18 Wheeler Blind Spots

Many drivers believe truck drivers are bullies and hog the road. But, 18-wheelers have blind spots in front, on both sides, and behind the tractor-trailer. Because of this, semi-truck drivers often are not able to see other cars and may move over forcing you out of the way without even knowing you are there. These are often referred to as “death zones.” Now, as a Louisiana 18-wheeler accident lawyer, I know this is no excuse for those drivers. But, you need to be aware and take precautions to protect yourself! Semi-truck blind spots are big, on all sides, and difficult to avoid. By knowing about them, you can protect yourself and your family.

Here is an illustration showing the blind spots of a typical 18-wheeler. Stay out of these areas when driving.

What are the Blind Spots on an 18-Wheeler?

• 20 feet in front: This blind spot extends at least 20 feet ahead of the truck. Remember, trucks need more space to slow down and stop, so driving directly in front can be dangerous, even when visible to the driver.
• On both sides: The truck’s side mirrors mark the beginning of these blind spots. On the driver’s side, it stretches for one lane, nearly three-fourths of the trailer’s length. The passenger side’s blind spot is larger, extending outward for two lanes and past the trailer’s end. Avoid lingering here, as it’s particularly risky.
• 30 feet behind: A large blind spot exists behind the truck, extending 30 feet. If you can’t see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver likely can’t see you.

Stay out of these “danger zones” when driving near an 18-wheeler. By doing this, you can drastically reduce your odds of an unfortunate encounter with the semi-truck.

On the driver’s side, this blind spot extends outward for one lane and stretches almost three-fourths of the way to the back of the trailer. It’s crucial for drivers to be aware of this area, as vehicles can easily become invisible in these zones.

On the passenger side, the blind spot is significantly larger. It extends outward for two lanes and reaches past the rear of the trailer. This makes driving on the right side of a truck particularly hazardous, as vehicles in this area are completely hidden from the truck driver’s view. Being mindful of these blind spots can greatly enhance road safety for everyone.

Driving alongside a big truck puts you and your family in the danger zone. Consider speeding up or slowing down so you take yourself and your family out of harm’s way.

How Can You Safely Pass a Big Truck?

You should pass on the driver’s side if possible.” This approach minimizes the dangers associated with passing large trucks. The driver’s side, or left side, has a significantly shorter blind spot compared to the right side, making it the safer option.

When passing, make sure to do so swiftly and confidently. Lingering beside a truck increases the risk of accidents due to their limited visibility. Always ensure you’re visible to the truck driver by checking that you can see the driver’s face in their side mirror—this indicates they can see you too.

Remember, safety is paramount. Passing on the left not only follows the rules of the road but also enhances your visibility and reduces the chances of an unexpected incident.

You should never tailgate a tractor-trailer either. The driver cannot see you if you are closer than 30 feet to the trailer.

You should also remember that big rigs take up to 40% longer to stop than cars and pickup trucks. This makes driving in front of a big truck extremely dangerous when they are right behind you. If possible and safe, change lanes so you are not directly in front of a big rig.

If you are in a crash with an 18-wheeler, a catastrophic injury is likely to happen to you.

Most deaths and injuries in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants.

The trucks weigh 20-30 times as much as your car and have significant ground clearance, which can result in your vehicle getting stuck under the trucks in crashes.

Who Could Be Responsible for a Truck Accident?

When it comes to identifying responsibility in a truck accident, it’s often not as straightforward as it seems. Many parties could potentially be held accountable, and pinpointing the exact ones involves careful investigation.

Potential Parties Responsible for a Truck Accident

1. Truck Drivers: The driver’s actions or negligence, such as driving under the influence or violating traffic laws, can be a critical factor.
2. Trucking Companies: These companies might pressure drivers to meet tight schedules, leading to fatigue-induced errors. Also, failure to maintain vehicles could contribute to accidents.
3. Manufacturers: Defective parts, such as malfunctioning brakes or tires, are sometimes the culprits. In such cases, the manufacturer of the faulty part could be liable.
4. Loaders and Shippers: Incorrectly loaded cargo can cause imbalances, leading to potential swerves or rollovers.
5. Maintenance and Repair Companies: Poor maintenance work or ignored repairs might result in unsafe trucking conditions.
6. Government Entities: Dangerous or poorly maintained roads can sometimes lead to accidents, making local or state governments liable.

The Role of a Truck Accident Lawyer

An experienced attorney plays a crucial role in investigating all possible angles of the crash. They gather evidence to establish how the accident occurred and work to identify which parties were negligent. This process is vital to secure compensation for any injuries or damages sustained.

Multiple parties might share responsibility for a truck accident. It’s essential to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure all accountable individuals or entities are held liable.

Contact a Louisiana truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash is an important first step in protecting your legal rights. There is sensitive and important onboard computer data that may be critical to your case and must be preserved.

A skilled lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident scene and gather crucial evidence to understand how the truck crash occurred. This evidence collection is vital in building a strong case and may include:

• Traffic camera footage
• Witness statements
• Police reports

By identifying the factors that led to the collision, your lawyer can pinpoint which parties may be liable for your injuries and damages. This step is crucial for determining who should be held accountable.

Furthermore, your attorney will meticulously document all your damages—ranging from medical expenses to lost wages—and advocate fiercely for compensation that reflects the total value of your losses. This comprehensive approach ensures you are not left bearing any undue financial burden after the accident.

Call the LJBLegal team at (985) 240-9773 or use the contact form.

Sources:
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/large-blind-spots