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Where Are the 4 Blind Spots on an 18-Wheeler?

Home   /   Personal Injury Blog   /   Where Are the 4 Blind Spots on an 18-Wheeler?

July 9, 2021 | By Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
Where Are the 4 Blind Spots on an 18-Wheeler?

The four blind spots on an 18-wheeler are located on each side of the truck and in the rear and front of the truck. The blind spots are referred to as "no zones" because motorists should not drive in a tractor-trailer's blind spots. The truck driver cannot see vehicles within the truck's blind spots.

It is easy for a car, pedestrian, motorcycle, or bicyclist to be caught in an 18-wheeler’s blind spots and suffer an accident. Truck blind spot accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Knowing exactly where a big rig's blind spots are located can help you avoid a blind spot accident.

Where are a Truck's Blind Spots Located?

The FMCSA provides a diagram on its website showing where each of the four blind spots is located on an 18-wheeler:

Front Blind Spot on an 18-Wheeler

A blind spot extends about 20 feet from the front bumper of a tractor-trailer. The blind spot extends the entire length of the rig. 

When passing a large truck, make sure that you have more than 20 feet between your vehicle and the truck's front bumper before merging in front of the truck. Also, indicate your intention to merge by turning on your turn signal as soon as you pass the truck driver's door.

Rear Blind Spot on an 18-Wheeler

A blind spot extends about 30 feet from the trailer's rear bumper. The blind spot crosses the entire width of the tractor and trailer. 

When following a large truck, a good rule to remember is that the truck driver cannot see you if you cannot see the truck's side mirrors. However, it is wise to leave extra distance to ensure the truck driver can see that you are following the truck or that your vehicle is sitting directly behind a parked or stopped 18-wheeler.

Left Side Blind Spot on an 18-Wheeler

The left side or driver side blind spot extends about three-fourths of the way from the driver's seat down the side of the trailer. The blind spot covers at least one lane of traffic on the left side of the truck. If your vehicle is in this blind spot, a truck driver may not see you when he decides to change lanes or make a left-hand turn.

Right Side Blind Spot on an 18-Wheeler

The truck's blind spot on the right side or passenger side is the most significant blind spot on an 18-wheeler. The blind spot covers at least two lanes of traffic on the right side of the truck. It begins at the truck's front bumper and extends at about twenty feet from the truck's back bumper. 

If your vehicle is in the right-side blind spot, the truck driver cannot see you when he decides to turn right, merge into another lane, or exit the interstate. 

Avoid Driving in an 18-Wheeler's Blind Spots

Truck drivers should always check for vehicles in their blind spots before making a maneuver. However, there could be sections of the blind spot that the truck driver cannot see even if they try.

Therefore, drivers must avoid driving in a tractor-trailer's blind spot whenever possible. Tips for avoiding blind spot accidents include:

  • Pass a large truck on the left side or driver-side whenever possible
  • Signal your intent to merge in front of a large truck and allow plenty of room 
  • Do not cut off a large truck or slam on the brakes after merging in front of a truck
  • Do not tailgate behind a large truck, and always make sure you can see the truck's side mirrors when following a commercial truck
  • Pass the truck as quickly as possible to avoid spending time in the blind spot

Large truck accidents are much more dangerous for passengers of other vehicles. People in other vehicles sustain most of the fatalities and injuries caused by truck accidents. Taking steps to avoid a large truck accident is in everyone's best interest. When a crash does occur, a Clearwater personal injury attorney can help injured victims pursue compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim for an 18-Wheeler Accident

A truck accident can cause traumatic injuries, wrongful deaths, and permanent impairments. The damages caused by a large truck accident can be extensive. In addition to significant pain and suffering and permanent disabilities, a victim may incur substantial economic damages.

Filing a large truck accident claim can be complicated. Truck accident cases require a knowledge of federal trucking regulations and how government entities are involved in truck crash cases.

Insurance companies and trucking companies aggressively fight injury claims to avoid paying large settlements and jury verdicts. Therefore, it is beneficial to have an experienced truck accident lawyer investigate the truck accident, gather evidence, and deal with the at-fault parties.

Contact the Tampa Truck Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

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

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

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763

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New Port Richey, FL, 34655

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Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
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St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
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Safety Harbor, FL 34695

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They did a great job and even advised what to do if there was no insurance for the at-fault driver and I had to self represent. Ended up being able to get me the fullest payout possible, team was easy to keep in touch with, and Miles was clear in his explanations and helpful with his advice. I still use some of the doctors I connected with through their firm. Would recommend Roman Austin and would use them again.

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I cannot say enough incredible things about Roman Austin Law Firm. John Austin is a phenomenal lawyer. I was in a bad crash that involved a truck totaling my vehicle and sustaining neck and back injuries.Going into this process, I was honestly apprehensive about even hiring a lawyer. I was especially wary of those large, commercial firms that just want to move cases quickly. I had heard some great things about Roman Austin, but did my own extensive research and now know why they are a five star firm. What could have easily been a stressful and overwhelming experience turned into something completely different because of John Austin and his team. Choosing them was one of the best decisions I have ever made.John is truly exceptional. He is incredibly detailed, meticulous, and completely devoted to his work. He worked tirelessly on my case, going above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. He spent countless hours (even on weekends), and was always available whenever I needed him. His level of dedication, care, and precision is something you rarely find.Beyond that, he is patient, kind, and deeply compassionate. You never feel like just another case. He genuinely cares about you as a person and wants the absolute best for you. He made what could have been a difficult process feel manageable and supported every step of the way.His entire team was phenomenal. They were responsive, professional, and just as committed. Every interaction felt thoughtful and intentional.The outcome we achieved was fantastic, and I am beyond grateful. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.If you are considering legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend John at Roman Austin Law Firm. They are professional, dedicated, and truly invested in their clients.Choosing John Austin made all the difference. He fought tirelessly to ensure that everything I endured was recognized and fairly compensated, and that level of dedication is something I will never forget. I am profoundly grateful not only for the outcome, but for the care, integrity, and unwavering commitment shown every step of the way. Forever thankful I chose them, and truly forever grateful.

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Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

1811 N. Belcher Road Suite I-1,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2360 Congress Ave STE 100,
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 725-7661

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

2515 Seven Springs Blvd,
New Port Richey , FL 34655
(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

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Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 422-7772

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

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St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 335-1373

At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we practice across the entire state of Florida. We primarily serve the following localities: Clearwater, Countryside, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, East Lake, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Holiday, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, Westchase, Tampa, Town N Country, Egypt Lake Leto, Citrus Park, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Starkey Ranch, and all surrounding communities in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties.

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