a Missouri truck accident claim after a serious injury. Insurance companies evaluate claims based on their own financial interests. Without legal representation, a claimant may accept a settlement that does not fully account for medical expenses and other accident-related losses.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today with a St. Louis blind spot truck accident lawyer at Buchanan Williams & O’Brien. We serve all of St. Louis County.
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