Mark Roman | August 29, 2021 | Truck Accidents

All types of motor vehicle accidents can cause injury. However, some types of accidents have a greater potential to cause serious harm than others. Often, accidents involving large commercial trucks cause the most serious injuries. They may even result in death.

Truck accidents may occur for several reasons. They often happen when a truck changes lanes. If a trucker fails to see another vehicle in their blind spot, an accident is likely to occur.

Truck Blind Spots: What You Need to Know

Many people assume a large truck offers a better view of the road. They believe the elevated cab makes the view more expansive.

That’s not the case. Large commercial vehicles are notorious for having blindspots with little-to-no visibility. Blind spot truck accidents account for a large number of truck accidents.

Truck drivers understand that they need to be aware of their blind spots. They are trained to mitigate the size and effects of their blind spots. Unfortunately, truck drivers and/or their employers can still be negligent and cause accidents. 

Avoiding Bling Spot Truck Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration suggests a few ways to avoid being involved in blind spot truck accidents. 

They include the following:

  • Always drive with caution when next to a large truck
  • Do not be in the blind spot of a large commercial vehicle when it is turning, backing up, or changing lanes
  • Know that if you can’t see the driver of a large commercial vehicle in their side-view mirror, that means they can’t see you

The FMCSA’s recommendations are certainly worth remembering when driving near large trucks, buses, and other such vehicles. However, they are not the only steps you can take to prevent truck blind spot accidents. 

For example, if you are next to a truck when it begins to change lanes, honk your horn as loudly as possible to alert a trucker to your presence. Likewise, it’s wise to pass a truck quickly to avoid remaining in its blind spot.

Additional Blind Spot Truck Accident Prevention Tips

It’s also helpful to know where you can find the blind spots on large trucks. 

They tend to be in the following types of areas:

  • The areas alongside a truck
  • The area directly behind a truck
  • 20 feet in front of a truck

That last point is important. Some people forget that the area directly in front of a truck can be a blind spot. To avoid being rear-ended after passing a truck, you should make sure you can fully see the front of the truck from top to bottom.

You should also keep at least 30 feet of space between you and a truck. Again, the area directly behind a truck is a blind spot. If a trucker doesn’t know someone is driving behind them, they might apply their brakes too hard or change lanes too quickly — preventing the driver behind them from stopping in time to avoid a collision.

Hopefully, you will never be involved in a blind spot truck accident. If you are, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses by filing an injury claim against the trucking company’s insurance. Discuss your case with an attorney to learn more about your legal options.

Contact the Clearwater Truck Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have five convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442