Big Rig Blind Spots Lead to Serious Accidents
Blind spots in a big rig are a danger known to some but not to all drivers. Because the truck driver has difficulty seeing other vehicles near their rig, a truck accident can involve passenger vehicles and lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Learn about blind spots when driving near a big rig below:
Olinde Firm: Attorneys at Law – Your First Line of Defense in a Truck Accident
The Olinde Firm is at your side when you’ve been injured in a truck accident. Because truck accidents are complex and liability can include more than one person, asking for professional assistance when making a claim for compensation can be helpful. At the Olinde Firm in New Orleans, we are there for you and can investigate your injury accident collision to determine who was at fault and to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at (504) 587-1440 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, or connect with us online.
Blind Spots in a Big Rig Present a Real Danger to Other Motorists
Most people realize some of the dangers of driving too close to a big rig from underride accidents to the possibility of being caught up if the truck experiences a jackknife. However, the “no-zones” that surround a big rig may be unfamiliar to many drivers, and having this information can make a difference in whether you are injured in a crash or remain safe. Tractor-trailers all have the following blind spots that can involve you in a serious accident:
- In front of the truck’s cab: All big rigs have a blind spot that extends for about 20 feet in front of the cab. In addition, even if the driver can see you, that doesn’t guarantee they can stop in time to prevent an override accident. Keeping a distance in front of a big rig of at least 20 feet is an important factor in staying safe.
- Behind the truck’s trailer: The blind spot behind the trailer of a big rig is about 30 feet, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Although many big rigs have stickers on the back of the trailer warning other motorists to stay back, they don’t always do so. The danger is if the big rig has to suddenly stop or becomes involved in a collision or slow down ahead. That can end up causing an underride accident involving a smaller passenger vehicle that is following behind. Underride accidents are often fatal or result in severe trauma to the people inside the smaller car.
- The sides of the cab and trailer: There are enormous blind spots on the sides of a big rig. Starting at the trucker’s mirrors and extending back, the driver has no view of vehicles in the left and right lanes and is blind to what appears nearly three-quarters of the way back. One thing to keep in mind is that if you can see the truck driver in his left-view mirror, he can see you. Otherwise, he might not realize your vehicle is there. The blind spot on the right-hand side is much larger and can extend over for two or three lanes of traffic. This is why it is important that you never pass a big rig on the right. If you are passing on the left, keep a constant speed and never pace a big rig. If the driver doesn’t realize your vehicle is there and decides to change lanes, an accident is about to occur.
Olinde Firm: Attorneys at Law
When you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a big rig, you need the advice of a law firm that understands the complexity of trucking accidents. We at the Olinde Law Firm can get you compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and recover damages for your pain and suffering. Call us at (504) 587-1440 or (800) 587-1889 to schedule a free, no-obligation appointment. We can review your case, tell you about options to recover damages and answer all your questions. We can also be contacted online.