Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Today’s motor vehicles come with all kinds of helpful safety features, from seatbelts and airbags to rear-view cameras and curb detectors. Despite all these advancements, there’s still one driving hazard that technology hasn’t found a way to protect against: blind spots. Commercial trucks are obviously larger than passenger vehicles and have significant blind spots. However, professionally trained commercial drivers are trained to know how to compensate and utilize their mirrors and equipment to avoid blind spots.

Blind spots are any areas of the road that a driver can’t easily see through the windshield or in their mirrors. All vehicles have blind spots, which is why drivers are taught to look quickly over their shoulder to check for cars when merging into a different lane. Unfortunately, not everyone follows such precautions. And when a reckless driver is behind the wheel of a large truck, bus, or similar commercial vehicle, the consequences can be severe.

If you have been injured in a road accident caused by a truck driver’s failure to check their blind spots, a personal injury attorney at The Cagle Law Firm may be able to help. Our blind spot truck accident lawyers in St. Louis, MO, have the knowledge and experience to ensure you get the full compensation you deserve.

Knowing the “No-Zones”

“No-Zones” are what the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association calls the large, dangerous blind spots unique to tractor-trailers, construction vehicles, and the like. The best ways to protect yourself while sharing the road with large trucks are keeping your distance (especially when they are merging or turning), always being patient, and staying out of the “No-Zones.”

The Front

The first “No-Zone” is also the one many drivers wouldn’t expect. After all, the front of a vehicle should have little to no blind spots, shouldn’t it? This might be true for passenger vehicles, but a commercial truck’s cab is much wider and taller, and truck drivers sit much higher. As a result, it’s often difficult for them to see smaller vehicles directly in front of them.

The Right

Just like in a car, the driver’s seat in a truck is located on the left side. This makes it difficult for the person steering to see vehicles on their right, but because trucks are so much bigger, their blind spots are, too. Biggest of all, though, is the degree of damage trucks can do when involved in an accident. That’s why you need to stay at least one car length away from a truck’s back bumper when in the right lane.

The Left

Although a truck’s left-side “No-Zone” is about 50% smaller than the one on its right, that doesn’t mean it’s any less dangerous for those in smaller vehicles. Just like when you’re driving in the right lane, if you find yourself on the left side of a truck, it’s a good idea to stay at least one car length away from the vehicle’s back bumper at all times.

The Back

Finally, there’s one blind spot that large trucks have that most other vehicles don’t, and that is directly behind them. Because commercial vehicles don’t have back windows on their trailers, truck drivers can’t see any cars directly behind them. This can cause serious accidents if a truck driver stops suddenly. So, please give drivers some space so that they may utilize their mirrors, as this particular blind spot can be challenging. Tailgating is not something any driver should ever do, but it’s especially hazardous when sharing the road with a truck.

Call a St. Louis Blind Spot Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Commercial trucks are among the scariest and deadliest vehicles on the road, being involved in thousands of collisions every year ranging from blind spot accidents to driver fatigue accidents. Whatever the cause, the consequences are often severe. Being hurt in a truck-related road accident can leave you with permanent disabilities, emotional trauma, mounting medical bills, and lost income.

That’s where the Cagle Law Firm comes in. If you’ve been hurt through no fault of your own, you deserve compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case with a blind spot truck accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO.

Call us toll-free at (1-800) 685-3302 or locally at (314) 276-1681.