Every motor vehicle has blind spots — those areas that do not let the driver see if there is another vehicle there. For most cars, trucks and SUVs, the rear-view mirror mounted near the drivers-side seat and the side mirrors near the front doors are enough to make up for these zones.
But tractor-trailers are different. Semis have huge blind spots. If your car is in one of them, the truck’s driver is likely unable to see you and might have no idea that you exist. A sudden slam on brakes or lane change by the trucker can cause disaster.
Where are semi trucks’ blind spots?
There are four blind spots, or “no-zones,” on every semi. They extend out along the left and right sides, along with the back of the truck and immediately in front of it. Things like adding mirrors to both the left and right sides of the hood can help, as can extra side mirrors. Those mirrors must be positioned correctly to give the driver the best possible view of those angles. Other technology, such as a rear-view camera and audible sensors, can also reduce the chances of a serious truck accident.
Unfortunately, not every trucking company makes traffic safety their top priority. They may not provide enough mirrors and other equipment to the trucks in their fleet. Companies also sometimes hire drivers with poor driving records or fail to train new drivers sufficiently. Any of these corner-cutting moves can put you and your family in danger.
Legal action after getting caught in a truck accident
After getting hit and severely injured by a commercial truck, you may be able to pursue damages against the truck driver. Often, you can also seek compensation from the trucking company, which generally will have the financial resources to fully compensate you. To find out for sure, you need to consult a personal injury attorney who understands Texas’ motor vehicle accident liability laws. Our proven team of personal injury lawyers at Wyatt Law Firm has been among the top firms in Texas since 1990.
Call our office today at 210-340-5550“>210-340-5550 to learn what level of compensation you could be entitled to, or fill out our confidential online form if you prefer.