Where Are a Truck’s Blindspots?
All motor vehicles have blind spots; however, due to their size, trucks have more blind spots than regular passenger vehicles. A blind spot is an area on a vehicle where the driver cannot see other drivers.
These spots are areas where the driver cannot see other vehicles directly through their rearview mirrors or by looking out the driver or passenger windows. Blind spots contribute to severe accidents and passenger vehicle drivers should be aware of them.
A truck’s blind spots aren’t the same on every vehicle. Here is what you should know about blind spot accidents, how to stay safe, and how a truck accident lawyer can help you if you have been in a trucking accident.
Common Locations of Truck Blind Spots
A truck’s blind spot is often directly in front of the truck’s cab. However, there are other areas that passenger vehicle drivers should be aware of. For example, truck blind spots are also situated along the truck’s sides but are predominant on the right side.
If you are located directly behind the truck, especially near the rear wheels, you are in a truck’s blind spot. Areas obstructed by the truck’s mirrors or trailers are also common blind spots, so take note of them when driving near a truck.
Types of Trucks and Their Blind Spots
Some types of trucks have more areas where the truck driver’s line of sight is significantly obstructed. Here are three examples:
- Semi-trucks
Many blind spot accidents occur with semi-trucks. This is because these vehicles are very large, with significant blind spots on all four sides. This is also the case with tractor-trailers. Exercise extreme caution when passing or maneuvering around a semi-truck or tractor-trailer. A truck accident involving just the truck’s trailer can result in catastrophic injuries.
- Delivery trucks
Delivery trucks also have blind spots. Most delivery truck drivers cannot see the sides or rear of the vehicle, especially package delivery vehicles. The cargo area is also a large blind spot for truck drivers.
- Construction vehicles
Construction vehicles have large blind spots in front, on the sides, and the rear. These truck blind spots are significant not only due to the vehicle’s size but also due to their specialized design.
Impact of Blind Spots on Road Safety
Any truck blind spot can lead to disastrous truck accidents that affect all nearby passenger vehicles. Some of the most common commercial truck blind spot accidents include:
- Sideswipe collisions
Sideswipe collisions are among the most common blind spot accidents. They mostly occur when changing lanes. The truck’s blind spot on the sides prevents the truck driver from seeing other vehicles during lane changes or merges.
- Rear-end collisions
Rear blind spot collisions mostly occur during maneuvers like backing up or changing lanes. It can happen when a truck driver does not see the vehicle behind them.
- Turning accidents
These blind spot accidents occur when a truck turns and collides with a vehicle located in its blind spot.
Tips for Drivers to Avoid Blind Spots
Passenger vehicle drivers should always be aware of a truck’s large blind spots and should not assume that their rearview mirrors function the same as those on trucks. Generally, larger commercial trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles.
If you are a car driver and want to avoid a truck accident due to its blind spots, here are some tips to improve your road safety and awareness:
- Always maintain a safe following distance from large trucks and other vehicles.
- Use your side mirrors to monitor the truck’s blind spots
- Do not linger in the no-zone. The no-zone refers to the truck’s blind spots on all four sides
- Pass trucks only when it is safe and ensure that the truck driver sees you
If you are injured in a truck accident due to its blind spots, you can still take legal action. However, you should consult a truck accident lawyer to learn more about your options and legal rights.
Taking Legal Action Against the Truck Driver
Although passenger vehicles must be considerate of a truck driver’s blind spots, truck drivers must also operate their vehicles safely and use turn signals when appropriate to ensure road safety.
If you want to pursue a truck accident claim against a truck driver and blind spots are the central focus of your claim, then the truck driver might be at fault for the incident if:
- They failed to use turn signals or check their blind spots before maneuvering
- The truck driver operated their vehicle in an unsafe manner
- The driver was fatigued, impaired, or otherwise unable to control the vehicle properly
What Can Increase Your Fault in Truck Blind Spot Accidents
In some instances, you can bear some fault for the truck accident, especially when blind spots are involved. The following scenarios can raise your level of culpability in truck accident cases:
- You did not check the truck’s blind spots before changing lanes or turning
- You cut in front of the truck without allowing sufficient space for the maneuver
- You were distracted, driving recklessly, or made it difficult for the truck driver to see you
Truck Drivers Might Not Be The Only Liable Party
Accidents involving commercial trucks are often more complex than regular car accidents. This is because, in many instances, the truck driver is not necessarily the only liable party for the incident, even in blind spot accidents.
Trucking companies, for example, can be held liable for a blind spot accident if, after an investigative process, it is discovered that they did not provide adequate training to their driver or engaged in negligent hiring and supervision. If there were maintenance issues, other parties, such as service providers or manufacturers, could be held liable.
Lastly, if the trucking company fails to implement safety protocols or updates on blind spot safety, it can share liability. Since you might be dealing with many different elements in your truck blind spot accident case and many personal injury laws can affect your case and settlement amount, you should consult with a truck accident lawyer.
Contact Crown & Stone Law, P.C. today for a free consultation on your truck accident case and learn more about your legal options and rights. Discover how a truck’s blind spot can affect your case.
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