Every year in the U.S., over 500,000 truck accidents occur throughout the country. There are many dangers involved in large truck accidents due to the fact that these vehicles are massive compared to other means of transportation. Because of this, drivers are urged to be careful around large trucks, which includes staying out of their blind spots.

Blind spots, also known as a truck’s ‘no zone,’ is a place where it is difficult for truck drivers to see passenger vehicles that are traveling nearby. Every vehicle has blind spots and there are many dangers associated with these areas. This is due to the fact that a driver could start to merge directly into the side of a passenger vehicle, which can lead to serious damages and injuries.

Where Blind Spots Are Located on Tractor-Trailers 

There are four primary areas on tractor-trailers that are considered blind spots, including the following:

• In front of the truck’s cab
• Below the driver’s window
• The right side of the truck’s cab
• Behind the truck’s trailer

Truck drivers are unable to see vehicles in these areas, which could put you at risk if you are traveling in one of these areas alongside a large tractor-trailer. Truck drivers are always expected to check these areas before they merge into other lanes or make a turn so that they do not strike another vehicle. However, other drivers should be aware of these places as well so that they can work to avoid a severe accident.

Why do trucks have blind spots? These areas are prevalent due to the fact that trucks are built differently than other vehicles on our roads. Though all vehicles have blind spots, passenger vehicle drivers are able to easily move their heads in different directions to see out of side windows as they do not have a large trailer attached to their vehicle. Because tractor-trailers could be up to 80 feet long, they are more likely to have larger blind spots that make it more difficult to see cars or vehicles around them.

Common Reasons for Blind Spot Accidents

Many truck drivers will say that they did not see the passenger vehicle when a blind spot accident occurs. Here are some of the major reasons for these accidents:

• When a car is following a semi-trailer too closely
• When a car tries to make a right turn next to a truck while in their blind spot
• When a truck is driving aggressively and slams on their brakes suddenly
• When a truck driver does not check their blind spots before they make a lane change or turn
• When a passenger vehicle is traveling in a blind spot

Moving Forward After a Florida Truck Accident 

Because trucks are so large, these accidents are more likely to lead to life-altering and traumatic injuries. Some of the most common injuries happening in these accidents include fractures, lacerations, whiplash, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, TBIs, and more. Being injured in a truck accident can have a long-lasting and even permanent impact on your life.

If you have been injured in a Florida truck accident, it is essential that you speak with a personal injury attorney who has handled claims like these in the past. Our attorneys at Sheftall & Associates have resources to help you through these challenging times so that you can get back on your feet after an accident that is not your fault. Please contact a truck accident attorney in Florida to find out what options are available for you at (904) 575-9026.