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Semi-trucks, commonly known as 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers, tend to feature four blind spots: one below the truck's cab, one on each of the trailer's sides, and one behind the trailer. In these blind regions, other people's cars may vanish from the truck driver's line of sight.
There are many distinct reasons why trucks crash. It isn't much that people can do to prevent accidents brought on by speeding, improper loading, and fatigued driving. However, a blind spot collision is completely preventable.
That's why this article is meant to educate people on all the blind spots 18-wheelers have and how to stay clear of them.
Where Are the Blind Spots on an 18-wheeler? Guide for Truck Drivers
A large truck has blind spots because of its dimensions and layout. The cargo is positioned in front of the truck driver. Therefore, the driver usually uses mirrors to see around or behind the truck's blind spots.
Additionally, the truck blocks the driver's view to the front and passenger sides of the vehicle due to the driver's location in the vehicle, which is why some of them opt for hiring someone who can ride with them and lessen the effect of the truck's blind spots.
Side Blind Spots
Before diving into the blind spots we can find in a truck and semi-truck, we have to consider that most states do not have an overall length restriction for 18-wheelers, but they set a 59-foot maximum on the trailer's length. An average of 11 feet separates the tractor from the trailer. Thus, a large truck is typically 70 feet long.
Driver's Side Blind Spot
The blind spot on the truck's driver's side is less substantial than the one usually found on the passenger side. Therefore, the driver's location enables the visibility of any passenger vehicle to the truck's left. However, the vehicle and its trailer obstruct the majority of the driver's vision behind them due to the side window's size.
This blind spot is located around halfway down the tractor-trailer, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Nonetheless, the truck driver can view the left side of the trailer's back through the side mirrors.
Passenger's Side Blind Spot
The passenger side has a sizable blind spot, in which the truck driver can only view a limited space from the truck's right window and a tiny area at the trailer's back through the mirrors on the truck's right side. This is because of their position on the left side of the cab. Therefore, the blind spot on the right side extends the whole length of the trailer.
Because of this, the blind area is quite wide, so any passenger vehicle will most likely be hidden from the tractor-trailer driver in one of the neighboring lanes directly next to the truck's right.
Rear Blind Spot
18-wheelers do not feature mirrors for their rearview. Although it may seem simple to understand, many drivers fail to remember that truck drivers are unable to see the back of the trailer because of this fact. The driver can see the trailer's rear corners to the left and right rather well, thanks to the side mirrors. Still, the truck will obstruct the driver's direct rearward vision.
Front Blind Spot
The majority of drivers are unaware of an 18-wheeler's front blind spot. However, trucks with engines in front of the cab make it difficult for drivers to see the front of the truck.
Another thing to consider is that the max height for tractor-trailers is 14 ft. This indicates that the head of the truck driver is usually around nine to 10 ft over the ground. The engine can cover the driver's view up to 20 ft when placed in front of the vehicle.
Tips to Drive Safely Near an 18-Wheeler Truck Driver and Prevent Blind Spot Accidents
When changing lanes, semi-truck drivers are responsible for looking in their blind zones. They must take all necessary precautions to ensure no cars or other objects are in their blind spot. The truck driver might not be able to notice a car in some circumstances, though. Therefore, the passenger vehicle occupants need to take precautions to avoid operating a vehicle in a truck's blind area.
Here are some suggestions for avoiding blind spot accidents with a large truck.
Avoid Cutting off a Big Truck
Drivers need to allow enough space while cutting in front of a semi-truck so the truck driver can see their car. Additionally, if they need to stop suddenly, they should make sure there is space for the truck driver to do it too.
Avoid Driving in a Truck's Blind Spots
In order to avoid operating a vehicle in a blind spot, drivers should try to pass trucks as fast as possible. The truck driver may catch a glance of the other driver if they provide enough space between their car and the truck in both the front and the back. They should also not change lanes abruptly to not confuse the drivers.
Pass By the Left Side of the Truck
Drivers should always attempt to pass on the left side of a heavy vehicle if they need to. Compared to the truck's right side, the left side's blind area is considerably smaller, so they might be able to avoid the semi-truck's blind spot. In order to reduce the amount of time people spend driving in blind spots where the truck driver cannot see them, they must pass as soon as they can.
Stay off the Right Side of the Truck When Driving
When feasible, drivers must avoid riding on a truck's right side. They should never pass a turning truck on the right side. Trucks can turn around with great ease. If the tractor-trailer driver isn't aware, the truck might pass the car next to it, causing a collision.
Who Is Responsible for a Large Truck Accident?
Traffic accident lawsuits involving trucks are challenging. Numerous parties may be at fault for the harm a truck collision causes. Therefore, experts are frequently needed to help with the inquiry to establish negligence in a horrible car accident case like this.
The following parties might be found guilty in a truck accident lawsuit:
The driver
Trucking businesses
Producers of trucks and parts
Shippers and loaders
Service and repair businesses
Public authorities (dangerous or defective roads)
A semi accident attorney in St. Louis for large truck crashes will look into the collision to compile evidence demonstrating how the truck collision happened. They will also analyze events that caused the collision and aid in locating the persons responsible for the victim's losses and injuries. Additionally, the attorney will keep track of their client's losses and fight for them to receive the full amount of their losses.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for an 18-wheeler Accident
Traumatic injuries, deaths, and long-term disabilities can all result from truck accidents. A huge truck collision can result in significant damage to everyone involved. The victim may sustain large financial losses in addition to severe pain, suffering, and long-term disability.
A huge truck accident claim might be challenging to submit. That's why understanding federal trucking laws and how the government participates in truck collision cases is necessary for filing truck accident cases.
Damages Caused by 18-wheeler Accidents
Sadly, there is a considerable likelihood that truck accident victims may become permanently impaired and disabled. They could need continuous care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Due to brain damage or cognitive deficits, some sufferers might never be able to walk or function independently.
Many truck collision victims consult a personal injury law firm for help, as semi-truck crashes are among the most complex personal injury claims and represent the cases with the most significant monetary losses. In a truck accident case, a lawyer has the resources, expertise, and experience needed to deal with the major trucking firms, insurance companies, and governmental organizations. Also, learn about what mcs-90 is.
What to Do After Getting in an Accident with an 18-wheeler
The first thing anyone in an average passenger vehicle should do after a collision with a semi-truck is to go to the hospital for any injuries they or anybody else may have sustained. Once the victim is secure and taken care of, they might also want to hire a personal injury lawyer with expertise in assisting victims of truck accidents.
Truck drivers are required to adhere to tight guidelines and rules. Therefore, they may be responsible for the harm they cause if they break the rules and cause an accident. This implies that the victim could be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. Without question, working with an experienced attorney will help victims maximize the amount of money they obtain.
Call Our Truck Accident Law Firm
Being in a truck accident with other vehicles and large trucks is a highly dangerous situation, especially if one of them decides to change lanes out of nowhere. However, victims don't have to face the insurance company on their own, as the Powell Law Firm has terrific personal injury attorneys ready to help in any situation.