Advocating for People Injured In Truck Blind Spot Crashes
Any collision with an 80,000 lb., fully loaded 18-wheeler can be fatal or catastrophic for passenger vehicle occupants. All vehicles have blind spots, but they are bigger and more deadly on large commercial trucks. Because of their large blind spots and the sheer size and weight of their rigs, truck drivers have a duty to exercise particular care when turning or changing lanes. When they fail to do so, it can have devastating consequences for another motorist on the road.
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Where Are a Truck Driver’s Blind Spots?
Blind spots are the areas around a vehicle that the driver cannot see in side-view or rear-view mirrors. Semi tractor-trailers are enormous rigs, with the driver sitting high above the ground, which means blind spots are more extensive. On a large commercial truck, blind spots are in the following locations:
- Left side of the truck: The driver cannot see other vehicles when they are alongside the trailer. Only when your vehicle is even with the cab can a truck driver see you.
- Right side of the truck: This area extends from the front of the cab to beyond the back of the trailer, at a width of up to three lanes. It is the biggest and most dangerous blind spot a truck driver has.
- In front of the cab: Drivers sit up high off the road in the cab of a truck. They cannot see vehicles within at least 20 feet in front of them.
- Behind the trailer: Truck drivers cannot see other vehicles in an area of up to 100 feet behind the rig.
What Precautions Should Truck Drivers Take to Avoid Blind Spot Accidents?
Because of the size and weight of their vehicles and the risk of serious injury or death to others on the road, truck drivers have a responsibility to take precautions to help keep others safe. They are specially trained on how to watch out for other vehicles and navigate safely around them. They have a duty to execute turns and change lanes safely. This includes using their mirrors to check blind spots and signaling well in advance to alert other drivers of their intentions. Advanced technology such as side view assist warnings can go a long way toward helping truck drivers avoid blind spot accidents.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
What Can You Do to Stay Safe When Driving in the Vicinity of a Truck?
These safety tips can help you stay safe when driving in the vicinity of semi tractor-trailers:
- Pass trucks with care: Signal early, pass quickly, and avoid passing on the right. Allow plenty of room when switching lanes in front of a large truck.
- Do not follow a large truck too closely: The driver cannot see you. If he or she has to brake suddenly, it can lead to a rear-end collision.
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What Types of Accidents and Injuries Can Truck Blind Spot Collisions Cause?
Blind spot truck accidents can occur as rear-end crashes, sideswipe accidents, or T-bone collisions. They can cause serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in such a wreck, your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced Boston truck accident attorney handling your claim.
At DiBella Law Offices, P.C., we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the compensation you deserve. We can investigate your crash, determine who is responsible, negotiate with insurance companies, and vigorously pursue a recovery on your behalf. After a serious blind spot truck accident, call us at (617) 870-0907 to find out how we can help.
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