Common Accidents Associated With Truck Blind Spots
All motor vehicles have blind spots: areas around the vehicle that are not visible to the driver in his or her mirrors. The shape and size of a semi-truck mean these vehicles have exceptionally large blind spots. If a truck driver is not careful, he or she could cause multiple types of truck accidents that are associated with blind spots.
Where Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?
Tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers have such large blind spots that they have been nicknamed the “No Zone,” as a warning to motor vehicle drivers not to drive in these places. Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. Generally, these areas – where the truck driver cannot see other vehicles in the road – are located in the following places:
- At least 20 feet in front of the truck
- Nearly 200 feet from the back of the truck
- One lane of traffic to the left of the truck
- Two lanes of traffic to the right of the truck
As a general rule of thumb, if you cannot see a truck driver’s face in his or her rearview mirror while you are driving near a big rig, the driver cannot see you or your vehicle. Keep a safe distance away from a semi-truck to avoid driving in blind spots. Pass as quickly as you can; do not hover near a large truck for longer than is necessary.
Types of Accidents That Occur in Truck Blind Spots
Truck blind spots can cause or contribute to many different types of traffic accidents in California. If a truck driver does not change lanes safely and prudently, for example, he or she may do so on top of a smaller car that is in a blind spot. Examples of collisions that can take place due to truck blind spots include:
- Merge or lane-change accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Underride or override accidents
- Truck jackknife accidents and rollovers
- Wide-turn accidents
- Bicycle and pedestrian collisions
Large truck accidents occur every day in the United States. Sadly, many of these accidents are fatal, especially for the occupants of the smaller cars involved. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 5,700 fatal accidents involved large trucks in 2021. This was an 18 percent increase from 2020.
How Can Truck Blind Spot Accidents Be Prevented?
As a motor vehicle driver, you can protect yourself from a truck blind spot accident by staying out of the No Zone as much as possible. If you pull up next to a truck, safely pass it as soon as possible. Do not change lanes too closely in front of or behind a large truck. Keep your distance to give yourself time to stop or maneuver away if the truck driver hits the brakes or begins encroaching in your lane.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help With Your Case
If you get injured in a truck blind spot accident in California, you may need to hire a Los Angeles, CA truck accident attorney to represent you during the insurance claim process or a personal injury lawsuit. A number of factors make truck accidents unique compared to standard car accident cases. Your Los Angeles accident attorney can navigate the complex elements of your case for you while you concentrate on healing.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will understand the federal and state laws that apply to your case, including trucking safety regulations. Your lawyer will investigate the collision to determine the cause of the crash and collect evidence. If necessary, your attorney can hire qualified experts to strengthen your case and prove fault for a blind spot accident.
To learn more about how a truck accident attorney in Los Angeles may be able to help you after a blind spot accident, contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP for a free consultation.