As you probably know, there are places around your car, truck or SUV you cannot see even when you are using your rearview and side mirrors. These areas, known as blind spots, can be dangerous, as you might inadvertently change lanes into a vehicle that is beside yours.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, many modern vehicles come with driver assistance technologies that can prevent blind spot accidents. Unfortunately, most tractor-trailers on the road today do not have this technology.
Massive blind spots
When you pass a passenger vehicle, you quickly can move through the driver’s blind spots. This might not be the case with tractor-trailers, though, as these trucks have massive blind spots. In fact, a driver might not be able to see up to 200 feet behind his or her trailer. On each side of a truck, blind spots can extend more than 40 feet.
Trucker obligations
All tractor-trailer drivers have a duty to drive reasonably. When it comes to blind spots, this means truckers should properly adjust their mirrors to increase visibility. They also should pay close attention to traffic patterns, roadways and pedestrians. After all, if a trucker collides with a vehicle or person in his or her blind spot, there are likely to be catastrophic consequences.
A collision with a tractor-trailer can leave you with permanent and life-changing injuries. Ultimately, to ensure you have decent odds of making a full recovery, it may be advisable to seek financial compensation from the trucker or the trucking company.