No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, you have a blindspot. This is the area where the driver’s field of vision is blocked, effectively stopping him or her from seeing nearby vehicles. When driving a passenger car, it is pretty easy to physically shift or use visual aids like extra mirrors to adjust for a blindspot. However, truck drivers are not always able to make up for these blindspots, and that is one reason that those driving in passenger cars need to take caution when driving near a commercial vehicle. An estimated 4,000 people were killed in trucking accidents nationwide in 2018, and many of these crashes involved vehicles traveling in blind spots.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a trucking accident? Then you should contact a Houston truck accident lawyer to discuss what to do next.
Where Are the Blindspots of an 18-Wheeler?
The blind spot of a semi-truck can vary depending on the orientation of the driver and the design of the vehicle. In most cases, truck drivers experience a hard time seeing:
- Vehicles directly behind the truck. You have probably seen a sticker on the back of a truck that says “if you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.” Well, unless the trailer has a rear-view camera, the truck driver can’t see you around the trailer or immediately behind the vehicle. This blind spot can hide as many as two vehicles.
- Right behind the driver on both sides of the vehicle. This blind spot is where a car leaves the view of the mirror and before it enters the driver’s line of sight. A vehicle that rides in this blind spot on the highway is nearly non-existent to the truck driver. If the semi-truck changes lanes, it can be dangerous for anyone traveling in his blind spot.
- Right in front of the truck. A truck driver may not be able to see a vehicle in its own lane or in a lane immediately in front of the vehicle.
The blind spots of a commercial truck can greatly impair a driver’s visibility. These areas are large and commonly referred to as “no zones.” Truck drivers are trained to navigate the roads, but the drivers of passenger cars are often unaware of the limitations of handling these massive vehicles. If you treat a semi-truck just like any other car, you are increasing the risk of an avoidable accident.
Four Ways to Stay Out of Blindspots
Follow these tips to improve visibility and safety when traveling near or around a semi-truck:
- Try not to tailgate a commercial truck. When you follow a truck too closely, the driver can’t see you or changes in the road ahead. You risk being trapped underneath the trailer if the truck slams the brakes. Always give yourself enough room to see around the truck and react to its movements. As a rule of thumb, try to maintain at least 20 car lengths between you and the semi-truck.
- Maintain plenty of space while passing. Make your presence known while passing an 18-wheeler. Always use your blinker and move quickly when traveling along the side of the truck. Whether merging lanes in front of or behind the truck, leave ample room to ensure that the driver sees you. Don’t lay off the gas until you have gained about 10 car lengths between you and the truck.
- Avoid riding alongside a truck for an extended period of time. Passenger cars that consistently travel along the side of an 18-wheeler may be sitting right in a blind spot. You should try to either move ahead of the truck or keep a safe distance in a nearby lane to stay visible.
- Use caution at intersections. Semi-trucks require more room to turn and can lose sight of many cars, particularly on the right side. Vehicles passing on the right side of a truck making a right turn should give the truck plenty of room to make the turn. Attempting to pass a turning truck at high speeds could result in a serious collision with an 18-wheeler.
When sharing the road with an 18-wheeler, you need to be extremely careful. Be cautious when traveling near a commercial truck to avoid being seriously injured. If a truck driver can’t see you, they are less able to avoid a serious collision. After a semi-truck crash, you should consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in Houston to learn what to do next.
Truck Accident Lawyers in Houston
Large trucks and commercial vehicles can cause devastating injuries in the event of a crash. You shouldn’t pursue a case without the guidance of an experienced attorney. West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD can conduct an investigation into your accident and assist you in obtaining evidence to demonstrate the extent of your injuries. Your Houston car crash lawyer will set up appointments with claims adjusters and assist you at every level of your case in order to obtain the highest potential settlement amount, including gathering evidence to show that the other driver is responsible.
Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD and Nader Rabie, JD are here to help you make a complete recovery after a severe car accident.
Contact West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD immediately at (713) 840-7200 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation if you or a loved one has been unfairly injured in a traffic accident.
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