Blind Spot Truck Accidents - The Dangers of ”No Zones” for Drivers in Laredo, Texas

Located at the southern end of I-35 on the Texas/Mexico border, Laredo is a hotspot for big rig activity and accidents involving commercial vehicles. The mere size and weight of a semi-truck can do considerable damage to smaller cars in the event of an accident, even at relatively low speeds. Blind spots, also known as no-zones, are a top cause of accidents involving 18-wheelers. Unlike cars, trucks have numerous blind spots on all sides that increase the risk of a crash. The Laredo truck accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw help accident victims who were hit after unknowingly driving in a trucker’s blind spot.

If you’ve been hurt in one of these crashes, call our compassionate attorneys at Carabin Shaw. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we win your case. We are available 24/7 to schedule free consultations in English or Spanish at 800-862-1260.

Large trucks have four primary no-zones:

The elevated cab of a semi makes it nearly impossible to see anything ahead for about 20 feet. Vehicles closer than 20 feet ahead become invisible to the truck driver.

Truck drivers also cannot see vehicles directly behind them, as trucks are not equipped with rearview mirrors inside the cab. The blind spot extends about 30 feet behind the big rig.

The right side has the most prominent blind spot, extending up to three lanes just behind the cab and the length of the trailer. Motorists should avoid passing a truck on the right because of this extensive no-zone.

While the left side of the truck is considered the safest, there is a blind spot on this side that extends from the left side of the back of the cab to approximately one-half the length of the trailer.

Truck drivers are often at fault for collisions involving their blind spots, as lawyers frequently find when investigating these crashes. However, motorists can take steps to lower their risk of an accident, such as:

• Try to avoid areas directly in front of or behind the vehicle
• Avoid passing on the right side of the truck
• Pass on the left as quickly as you safely can
• Never cut directly in front of a semi-truck
• Anticipate wide turns and provide ample space for the truck
• Stay focused on the road and trucks traveling nearby

Despite your best efforts to avoid big rigs, crashes can and do still happen. Laredo’s Webb County had over 880 accidents involving commercial vehicles in 2024. Blind spot accidents are often caused by truck drivers violating federal or state regulations, such as:

• Inexperienced drivers who don’t know how to avoid no-zone accidents
• Fatigued drivers due to logging too many service hours
• Drivers operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted drivers who are texting, eating, or talking on their phones
• Reckless, aggressive drivers who tailgate or perform unsafe lane changes

If a truck driver injures you, you need a Laredo 18 wheeler accident attorney on your side to investigate your accident and hold at-fault parties accountable. It’s best to contact an attorney early in the process, while witness memories are fresh and documents are readily available.

After a truck accident, evidence becomes critical in proving that the truck driver or the trucking company’s negligence led to your accident and injuries. Key evidence might include:

• Police report
• Eyewitness statements
• Medical records
• Accident scene photos
• Driving and maintenance records
• Electronic data recorder (EDR) from the truck

An experienced truck accident lawyer in Laredo knows how to gather evidence and protect you from unscrupulous trucking companies that may try to withhold records or blame you for the accident to reduce their liability.

If you are injured in a truck accident in South Texas, call the personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw. We help accident victims maximize damages, as our client reviews attest. We are available toll-free now at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• Texas Statutes 643
• Cornell Law