Every motor vehicle has blind spots, or areas where it is hard for the driver to see what is happening around them. Commercial 18-wheelers have blind spots that are considerably larger than those of most passenger vehicles. If you get caught in a truck’s blind spot, then you are at risk of suffering serious harm.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a truck crash, it could help to consult with a truck accident attorney to review your legal options. At Singleton Schreiber, we advocate for the rights of victims of blind-spot truck accidents in San Diego.
Where Are a Semitruck’s Blind Spots?
Tractor-trailers have several large blind zones, and the driver's inability to see in those areas can cause collisions on San Diego roadways. Truck drivers must take actions to minimize their risk of causing these accidents.
Blind spot areas for commercial trucks are located on all sides of the truck.
Left Side
Because truck drivers sit so high up in the cab, they cannot see what is directly next to them on the left side. The blind spot on the left side generally extends across a full lane of traffic.
Right Side
To the right of the driver, on the passenger side, is the largest and often the most hazardous blind spot. Truck drivers cannot see what is on their right, and that blind spot can extend up to two or even three lanes of traffic.
Behind
Unlike most other types of motor vehicles, truck drivers cannot rely on their rearview mirrors to see what is behind them. Because the trailer is directly behind the truck’s cab, drivers must rely more heavily on their mirrors and cameras. However, many rearview cameras only operate when a truck is backing up.
In Front
Because truck drivers sit so high, they cannot see what is below and directly in front of them.
Our legal team understands how devastating semi-truck accidents can be, and we could work tirelessly to hold the negligent driver and trucking company accountable.
What Causes Blind-Spot Truck Wrecks?
Commercial truck drivers should be aware that their vehicles have massive blind spots.
Inexperience
Truck drivers need to know how to operate such large vehicles correctly to reduce the risk of blind-spot crashes. They should receive training on properly using and double-checking mirrors and cameras, especially before merging, passing, or changing lanes.
Rushing
Unfortunately, truck drivers are often in a rush. They sometimes feel pressure from their employers to complete their delivery routes in unreasonably short time frames, which can lead to negligent actions such as passing vehicles without checking their blind spots.
Our diligent legal team could investigate the circumstances of your San Diego trucking collision to determine whether blind spots contributed. We could carefully search for evidence to establish the truck driver's and the company’s liability.
Call a San Diego Lawyer About Your Blind-Spot Trucking Crash
Although semitrucks have massive blind zones, there are ways to prevent most blind-spot truck accidents in San Diego. Truck drivers can avoid many accidents if they operate carefully and cautiously and if trucking companies provide them with proper training and reasonable expectations.
If you suspect the truck driver who caused your accident could not see you in one of their blind spots, contact Singleton Schreiber today for help.
