Accidents involving 18-wheelers can be catastrophic, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. One common cause of these accidents is the truck’s blind spots—areas around the vehicle that the driver cannot see through mirrors, creating dangerous situations for other drivers on the road.
An 18-wheeler is one of the most common types of commercial vehicles on the roads. These vehicles consist of a tractor and trailer. An 18-wheeler is also known as a tractor-trailer or semi-truck. The massive size and structure of an 18-wheeler introduce unique challenges on the road.
One of the most dangerous elements of semi-trucks is their blind spots. Blindspots are also referred to as “no zones.” An 18-wheeler can have multiple blindspots, so the driver needs to be aware of all these spots. Other road users, including drivers of smaller vehicles and motorcycles, should also be mindful of these blind spots to avoid lingering in those areas.
Understanding 18-Wheeler Blind Spots
The average 18-wheeler can be 70-80 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and about 13.5 to 14 feet tall. This means there are many areas around the truck where the driver may have limited to no visibility. The length and height of the hood of the truck create a large and unavoidable blind spot right in front of the driver. This blindspot can extend from the grill to about 20 feet ahead of the truck. This is often considered a major danger zone for other roadway users, so try to avoid changing lanes or entering the roadway right in front of a semi-truck.
Another major blind spot is the back of the truck. As there is no rear-view mirror, the truck driver is not able to see what is happening behind the trailer. While you should never drive too closely to any vehicle, it is especially dangerous to tailgate an 18-wheeler. Crashing into a large commercial vehicle is more dangerous for cars as passengers in the smaller vehicle can suffer more serious injuries.
The driver of an 18-wheeler has good visibility through the side view mirrors on both sides of the truck; however, the sides also have blind spots. Depending on the angle of the side view mirror, there is a blind spot located between the end of the cab and the midpoint of the trailer. The right side of the semi-truck is the worst blind spot for the truck driver because it is typically wider and extends further back compared to the left side.
To avoid the side blind spots, you can slow down and merge behind the semi-truck or make sure you see the truck driver in the side mirror. If you can’t see them, they probably can’t see you. Avoid driving alongside the truck for long by either speeding up or slowing down to get out of the blind spot.
If you want to prevent accidents with trucks as a result of blind spots, you should try to stay out of truck blind spot locations as much as possible. In addition, you should communicate your intentions with the truck driver using turn signals. Whether you are merging into the lane next to the truck, or driving behind it, try to maintain a safe distance from the truck. If a truck is tailgating, it’s important to stay calm and avoid making sudden stops. Instead, use your turn signals to communicate what you intend to do and give the truck some space to pass if you can. This approach not only helps keep you safe but also makes the roads safer for everyone.
Legal Implications of Blind Spot Accidents
Blindspots not only increase the risk of an accident occurring, but they also have legal implications for claims and lawsuits. In most cases, liability for blind spot accidents is based on negligence.
The type of vehicle involved can also affect the legal landscape. For instance, commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, often have larger blind spots and may be subject to stricter regulations. The driver of an 18-wheeler may be considered liable for an accident if they failed to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging. However, if other road users did not take reasonable actions to avoid a collision, they could be held liable for the accident. Working with a Wisconsin truck accident lawyer, like Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of fault and compensation in such cases.
Victims of truck accidents are often overwhelmed with the complexities of a truck accident case. If you are in such a situation, we welcome you to get in touch with us at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP.
How Can Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs LLP Help You?
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a large truck due to blind spots, Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP is here to help. Our experienced team is experienced in handling trucking accident cases, particularly those caused by blind spots, which are often the result of negligent driving or inadequate training.
We’ll work to thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence like accident reports, trucker logs, and expert testimony to determine fault. Whether the truck driver failed to check their blind spots, or the trucking company did not ensure proper safety protocols, we’re prepared to hold the responsible parties accountable.
By choosing Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, you can trust that your case will be handled with the utmost care and expertise, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights.
