Georgia's Hidden Highway Danger: The Deadly Truth About Semi Truck Blind Spots

The Graham Firm, a prominent Georgia truck accident law firm known as "The Big Truck Lawyers," has published a critical article titled "Semi Truck Blind Spots: A Hidden Danger on Georgia Roads." The piece, authored by Attorney Charles Graham ("Big Truck Chuck"), delves into the severe risks posed by the massive blind spots, or "No-Zones," surrounding 18-wheelers. These invisible areas, as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, can extend for several car lengths on each side of a trailer, about 20 feet in front of the cab, and nearly 200 feet behind it. The article vividly describes a common, terrifying scenario where a truck drifts into a lane, with the driver later claiming, "I never saw you," a statement often tragically true due to these No-Zones. The danger is compounded by physics: a fully loaded semi weighing up to 80,000 pounds colliding with a typical 3,000-pound passenger car results in catastrophic force absorbed almost entirely by the smaller vehicle.

The content identifies specific high-risk corridors in Georgia where blind spot crashes are prevalent, including I-75 through metro Atlanta, I-85 near the Perimeter, I-20 through Augusta and Atlanta, and the notoriously dangerous I-285. It details the four primary blind spot zones—front, rear, right-side, and left-side—and explains how ordinary maneuvers like lane changes, merges from short ramps, or wide right turns at intersections can trigger devastating accidents. The article emphasizes that fault in these crashes can extend beyond the driver to include trucking companies with unrealistic schedules, poor supervision, or negligent maintenance providers. Building a legal case often requires evidence like driver logs, electronic truck data, inspection reports, and training histories.

From a legal perspective, the article outlines Georgia's statutes, noting that personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 and are subject to a modified comparative negligence rule that can bar or reduce recovery based on fault. It counters common insurance arguments that blame smaller vehicles for being in the No-Zone, stressing the importance of evidence like photographs, electronic data, and witness accounts. The Graham Firm aims to educate Georgia drivers about these hidden dangers and assert that everyone has a right to safe roads, while trucking companies have a duty to operate responsibly. The firm, specializing in serious commercial vehicle crashes, offers this resource to help injured parties understand their options after a no-zone collision, reinforcing its role as a dedicated advocate for victims on Georgia's highways.