How Truck Blind Spots Contribute to Side-Swipe Collisions

Driving alongside large commercial trucks is an everyday reality in Texas. With thousands of 18-wheelers and delivery trucks on the road, passenger vehicles often share tight spaces on highways and city streets. One of the most common types of crashes that result is the side-swipe collision, often caused by a truck’s blind spots.

These accidents can lead to severe injuries, catastrophic damage, and in the worst cases, loss of life. At McCraw Law Group, we’ve represented countless Texans injured in side-swipe truck accidents, and one factor comes up again and again: blind spots.

Understanding Truck Blind Spots

Every vehicle has blind spots, but commercial trucks have much larger ones due to their size and structure. These areas, where truck drivers have little or no visibility, are often called “no-zones.”

The four primary blind spots for trucks are:

• Front blind spot: Directly in front of the cab, extending up to 20 feet.
• Side blind spots: Along both sides, particularly the right side, which can extend across several lanes.
• Rear blind spot: Directly behind the trailer, extending up to 200 feet.

When cars linger in these zones, truck drivers may not know they’re there, leading to dangerous lane changes or merges.

How Blind Spots Lead to Side-Swipe Collisions

A side-swipe collision occurs when the side of a truck makes contact with another vehicle traveling alongside it. Blind spots contribute in several ways:

• Lane Changes: A truck driver begins to switch lanes without realizing a smaller vehicle is in the blind spot.
• Merging: Trucks entering highways or changing lanes may not see vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Turns: Wide right turns can sweep across blind spots, trapping cars.
• Driver Fatigue or Distraction: Even with mirrors, a tired or distracted driver may fail to check blind spots properly.

Because trucks are so massive, even a seemingly “minor” side-swipe can push smaller vehicles off the road, into other lanes, or cause rollovers.

The Impact of Side-Swipe Truck Collisions

When trucks and cars collide side-to-side, the results are often severe:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
• Broken bones and crush injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Wrongful death in high-speed crashes

Victims often face long recoveries, steep medical bills, and loss of income, making legal action essential.

Safety Tips for Passenger Vehicle Drivers

While truck drivers must be vigilant, car drivers can reduce risks by avoiding blind spots whenever possible. Here are some key tips:

• Pass Quickly: Don’t linger alongside a truck, especially near the right side.
• Stay Visible: If you can’t see the truck driver’s mirrors, assume they can’t see you.
• Give Space: Trucks need wide lanes to turn and merge; don’t squeeze in.
• Use Defensive Driving: Anticipate that a truck might change lanes without seeing you.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: Cutting in front of a truck or making abrupt lane changes increases the chance of a collision.

Legal Responsibilities in Side-Swipe Truck Accidents

Truck drivers and trucking companies have strict responsibilities under state and federal law to operate safely. Failure to properly check blind spots, use mirrors, or train drivers can amount to negligence.

Liability may fall on:

• The truck driver for failing to maintain awareness.
• The trucking company for inadequate training or unrealistic delivery schedules that encourage rushed driving.
• Manufacturers if defective mirrors or safety equipment contributed.

At McCraw Law Group, we conduct detailed investigations—including reviewing driver logs, black box data, and safety records—to determine exactly who is responsible.

Don’t Pay For Someone Else’s Negligence

Truck blind spots are a hidden danger on Texas roads, often leading to devastating side-swipe collisions. While drivers can take steps to minimize risks, negligent truck drivers and companies must be held accountable when their failures cause harm.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-swipe truck accident, contact McCraw Law Group today for a free consultation. No matter the distance, we’re here for you.