Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Semi-Truck Blind Spots (“No-Zone” Crashes)
Motorcycle accidents caused by a semi truck blind spots can be catastrophic. Here’s how to avoid them and what to do if you’ve been injured due to one.
If They Say “I Didn’t See You,” They Weren’t Looking
You’ve seen the signs—“If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.” But let’s be real: that’s not an excuse.
When a truck driver swings wide, merges blindly, or cuts into your lane without checking their massive blind spots (called no-zones), it’s not just a mistake. It’s negligence. And for bikers, that kind of carelessness is often deadly.
If you were hit by a semi-truck, delivery truck, or other large commercial vehicle, The Biker Lawyers are here to help you fight back. We’ve got the experience, the tools, and the fire to take on big trucking companies and win.
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Zone Motorcycle Accidents
Click the (+) on any of the questions below.What is a “no-zone” accident?
It’s a crash that happens when a truck driver hits a motorcycle in one of the truck’s blind spots—usually from unsafe lane changes or wide turns.
Can a truck driver be held liable for not seeing my motorcycle?
Yes. Drivers are required to check blind spots and mirrors. “I didn’t see them” is not a valid excuse—it’s negligence.
What evidence can prove fault in a truck blind spot accident?
Dashcam or traffic cam footage, truck “black box” data, driver logs, witness statements, and accident reconstruction can all help prove liability.
What if the truck driver was working for a company like FedEx or Amazon?
We may be able to hold both the driver and the company liable, depending on how the driver was classified and what safety standards were violated.
Do truck drivers have different insurance requirements?
Yes. Commercial drivers must carry much higher insurance limits than regular drivers. This often means larger potential settlements for injured bikers.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
No. Not before speaking with a motorcycle accident lawyer. These adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Let us handle them for you.
What Is a “No-Zone” and Why Is It So Dangerous for Motorcycles?
“No-zones” are the large blind spots around a commercial truck where the driver can’t easily see vehicles—especially motorcycles.
There are four main no-zones:
- Directly behind the trailer (tailgating zone)
- Directly in front of the truck (short stopping distance)
- On the left side, starting around the cab
- On the right side, extending two lanes wide
Because motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss, we’re at much greater risk of getting sideswiped, cut off, or run off the road entirely.
How Truck Crashes Happen
We’re here to help bikers in Iowa and Minnesota recover from devastating no-zone crashes like:
- A truck merging into a lane already occupied by a motorcycle
- Wide right turns where the truck traps or strikes a rider
- Sudden braking or rollbacks that crush bikes behind the trailer
- Left-side swipes when a truck drifts or changes lanes
- Motorcycle forced off the road by an unaware trucker
These accidents are often brushed off as “unavoidable”, but let us be clear: they’re preventable, and someone is responsible.
Is the Truck Driver Always at Fault in No-Zone Crashes?
Not always—but often. Professional drivers are trained to:
- Check mirrors and blind spots
- Use turn signals well in advance
- Keep a safe following and merging distance
- Avoid making turns that put smaller vehicles at risk
If they failed to do any of that—or their trucking company pushed them to drive fatigued, rushed, or overloaded—they may be liable.
What Makes Truck-Involved Motorcycle Accidents More Complex?
- Federal laws apply – Truckers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Black box data – Most commercial trucks record speed, braking, and lane changes
- Multiple insurance policies – The driver, the company, and even third parties may be involved
- Corporate lawyers – Big firms don’t want to pay, and they play hardball
That’s why you need a law firm that rides, knows trucking laws, and doesn’t back down.
Related Resources
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Hit in a no-zone? We ride. We get it. And we fight like hell.
Hit by a Semi-Truck While Riding?
Posted on June 16, 2020 at 3:10 PM | Updated: June 16, 2025 by The Biker Lawyers