When Am I in One of a Big Rig Truck’s Blind Spots?
Truck blind spots are large areas around a big rig in which truckers cannot see smaller vehicles. These blind spots are also called “no zones.” They are on all four sides of the truck:
- Directly in front of the cab, extending at least 20 feet
- Behind the trailer, extending approximately 30 feet
- On the left side of the truck, extending outward for one lane, nearly three-quarters of the length of the trailer
- On the right side of the truck, extending outward for two lanes past the rear of the trailer
Commercial trucks have particularly large blind spots because of the size and design of the vehicles. Truckers sit much higher off the ground than other drivers. Semi-tractor-trailers are exceptionally long vehicles, with the trailer blocking the driver’s view.
Tips to Avoid Truck No-Zone Accidents
Truck drivers have a duty to check their blind spots when they are changing lanes or merging into traffic. Nevertheless, in some situations, a trucker may fail to see a vehicle. For your own safety, take these steps to avoid a truck’s blind spots:
- Never cut off a large truck. Leave plenty of room for the driver to see your vehicle and to slow down in case you have to brake for traffic.
- Avoid driving in blind spots. Try to pass quickly and leave enough distance between the truck and your vehicle for the driver to see you.
- Pass on the left side of the truck. The blind spot on this side is much shorter than the blind spot on the right.
- Avoid driving on the right side of the truck whenever possible, and never pass a truck on the right when it is turning. Large trucks can swing wide when they turn.
Common Injuries in Accidents Caused by Truck Blind Spots
A collision with a large commercial truck can cause severe or fatal injuries to occupants of passenger vehicles. In 2021, truck accidents caused 5,788 fatalities in the U.S., as stated by the National Safety Council (NSC). The majority of these deaths (72%) were occupants of other vehicles. Common injuries in truck blind spot accidents include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Severe burns
Seeking Compensation for Truck Blind Spot Injuries
Under California comparative negligence laws, a percentage of fault for the accident may be assigned to each party involved. Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were awarded $500,000 in damages and assigned 10% of the fault for the crash, your recovery would be reduced by 10% to $450,000.
Truck accidents are complex cases involving state and federal regulations and multiple potentially liable parties. Your best chance of recovering full compensation is having an experienced Glendale truck accident attorney handle your claim. Your lawyer may call on experts to assist with an investigation to determine negligence and liability.
Have You Been a Victim of a Glendale Truck Accident?
If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a truck’s blind spots, don’t hesitate to consult with an experienced Glendale truck accident lawyer. At Aratta Law Firm, we can secure evidence to prove how the accident occurred, document your damages, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Our Glendale legal team can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and handle your claim while you focus on recovering from your injuries. At Aratta Law Firm, we take a no-nonsense approach to our practice based on clear communication, a tailored assessment of each case, and a strategic approach.
Contact us for a risk-free consultation and speak to an attorney now at (818) 550-1111.