When driving on the road, it’s important to understand the specific challenges that large trucks face, particularly regarding their blind spots. Trucks have significantly larger blind spots than regular cars, and being aware of these blind zones can help drivers avoid accidents. The blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” are areas around a truck where the truck driver cannot see other vehicles, making them extremely dangerous for everyone on the road. There are four key blind spots: in front of the truck, on both sides, and behind the truck.
1. Front Blind Spot
One of the most dangerous blind spots is located directly in front of the truck. Truck drivers sit higher than car drivers, and the nose of the truck extends several feet ahead, blocking their view of any smaller vehicles in front. If you are too close to the front of a truck, the driver may not see you, and this is particularly risky if traffic slows down suddenly. To stay safe, make sure to leave plenty of space when merging in front of a truck. A good rule of thumb is to ensure you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before merging.
2. Side Blind Spots
The largest blind spots on a truck are on its sides, especially on the passenger side (right side). Due to the size and length of most trucks, it can be difficult for truck drivers to see cars in these areas. Many accidents happen when cars linger in these zones for too long or try to pass the truck on the right side. If you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, it’s likely the truck driver cannot see you. Always pass trucks quickly on the left side, where the driver has a better chance of seeing your vehicle.
3. Rear Blind Spot
A truck’s rear blind spot extends much further than that of a regular car, sometimes up to 200 feet behind the truck. Following a truck too closely not only puts you in its blind spot but also reduces your reaction time if the truck stops suddenly. Large trucks take longer to stop due to their size and weight, and tailgating increases the risk of a rear-end collision. To avoid accidents, maintain a safe distance from the back of the truck—if you can’t see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
4. Wide Turns and Blind Spots
Trucks need extra space to make turns, especially right turns. Often, they must swing wide to the left before turning right. This creates temporary blind spots on both sides of the truck. If you see a truck preparing to turn, give it plenty of space and avoid trying to squeeze by on either side. Many accidents occur because drivers misjudge the amount of space needed for a truck to make a safe turn.
Understanding and respecting the blind spots of trucks can significantly reduce the chances of accidents on the road. Stay visible, avoid lingering in blind spots, and always give trucks the space they need to operate safely. By doing so, you’ll not only protect yourself but also help create safer conditions for all road users.
Truck Accident Lawyers have the answers
Nobody imagines that they will need truck accident lawyers Reston, VA counts on. The day of your accident, when you got behind the wheel, you probably weren’t thinking that tragedy was about to strike. This is an unfortunate component to suffering an accident. Oftentimes, they are completely unexpected. There are a number of reasons for trucking accidents to occur. Because of the sheer size of a big rig, trucking accidents almost always produce unfavorable outcomes. Once in recovery, it’s vital to retain the experience and partnership of a trucking attorney so that you have the guidance you require to ensure that you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation. Because of this, it is vital that you choose the right truck accident lawyers from Reston, VA for the job.
Common Causes for Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents can ruin families. The sheer size and volume of a truck can easily cause a catastrophe. With so many truckers on the road, some truck driving companies put the pressure on their drivers to haul their loads as quickly as possible. There are a number of ways in which someone can fall victim to a trucking accident, for example:
- The trucker is fatigued and falls asleep at the wheel or not alert enough to respond appropriately.
- The trucker is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The trucker is driving distracted.
- The trucker failed to check the truck over prior to getting behind the wheel.
- The proper maintenance and repairs were not completed on the truck.
- The truck’s equipment was faulty
- The trucker was driving in poor weather or times of heavy traffic without the appropriate amount of training or experience to do so.
If you are lucky enough to walk away from a trucking accident without too severe of an injury, you may still want to file an insurance claim or lawsuit with the help of truck accident lawyers from Reston, VA.
Why You Need an Attorney
Facing an insurance claim or legal proceeding following a trucking accident can be completely overwhelming without an attorney. If you have suffered in a trucking accident, chances are you are entitled to some sort of compensation. An attorney is vital for a number of reasons:
- Trucking accidents can be complicated. There may be several entities at fault for the accident including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The manufacturer of the truck
Because of this, a lawsuit may involve several players, meaning you could be up against a team of attorneys.
- Your attorney can work to negotiate a settlement with the other parties that is fair. Without an attorney, you put yourself at risk for obtaining a settlement offer that is much lower than you deserve.
- Your attorney can help build a strong legal case and strategize the best way to move forward.
- They will help you gather evidence to support your claim.
- If your claim is denied or you are unable to reach an agreement through negotiations, your attorney may be able to litigate your case in the courtroom.
Although the expense of truck accident lawyers from Reston, VA can seem daunting, enlisting their help can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety you may be experiencing over an upcoming insurance claim.
Whether the trucking accident you were in resulted in fatalities of loved ones or significant injuries, you should never face an insurance claim on your own. It can be difficult to manage the complexities to your legal case without an attorney by your side to help navigate complications and challenges as they arise. Contact an attorney today to schedule a complimentary case review.
If you or someone you know has suffered from a truck accident, do not hesitate to reach out to Cohen & Cohen and we will be more than happy to set you up with truck accident lawyers from Reston, VA is proud to have in its midsts.
