Truck Blind Spots in West Virginia: The ‘No-Zones’ Causing Catastrophic Crashes on I-64, I-77, and I-79

Driving alongside a massive tractor-trailer on one of West Virginia’s winding interstates can be an unnerving experience. The sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles command respect and caution. Yet, many drivers are unaware of the most significant danger they pose: the vast blind spots, or “no-zones,” that render passenger cars completely invisible to the truck driver. A simple lane change, a slight drift, or a misjudged turn can have catastrophic consequences when a car is hidden in one of these areas.

What Are Commercial Truck ‘No-Zones’?

A “no-zone” is a term used to describe the significant blind spot areas around a large commercial truck where the driver’s vision is obstructed. Due to the vehicle’s length and height, standard mirrors cannot provide a complete view of the surrounding roadway. A passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or pedestrian located within a no-zone can be completely invisible to the person behind the wheel of the truck.

Think of it this way: the massive trailer acts like a wall, blocking the driver’s view. Unlike a standard car with a wide field of vision through windows and mirrors, a truck driver is navigating an 80,000-pound vehicle with limited visibility to the sides, front, and rear. This limited visibility is inherent to the design of semi-trucks, which makes it a shared responsibility for both the truck driver and other motorists to be aware of and respect these hazardous areas.

Mapping the Four Major No-Zones on a Tractor-Trailer

To safely share the road with commercial vehicles, every driver should be able to visualize the four primary no-zones. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) emphasizes the rule of thumb: if you cannot see the truck driver in their side-view mirror, they cannot see you.

• The Front No-Zone: Directly in front of the truck’s cab is a blind spot that can extend up to 20 feet. If a passenger car cuts too closely in front of a semi-truck and then brakes suddenly, the truck driver may not see them in time to avoid a rear-end collision.
• The Rear No-Zone: This is one of the largest and most dangerous blind spots, extending approximately 30 feet directly behind the trailer. Tailgating a truck places you squarely in this no-zone. The driver has no way of knowing you are there, creating a high risk of an underride accident if the truck needs to stop or reverse unexpectedly.
• The Left-Side No-Zone (Driver’s Side): While smaller than the right-side blind spot, a significant no-zone exists on the driver’s side. It runs along the length of the cab and trailer, typically covering one full lane of traffic. A car lingering in this area can easily be sideswiped if the truck needs to change lanes.
• The Right-Side No-Zone (Passenger’s Side): This is the largest and most dangerous blind spot. It extends diagonally outwards from the cab and can cover two full lanes of traffic. Truck drivers have an extremely limited view of this area, making it a high-risk zone for lane-change and “squeeze play” accidents, especially at intersections or on highway ramps.

The Dangers on West Virginia’s Winding Interstates

West Virginia’s key arteries—Interstate 64, Interstate 77 (including the West Virginia Turnpike), and Interstate 79—are lifelines for commerce, carrying a heavy volume of commercial truck traffic through challenging terrain. The combination of steep grades, sharp curves, and unpredictable weather makes these routes particularly susceptible to blind spot-related accidents.

From the busy corridors around Charleston and Huntington on I-64 to the mountainous stretches near Beckley on I-77 and the rolling hills toward Morgantown on I-79, passenger vehicles and big rigs are in constant interaction. A moment of inattention by a truck driver or a passenger car driver venturing into a no-zone can quickly lead to a devastating collision. These incidents are not minor fender-benders; they are high-impact events that often result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.

Common Types of Accidents Caused by Truck Blind Spots

When a truck driver is unaware of a vehicle in their no-zone, several types of severe accidents can occur.

• Unsafe Lane Changes and Sideswipes: This is the most frequent type of blind spot accident. A truck driver, believing the adjacent lane is clear, initiates a lane change and collides with a vehicle hidden in their side no-zone. The force of an 18-wheeler can push a smaller car off the road, into a barrier, or into the path of other traffic.
• “Squeeze Play” Accidents: These often happen when a truck is making a wide right turn. The driver must swing left initially to navigate the turn, creating a gap between the truck and the curb. A car driver might see this gap as an opportunity to pass on the right, placing them directly in the truck’s massive right-side blind spot. As the truck completes the turn, it “squeezes” the car against the curb or another obstacle.
• Underride and Override Accidents: A rear underride accident happens when a passenger car crashes into the back of a truck, sliding underneath the trailer. This often occurs when a truck brakes suddenly, and a tailgating car in the rear no-zone cannot react in time. An override is the opposite, where a truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle that cut too closely in front of it and was invisible in the front no-zone.

Why These Blind Spot Collisions Happen

The existence of a blind spot is a physical reality, but it does not excuse negligence. Most blind spot accidents involve contributing factors that go beyond the vehicle’s design limitations.

