Every vehicle has at least one blind spot where the driver cannot see other vehicles in the vicinity, even when using their mirrors. These blind spots are usually on the sides and directly behind the vehicle. Due to their massive size, commercial trucks have much larger blind spots than the average passenger vehicle. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has named these dangerous blind spots “No-Zones.” While motorists can be vigilant about avoiding a truck’s No-Zones, truck drivers have a responsibility to monitor the area around the truck, use extra caution when changing lanes, and avoid unsafe driving behavior that could increase the risk of a devastating truck accident.
If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a truck accident, and the truck driver failed to check their blind spot, do not hesitate to contact a seasoned truck accident lawyer at your earliest convenience.
Where Are a Commercial Truck’s Blind Spots?
According to the FMCSA, a truck’s blind spots – or No-Zones – are the areas around the truck where the truck driver cannot see other vehicles in the truck’s vicinity. Approximately one-third of all truck accidents occur in these dangerous No-Zones. Tractor-trailers have four main blind spots, including:
- Directly in front of the truck. This blind spot can extend up to 20 feet in front of the truck. If a passenger vehicle is traveling too close to the front of the truck, the truck driver may not see the vehicle. If the driver in the passenger vehicle hits the brakes suddenly, this can result in a serious rear-end accident.
- Directly behind the truck. This area of the truck has a significant blind spot that extends up to 200 feet. Trucks also lack rear-view mirrors and have a limited field of vision from their side mirrors. Tailgating in this No-Zone is extremely dangerous as the driver following the truck may not be able to stop in time to avoid crashing into the rear of the truck.
- Alongside the driver’s side of the truck. This blind spot runs the entire left side of the truck. Truck drivers have a difficult time seeing vehicles that are directly to the left of the trailer or the cab. If another vehicle is in this No-Zone when a truck driver is changing lanes or making a left turn, this can result in a serious accident.
- Alongside the passenger side of the truck. This may be a truck’s most dangerous blind spot. It extends along the entire right side of the truck and can cover several lanes to the right of the truck as well.
What Driving Behavior Can Increase the Risk of a Blind Spot Truck Accident?
Truck drivers are expected to obey the rules of the road at all times, particularly when sharing the road with other vehicles. A failure to do so can increase the risk of a catastrophic truck accident. The following are examples of behaviors that can increase the risk of a blind spot truck accident:
- Failure to Look: According to the FMCSA, 14% of truck accidents are caused by truck drivers who failed to check their blind spots, particularly when merging or changing lanes.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit is dangerous under any circumstances. If a truck driver is speeding, it makes it more difficult to stop or slow down in time to avoid hitting a vehicle in the truck’s blind spot.
- Failure to Signal: It is crucial that truck drivers use their signals when turning or changing lanes. Even if the truck driver cannot see a vehicle in their blind spot, it will alert the motorist of the truck driver’s intentions.
- Tailgating: If a truck driver is tailgating another vehicle, they may have a difficult time seeing the vehicle. In addition, if the driver of the passenger vehicle brakes suddenly, this could cause a serious rear-end accident.
- Condition of the Driver: If a truck driver is distracted, drowsy, or impaired by drugs or alcohol, they are less likely to notice another vehicle in their blind spots.
Who Is Liable for a Blind Spot-Related Truck Accident?
There are a number of parties who may be liable for a blind spot truck accident. For example, if the truck driver failed to monitor their blind spots on a regular basis, including checking their side-view mirrors, rear-view mirrors, and turning their head to check their blind spots manually, they could be liable for hitting another vehicle that was in their blind spot. A truck driver may also be liable for a blind spot accident if they were ignoring the rules of the road, talking or texting on the phone, or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The truck company may also be partially liable if they failed to provide the proper training, or did not equip the trucks with the latest mirror technology and sensors that detect other vehicles in their blind spots.
What Steps Can I Take to Avoid a Blind Spot Truck Accident?
When you are sharing the road with a large commercial truck, you have a responsibility to use extra caution, follow the rules of the road, and avoid the truck’s blind spots. The following are additional safety tips that can help you avoid a blind spot truck accident:
- Be aware of a truck’s No-Zones, and avoid them when sharing the road with large trucks.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Never cut in front of a large truck.
- Maintain a consistent speed when passing a large truck.
- When passing a truck, always pass on the left, where a truck’s blind spot is smaller.
- Use your signal to alert truck drivers when you are turning, changing lanes, or exiting the highway.
- Pay close attention to the truck driver’s signals, and take the necessary precautions when a truck driver is getting ready to turn.
Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC Represent Victims of Blind Spot Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a truck accident caused by a blind spot, it is highly recommended that you contact the Virginia Beach truck accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group, PLLC. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the details of the accident, determine who is liable for your injuries, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.