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

A blind spot is an area around a vehicle that cannot be directly observed by the driver while at the controls. For 18-wheelers, these blind spots, or "no-zones," are significantly larger than those of standard vehicles due to their size and structure. Recent data shows that large trucks are involved in approximately 11% of all fatal crashes in Colorado, with a significant portion attributed to blind spot-related incidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, consult an experienced truck accident lawyer to understand your rights, pursue a claim for damages, and obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

Blind Spots that Negligent Truck Drivers May Ignore

Front No-Zone

The front blind spot extends approximately 20 feet in front of the truck's cab. Negligent truck drivers may ignore this critical area, leading to accidents such as:

  • Tailgating: If a trucker follows another vehicle too closely, they may not see the car directly in front, especially if it cuts in too closely. This can result in rear-end collisions.

  • Failure to Yield: At intersections or in heavy traffic, truck drivers who do not account for their front blind spot may proceed on their way without noticing a vehicle that has stopped or slowed down ahead, leading to crashes.

Rear No-Zone

The rear blind spot extends about 30 feet behind the truck. Truck drivers may fail to monitor this area, resulting in:

  • Backing Up Incidents: When reversing on the road, truckers who do not adequately check their rear blind spot can back into vehicles or pedestrians.

  • Sudden Stops: A tractor trailer that stops abruptly without considering the cars following too closely in their rear blind spot can cause rear-end collisions.

Right Side Blind Spot

The right side blind spot extends several lanes out from the truck's right side. This area is particularly hazardous due to its size and the driver's limited visibility. Negligence in this blind spot can lead to:

  • Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks often need to make wide right turns. Drivers who do not check their right side blind spot may not see vehicles or pedestrians in this zone, causing sideswipe accidents or crushing incidents.

  • Lane Change Collisions: Truck drivers who change lanes to the right without thoroughly checking this extensive blind spot risk may collide with vehicles that are hidden from their view.

Left Side Blind Spot

The left side blind spot, while smaller than the right side blind spot, still poses significant risks. Negligent drivers may cause accidents by:

  • Ignoring Lane Changes: Drivers who do not check their left side blind spot adequately before changing lanes can sideswipe or collide with vehicles overtaking them on the left.

  • Overtaking Risks: Vehicles attempting to pass the truck on the left may stay in the blind spot for too long, and if the truck driver does not check, it can lead to dangerous collisions.

Hidden Dangers of Truck Blind Spots for Motorists in Colorado

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that 949 fatal truck accidents and 33,000 injury crashes nationwide occurred due to a truck’s movement prior to the crash. To mitigate the risk of accidents caused by truck blind spots, truck drivers are required to:

  • Use Mirrors Effectively: Regularly adjust the image and use the rear view mirror to monitor blind spots.

  • Employ Technology: Utilize blind spot detection systems and cameras to enhance visibility.

  • Conduct Regular Checks: Perform frequent checks of blind spots before changing lanes or making turns.

  • Maintain Proper Following Distance: Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

Safety Tips to Avoid Truck Blind Spots in Colorado

Motorists can avoid 18-wheeler no-zones by:

  • Staying Visible

  • Passing Quickly and Safely

  • Avoiding Tailgating

  • Not Cutting In

  • Observing Turn Signals

  • Using Headlights Appropriately

Establishing Fault in Blind Spot Truck Accidents

Two primary parties can potentially be held liable for a blind spot accident:

A Negligent Truck Driver

Truck drivers can be at fault for blind spot accidents if they neglect their responsibility to ensure the safety of surrounding vehicles. This negligence can include failing to check mirrors and blind spot areas before changing lanes or making turns, driving while distracted, and not adhering to proper driving practices. Moreover, fatigue from driving for extended hours without breaks and aggressive driving behaviors can impair a driver's ability to monitor blind spots effectively, leading to preventable collisions.

Negligent Trucking Company

The trucking company can be held vicariously liable for blind spot accidents when it is negligent. These include imposing unrealistic delivery deadlines, providing poor training, and improper supervision. Ignoring drivers' violations of traffic rules and Hours of Service (HOS) regulations can also lead to unsafe driving practices. Such actions pressure drivers to rush, drive while fatigued, and neglect critical safety checks, including monitoring blind spots, which increases the risk of accidents.

If the trucking company fails to provide adequate training on blind spot awareness or hires poorly trained truck drivers without proper background checks, they could be held liable for accidents resulting from these oversights. Proper maintenance and upkeep of semi trucks, including the functionality of mirrors and blind spot sensors, is equally essential for preventing accidents.

Evidence a Skilled Colorado Truck Accident Attorney will Collect to Prove Liability

Proving that a truck accident was caused by blind spots can be complex. It requires a thorough investigation and a variety of evidence. An experienced Colorado truck crash lawyer will gather the following types of evidence to build a strong case:

Accident Scene Evidence

  • Photographs and Videos

  • Witness Statements

  • Accident Reconstruction

Vehicle Evidence

  • Truck Inspection Reports

  • Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

  • Dashcam Footage

Driver Evidence

  • Driver’s Logbook

  • Training and Employment Records

  • Drug and Alcohol Test Results

Expert Testimony

  • Accident Reconstruction Experts

  • Human Factors Experts

  • Mechanical and Engineering Experts

Camera Footage

  • Traffic Cameras

  • Surveillance Cameras

Police Reports

  • Official Accident Report

  • Citations and Violations

Choose a Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer in Colorado with a Proven Track Record

If you were injured in a truck accident, choose the assertive truck accident attorney Wade Zobel to hold the negligent parties accountable. The experienced truck accident lawyers at the Zobel Legal Group will leave no stone unturned to maximize your compensation. To schedule your free in-person or virtual consultation, call us at 720-434-6674 or fill out this online contact form.

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