• Driver Negligence: Truck drivers are professionals who receive training on how to manage blind spots. Negligence occurs when they fail to do so. This can include failing to properly adjust mirrors, not performing “lean and look” checks, driving while distracted (e.g., using a cell phone), driving while fatigued, or operating under the influence.
• Inadequate Training: Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained on defensive driving techniques and managing no-zones. When they hire inexperienced drivers or fail to provide ongoing safety training, they may share liability for a resulting accident.
• Failure to Use Safety Technology: Many modern trucks can be equipped with advanced safety systems, such as blind-spot monitoring sensors, side-view cameras, and collision avoidance systems. A trucking company’s decision not to invest in or maintain this life-saving technology could be considered negligent.
• Poor Maintenance: Mirrors that are cracked, dirty, or improperly positioned can expand blind spots and reduce a driver’s visibility. A failure to perform routine maintenance checks can directly contribute to a collision.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Blind Spot Crash?

Determining liability after a truck accident is a complex process. It is rarely as simple as blaming one driver. Multiple parties could be responsible for the collision.

• The Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or failed to follow proper procedures for checking blind spots, they can be held directly liable for their negligence.
• The Trucking Company: Under a legal principle known as “vicarious liability,” employers are often responsible for the negligent acts of their employees. Furthermore, a trucking company can be held directly liable for its own negligence, such as negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.
• The Shipping/Loading Company: If cargo was improperly loaded and shifted during transit, it could affect the truck’s stability and contribute to an accident.
• A Maintenance Provider: If a third-party company was responsible for the truck’s maintenance and failed to repair faulty brakes, tires, or mirrors, that company could bear some responsibility.

Proving Fault in a West Virginia Truck Accident Claim

Successfully pursuing a personal injury claim requires more than just pointing a finger. It demands compelling evidence to prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. A knowledgeable legal team will work to gather and preserve vital information, which may include:

• The Police Accident Report: Provides an initial account of the incident.
• Electronic Data: The truck’s “black box” (Electronic Logging Device or ELD) records critical data about the truck’s speed, braking, and hours of service leading up to the crash.
• Witness Statements: Testimony from other motorists who saw the accident can be invaluable.
• Accident Reconstruction: Skilled professionals can analyze physical evidence from the scene to scientifically determine how the collision occurred.
• Driver Records: The driver’s employment history, training certifications, and driving record can reveal patterns of unsafe behavior.
• Maintenance Logs: These documents can show whether the truck and its safety equipment were kept in proper working order.

Safety Measures for Sharing the Road with Big Rigs

While truck drivers have a professional duty to operate safely, passenger car drivers can take steps to protect themselves.

• Avoid the No-Zones: Never linger in a truck’s blind spots. If you cannot see the driver in their mirror, assume they cannot see you.
• Pass Safely: Pass trucks on the left side, where their blind spot is smaller. Pass quickly and do not stay alongside the trailer.
• Give Them Space: Leave a large following distance behind trucks and give them plenty of room in front. Remember their stopping distance is much greater than a car’s.
• Anticipate Wide Turns: Never try to squeeze by a turning truck on the right. Pay attention to turn signals and give them the space they need to maneuver.
• Be Patient: Do not cut off a truck or engage in aggressive driving behaviors around it.

What to Do Immediately After a Collision with a Commercial Truck

The moments after a crash are chaotic and stressful. Taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.

• Check for Injuries and Call 911: Your first priority is safety. Report the accident and any injuries to the police and request medical assistance.
• Document the Scene: If you are able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and any relevant signs.
• Exchange Information: Get the truck driver’s name, license number, insurance information, and the name of their trucking company. Provide your own information, but do not discuss fault.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get a full medical evaluation. Some serious injuries may not have immediate symptoms. This also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
• Do Not Speak with Insurers: The trucking company’s insurance adjuster may contact you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement or sign any documents without first speaking with an attorney. Their goal is to minimize their company’s liability.

Compensation Available for Victims of Truck Accidents

Victims of collisions caused by a truck driver’s failure to mind their blind spots may be entitled to recover compensation for their losses. This can include:

• Economic Damages: Tangible financial losses such as past and future medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and rehabilitation costs.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for intangible harm like pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, West Virginia law may allow for punitive damages, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Powell & Majestro P.L.L.C.: Advocating for Those Harmed by Trucking Negligence

The aftermath of a serious truck accident is overwhelming. You are faced with physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting financial pressure. You should not have to face the complex legal battle against a large trucking company and its insurers alone. The legal team at Powell & Majestro, P.L.L.C. focuses on representing individuals and families in West Virginia who have been harmed by the negligence of others. We have the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident involving a blind spot, we invite you to contact us to discuss your situation. For a free no-obligation consultation to learn more about your legal options, call our office today at (800) 650-2889 or reach out to us through our online contact form.