Truck Blind Spots
Commercial trucks pose many dangers to other motor vehicles sharing the road. They are large and heavy, which makes them inflict a great deal of damage on smaller and lighter vehicles in collisions. Their size also contributes to various hazards that increase the odds of truck accidents. One example is a truck’s large blind spots.
Where Are a Semi-Truck’s Blind Spots?
Blind spots are areas that all vehicles have where the driver cannot see certain parts of the road in the vehicle’s mirrors. On an 18-wheeler, the large blind spots created by the length of the trailer are referred to as the “No Zone” – an area where other motorists should not drive whenever it can be avoided.
The blind spots on a large truck are located roughly in the following areas:
- One lane to the left of the truck
- Two lanes to the right of the truck
- 20 feet to the front of the truck
- 30 feet to the rear of the truck
It is important for a motor vehicle driver to maintain a safe distance from big rigs. If driving through a No Zone is necessary, it should be done as swiftly and carefully as possible, without the driver hovering in any blind spots for longer than is required.
How to Stay Safe From a Truck’s Blind Spots
Recognizing a truck’s blind spots can help keep you safe as a motor vehicle driver. As a general rule of thumb, if you cannot see a truck driver’s face in his or her rearview mirror, the truck driver cannot see you. When following behind a truck, maintain a long following distance. Never tailgate or follow too closely behind a big rig.
You should always pass a large truck as soon as possible. Pass to the left of the truck when it is safe. Overtake the truck quickly; do not hesitate in the No Zone. Only get in front of a truck when you are at least 20 feet ahead of it. Never cut a truck off, as the truck may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting you.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Blind Spot Accident?
Truck operators should be aware of their blind spots. Truck drivers should change lanes with the utmost care and caution. They should carefully check the next lane for motor vehicles and signal their intent to change lanes in advance. The lane change should be done slowly and carefully to give other drivers time to move out of the way, if necessary.
If a truck driver causes a blind spot accident by changing lanes abruptly, without signaling or without checking blind spots, the trucker could be held responsible for a subsequent crash. In many cases, it is possible to hold a trucking company in New Mexico responsible for the actions and mistakes of its driver through the rule of vicarious liability. This could lead to greater financial compensation for the victim’s losses.
Do I Need to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?
If you get involved in a truck accident that is caused by a blind spot, such as a lane change or sideswipe accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The defendant could be required to pay for the blind spot accident through a settlement or judgment award. However, it can be difficult to go up against a powerful trucking company alone during a claim.
Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer in Albuquerque can increase the odds of achieving a fair settlement for your injuries and losses. Your lawyer will have the resources and experience to fight for the best possible results for your case. To learn more about how a lawyer may be able to help you after a blind spot accident in New Mexico, contact The Fine Law Firm for a free consultation.