Oct 10, 2024

Where are the 4 Blind Spots on an 18-wheeler?

Large commercial trucks, popularly known as 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, or tractor-trailers, are essential for transporting goods across long distances. However, these commercial vehicles have significant 18-wheeler blind spots due to their massive size and design. This can pose severe risks to smaller cars on the road. If you need legal help after a truck accident, you should consult with a proven Miami 18-wheeler accident attorney.

The Front Blind Spot

The first blind spot is located directly in front of the truck’s cab. Due to the height of an 18-wheeler, the truck driver cannot see vehicles that are too close to the front of the car. This blind spot can extend up to 20 feet in front of the car, depending on its size and the driver’s position. Smaller vehicles or motorcycles that cut in too closely in front of the truck may be utterly invisible to the driver, creating a dangerous situation if the truck needs to stop suddenly.

The Rear Blind Spot

The second blind spot is directly behind the trailer. Unlike passenger vehicles, trucks do not have a rearview mirror that allows them to see directly behind their trailer. This blind spot can extend up to 30 feet behind the truck. Any vehicle that follows too closely behind an 18-wheeler is at risk of being in the driver’s blind spot. If the truck suddenly slows down or stops, the driver of the trailing vehicle might not have enough time to react, leading to a rear-end collision.

The Left-Side Blind Spot

The third blind spot is on the left side of the truck. While it is relatively smaller than the right-side blind spot, it is still a substantial blind spot. The left-side blind spot begins just behind the driver’s cab and extends along the length of the trailer. This area is hazardous because drivers of smaller vehicles might assume they are visible when they are not. To know how to avoid truck blind spots on the left side, smaller vehicles should stay out of this zone, as the truck driver may not see you when attempting to change lanes.

The Right-Side Blind Spot

The most significant and most dangerous blind spot is on the right side of the truck, often referred to as the “no-zone.” This blind spot extends from the truck’s cab across the length of the trailer and can stretch three lanes wide. Due to the size of this blind spot, truck drivers may not see vehicles that are traveling on the right side, especially when preparing to make wide right turns or lane changes. Drivers should always pass 18-wheelers on the left side to stay out of this extensive blind spot.

Common Scenarios Where Blind Spot Negligence of an 18-Wheeler Driver Can Lead to Accidents in Florida

Negligence of truck drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and truck maintenance and repair companies can lead to catastrophic accidents. At the same time, blind spot negligence by large truck drivers can also result in a serious or fatal truck crash in Florida. Awareness of the common scenarios of blind spot negligence is one of the critical 18-wheeler accident safety tips for other motorists.

Lane Change Collisions

One of the most frequent types of accidents involving blind spots occurs when an 18-wheeler driver changes lanes without adequately checking their blind spots in the side mirrors. Due to the extensive blind spots on the right side of the tractor-trailer, a driver might not see other vehicles traveling in an adjacent lane. If the truck driver changes lanes without signaling or checking thoroughly, they can sideswipe the vehicle, causing a severe collision. This scenario is hazardous on Florida’s busy interstates, where multiple lanes of traffic move at high speeds.

Right-Turn Accidents

Large trucks require a wide turning radius, especially when making right turns. Drivers often swing left before turning right, creating a large gap on the right side that can mislead other drivers into thinking it’s safe to pass. If a truck driver fails to check their right-side blind spot before turning, they can easily collide with vehicles or bicycles that are caught in the “no-zone.” These types of accidents are common in urban areas of Florida, where trucks frequently navigate through crowded streets and intersections.

Rear-End Collisions

Although rear-end collisions are often attributed to the following vehicle, an 18-wheeler driver’s blind spot negligence can also contribute to these accidents. If a truck driver suddenly brakes without realizing a car is too close behind them (due to the rear blind spot), the vehicle may not have enough time to stop, resulting in a rear-end collision. This scenario is hazardous on Florida’s highways, where sudden stops can lead to multi-vehicle pile-ups.

Merging Accidents

Merging onto highways or from ramps can be hazardous for both truck drivers and other motorists. If an 18-wheeler driver fails to check their left or right-side blind spots when merging, they can easily collide with vehicles already in the lane. These types of truck accidents are common on Florida’s busy highways, particularly at on-ramps where vehicles are entering at high speeds and may be obscured from the truck driver’s view.

Overtaking Accidents

When smaller vehicles attempt to overtake an 18-wheeler, they may find themselves in one of the truck’s blind spots, mainly if the maneuver is performed on the right side. If the truck driver decides to change lanes or turn while the vehicle is still in the blind spot, a collision can occur. Overtaking accidents are hazardous on Florida’s rural roads, where traffic may be lighter. Still, the streets are narrower, making it difficult to avoid a truck suddenly moving into the same lane.

Get Strong Legal Representation from Miami 18-wheeler Accident Lawyers

If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident in Florida, the trucking companies and their insurance carriers may try to minimize your personal injury claim. At AccidentLawFirm.com, we have the skills, experience, and resources to take on these powerful entities and fight for fair compensation for your injuries and losses. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (786) 755-1949 or contact us online.