If you’ve just been in a truck accident, you probably wonder how it happened so fast. One of the most common causes of these crashes comes down to something many drivers do not even think about: a truck’s blind spots.
So, what are a truck’s blind spots? These are large areas around the truck where the driver cannot see other vehicles. If you were in one of those zones when the truck merged, turned, or stopped suddenly, it is possible the driver didn’t even know you were there.
But that doesn’t mean you are at fault in a truck accident. Let’s look at these blind spots and what they could mean for a potential claim.
What Are Blind Spots?
Every vehicle has blind spots. For most cars, this is a small area just behind the shoulder. You can easily check it by glancing over or adjusting mirrors.
But what about trucks? Their blind spots are in a different league. These areas are so large that entire vehicles can disappear from view. For this reason, truck drivers do not rely on their side mirrors alone to monitor traffic. If you are in one of these zones, they may not know you are there.
There are four major blind spots around a truck, which include:
In Front of the Truck
Trucks sit high off the ground, and the cab can block the view of anything directly in front of them, especially smaller cars. This blind spot can stretch 20 feet ahead of the truck. If you cut in too closely after passing, the driver might not see you.
Directly Behind the Truck
Have you ever been behind a truck and notice the “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you” stickers?
That is not just for decoration. A truck’s rear blind spot can extend 30 feet or more. That makes tailgating near a truck dangerous. If the truck stops suddenly, you may be unable to slow down in time to avoid an accident.
Along the Right Side
This is the biggest danger zone. The blind spot on a truck’s passenger side can take up several lanes. Staying in this area is like riding beside an invisible wall. The driver probably will not see you, and if they need to switch lanes or make a wide right turn, you can be in trouble.
Along the Left Side
The driver’s side has a blind spot, but it is not as large as the right one. It runs from the cab back at a slight angle. If you are cruising alongside a truck’s left rear wheel, always assume the driver doesn’t know you are there.
While we all share the road together, trucks move differently from cars. These vehicles are longer and heavier, and they take more time and space to stop, accelerate, or maneuver. When a vehicle disappears into a blind spot, the truck driver may unknowingly change lanes or make a turn with a car right beside them.
How to Stay Safe Around Trucks
You do not need to be a professional driver to stay safe around semi-trucks. You need to stay alert and give trucks the space they need. Here are a few tips from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to keep in mind:
- Pass quickly and smartly: You always want to pass trucks on the left side. This is where the visibility is better. Don’t linger. You want to get by as quickly and safely as possible. Remember never to cut in too closely when moving back into the lane.
- Give them space: Whether merging, changing lanes, or driving in front of a truck, you must leave extra room. Trucks cannot stop on a dime. For many of these vehicles, it takes the length of several football fields to bring one to a complete stop at highway speed.
- Avoid the right side: Don’t pass a truck on the right. That blind spot is massive, and you are invisible there. Wait until you can pass safely on the left.
- Never tailgate: When you follow a truck too closely, that puts you in a blind spot. It also blocks your view of the road ahead, so you will not have much time to react.
- Look for mirrors: A good rule of thumb: if you can’t see the driver’s face in the mirror, they can’t see you either.
What If You’ve Been Involved in a Truck Accident?
Even when you are doing everything right, accidents can still happen. Collisions with large commercial trucks often result in serious injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and plenty of legal issues.
If you’ve been in an accident with a truck, these cases are very different from typical car crashes.
Multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers. Federal and state regulations also come into play, especially if the accident involved violations of hours-of-service rules or improper maintenance.
For that reason, you should talk to a skilled truck accident lawyer at Curcio Law as soon as possible. We can assess your current situation and help you take the next steps for a possible legal claim.
