The blind spot of a truck is where the driver cannot see the other cars. The bigger the truck, the more blind spots it has, and in the US, the responsibility falls on the smaller cars to avoid risky areas. Truck accidents can lead to lawsuits. This driving in the blind spots makes the truck accident claims very hard to understand. Because you can’t really hold a driver accountable for someone driving in the truck’s blind spot. You can reduce this confusion by hiring a lawyer since they have experience in dealing with these types of cases.
Here are a few dangers of driving in blind spots.
1. Longer stopping distance.
Trucks have a longer stopping distance, especially when they are fully loaded. It takes them time to stop and respond to their surroundings. It is the responsibility of the drivers in smaller cars to understand the law of inertia, which slows down the stopping process of the trucks and maintain a safe distance accordingly. Unlike cars, trucks cannot instantly apply the brakes as they have to ensure the stability of their load and the body. A good lawyer can guide you to safe driving distances and highway rules.
2. Turning radius.
The turning radius of the trucks is much bigger than the cars. Making a U-turn or even shifting the lanes takes them a wide area to cover. During these times, the blind spots area of the trucks increase significantly, and it comes to the drivers of other smaller cars to make sure that they are at a safe distance. There are a lot of cases where smaller cars get too close to a truck and eventually end up damaging their bonnet and sides. Accidents are common but can be avoided with the proper precaution and care. Once you understand the size and dynamics of the trucks, avoiding the blind spots become easy, but till then, it is hazardous to drive close and without precaution.
3. Lack of maneuverability
It is essential to understand that the trucks’ maneuverability is much lower than the cars. They cannot switch lanes, apply quick brakes, and gain speed fast, especially when climbing up a hill or height. Many accidents occur when cars tailgate a truck and do not maintain a safe distance. In such cases, US law does not hold the truck drivers or the company accountable for any loss or damage to the other cars. It is the sole responsibility of the car drivers to understand the maneuverability and adjust accordingly.
Accident claims
Many truck drivers get away with accident claims due to their blind spots. Although it does not mean that the rule of law does not apply to them, it just means that the precaution and responsibility of the car drivers are much more than the truck drivers. Areas such as the rare sides, front and back bumper, and the second layer of tires are considered common blind spots in a truck, which should be avoided at all costs.
Conclusion
Driving near a truck’s blind spots is hazardous, and drivers should ensure they avoid the areas at all costs. Proper precaution and care must be taken if, for some reason, especially overtaking and switching lanes. Your lawyer would be able to guide you in detail about these rules and laws.
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