Commercial trucks or 18-wheelers, also known as tractor-trailers, semi trucks, or big rigs, play a vital role in Florida’s economy. However, these massive commercial vehicles also pose significant risks to other road users due to their large blind spots. Negligence of an 18-wheeler driver and the trucking company can lead to catastrophic accidents when blind spots are ignored.
Blind Spots – The Hidden Danger of 18-Wheelers
Blind spots, also called no-zones or blind zones, are areas around a tractor trailer where the driver’s view is partially or completely obstructed. These areas are not visible to the driver through the vehicle’s mirrors and windows, as a result of which they might not be able to see other vehicles or pedestrians in those zones.
Four Major Blind Zones 18-Wheeler Operators Should Know
Many truck accident cases in Florida occur because the 18-wheeler driver may fail to pay attention to one of these four blind spots:
Directly in Front of the Cab: Due to the elevated position of the 18-wheeler driver’s seat and the long hood of the truck, there is a blind spot directly in front of the cab. A passenger vehicle in this area might not be visible to the driver, especially if they are close to the truck, increasing the risk of a truck crash.
Directly Behind the Trailer: The trailer of an 18-wheeler creates a large blind spot directly behind it. Vehicles following too closely or pedestrians crossing behind the truck might be obscured from the driver’s view. If the 18-wheeler driver is distracted, drowsy, speeding or driving dangerously, it can cause large truck crashes due to this blind spot.
On the Right Side of the Cab: The right side of the cab – particularly the area adjacent to the passenger door – has a significant blind spot that extends along the length of the trailer. As a result, vehicles traveling alongside the truck on the right side might not be visible to the driver.
On the Left Side of the Cab: The left side of the cab also has a large blind spot that extends along the length of the trailer. Vehicles traveling alongside the truck on the left side, especially in the area between the driver’s door and the rear of the cab, might be hidden from the driver’s view.
How Blind Spots Can Increase the Risk of Truck Accidents
The blind spots on a semi-truck pose significant risks to smaller vehicles, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. These include:
Lane Change Collisions: One of the most common risks associated with a truck’s blind spots is lane change collisions. If a truck driver fails to carefully check their blind spots before changing lanes, they might collide with a vehicle traveling in the adjacent lane.
Sideswiping: Blind spots can increase the risk of sideswiping accidents, where a truck and another vehicle collide into each other along their sides while traveling parallel to each other. This can happen when a truck driver attempts to merge into a lane occupied by a vehicle in their blind spot, hitting the side of the truck against it.
Accidents during Turns: Blind spots can make it harder for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles like cars as well as cyclists and pedestrians while making turns, which can lead to collisions. Truck accident victims in these cases may pursue a claim for damages due to their injuries resulting from a trucker’s lack of skill or attentiveness.
Limited Awareness: Truck drivers might have limited awareness of their surroundings if they are unable to see the vehicles in their blind spots. It can result in delayed reactions to potential hazards, misjudgments, and improper positioning, which can increase the risk of blind spot accidents.
Tips to Stay Safe While Sharing the Road with 18-Wheelers
Stay Out of Blind Spots: Be mindful of the truck’s blind spots – especially along the sides and directly behind the trailer. Remember – if you cannot see the truck driver’s mirrors, they likely cannot see you.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Always maintain a safe distance while following an 18-wheeler, as the driver cannot see you when you are directly behind them. The common rule is that you should leave one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length. If you apply the rule to an 18-wheeler, you should leave at least four seconds (if you are driving under 40 mph) or five seconds (if you are driving over 40 mph).
Avoid Cutting Off Trucks: Never cut off an 18-wheeler, as they require more time and distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles. Cutting off a truck can lead to rear-end collisions or force the truck driver to take evasive actions, which can lead to serious accidents.
Anticipate Wide Turns: Be aware that trucks require a wider turning radius, especially when making right turns. Give extra room and avoid positioning yourself between the truck and the curb when approaching intersections.
Clear Communication: Consistent and clear communication is extremely important when sharing the road with 18-wheelers. Use turn signals when you intend to change lanes, merge, or make a turn, so that the truck driver can anticipate your actions and adjust their driving accordingly.
By following these road safety tips, you can stay safe while sharing the road with semi-trucks and avoid the risk of accidents to a great extent.
Choose a Top-Rated Florida Truck Accident Lawyer to Fight for Your Rights
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, the dedicated and experienced personal injury lawyers at Larry Moskowitz, PA are ready to fight for you and help you get the compensation you deserve. We have more than 35 years of experience in handling a wide array of personal injury claims.
Florida’s leading personal injury lawyer Larry Moskowitz brings decades of experience and a reputation as a skilled litigator to your truck accident lawsuit. A former Assistant State Attorney in Broward County, attorney Moskowitz is known for his deep legal knowledge, aggressive negotiation skills, and unmatched courtroom experience. Having handled thousands of civil claims and conducted more than 150 trials to verdict, attorney Moskowitz knows the intricacies of civil litigation like few others do. Call us today at 866-312-0708 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.