Delivery vans have significant blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, and smaller vehicles. These visibility limitations cause accidents that may constitute driver and company negligence when proper precautions aren't taken.

Delivery Van Blind Spots

The boxy design of delivery vans creates substantial blind zones. Unlike passenger cars, delivery vans have large areas where drivers cannot see other road users:

Rear blind spots are especially dangerous. Many delivery vans have solid rear doors with no windows, creating complete blind zones directly behind the vehicle. Backup cameras help but don't eliminate the hazard.

Side blind spots exist along both sides of the vehicle, particularly toward the rear. The van's height and length create zones where smaller vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles disappear from the driver's view.

Front blind spots occur when short pedestrians or children are directly in front of the high vehicle hood, below the driver's sight line.

Common Blind Spot Accidents

Backing accidents occur when drivers reversing to reach delivery locations strike pedestrians, vehicles, or objects behind them. Backing accidents are disproportionately fatal, especially for children.

Lane change accidents happen when drivers fail to see vehicles in adjacent lanes before merging. Motorcycles and compact cars are particularly vulnerable.

Right turn accidents occur when drivers making right turns fail to see cyclists or pedestrians in the right-side blind spot.

Parking lot accidents involve collisions with pedestrians, shopping carts, or vehicles in blind zones while maneuvering in congested areas.

Driver Negligence

Drivers have duties to compensate for vehicle limitations. Negligent conduct includes failing to check mirrors before lane changes, not using spotters when backing, making turns without adequate visibility checks, ignoring backup cameras and warning systems, and rushing maneuvers that require extra caution.

Knowing the vehicle has blind spots creates a duty to take extra precautions.

Company Responsibilities

Delivery companies must address blind spot hazards through training drivers on blind spot awareness and compensation techniques, equipping vehicles with visibility aids (cameras, sensors, mirrors), establishing policies for backing and maneuvering safely, and monitoring driver behavior to ensure compliance.

Companies that fail to address known visibility limitations act negligently.

Technology Solutions

Modern technology can reduce blind spot accidents. Backup cameras (now required on new vehicles), blind spot monitoring systems, 360-degree camera systems, and proximity sensors and collision warning. Companies that don't implement available safety technology may be liable when accidents occur that technology would have prevented.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Awareness

While drivers bear primary responsibility, pedestrians and cyclists should be aware of delivery van blind spots. Never assume a delivery driver can see you, especially when approaching from behind or the side. Make eye contact before crossing near delivery vehicles.

However, pedestrian awareness doesn't excuse driver negligence. Drivers must anticipate that vulnerable road users may be in blind zones.

Evidence in Blind Spot Cases

Proving blind spot negligence requires accident reconstruction showing the victim was in a blind zone, evidence the driver failed to take appropriate precautions, the vehicle's (lack of) safety equipment, driver training records on blind spot procedures, and witness testimony about driver behavior before the collision.

Expert testimony often helps juries understand blind spot dynamics and what the driver should have done differently.

Pursuing Blind Spot Accident Claims

If you were struck by a delivery van in a blind spot situation, document the accident scene including vehicle positions. Note whether the van had backup cameras or other safety equipment. Gather witness statements about driver behavior.

An experienced attorney can investigate whether the driver and company took adequate precautions and pursue claims for blind spot negligence.