What New Jersey Residents Should Know About Truck Blind Spots
November 8, 2023
Traffic safety is a concern for everyone on the road. For New Jersey residents, navigating the busy highways and streets means sharing the road with various vehicles, including large trucks. While trucks play an essential role in our economy by transporting goods, they can also pose unique dangers due to their blind spots. At Hartman Duff, LLC, we believe in equipping our community with the knowledge to stay safe. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the topic of truck blind spots, offering tips for safe driving and discussing the legal remedies available in the event of a truck accident.
The Dangers of Truck Blind Spots
Blind spots are areas around a vehicle that the driver cannot see directly, either through their mirrors or peripheral vision. All vehicles have blind spots, but those for trucks are much larger due to their size and shape. For trucks, these blind spots are often referred to as “No-Zones.”
Here are the main No-Zones to be aware of:
- Front Blind Spot: A truck driver cannot see several feet in front of the cab. If a car is too close to a truck’s front, the truck driver might not see it.
- Rear Blind Spot: Trucks don’t have a rear-view mirror. Therefore, the area directly behind the truck is a blind spot for the driver.
- Side Blind Spots: Both the left and right sides of trucks have blind spots. The right side is especially dangerous, as the blind spot extends over multiple lanes.
The dangers arise when a vehicle, especially a smaller one like a car or motorcycle, remains in these No-Zones. If the truck driver decides to change lanes or turn, they might not see the smaller vehicle, leading to a collision.
How to Safely Navigate Around Trucks
Safe driving is a collective responsibility. To minimize the risks associated with truck blind spots:
Stay Out of No-Zones
Familiarize yourself with these zones. Avoid lingering in these areas when driving near a truck.
Pass Safely:
If you need to overtake a truck, you should:
- Always pass on the left side, where the truck’s blind spot is smaller.
- Signal your intentions early.
- Ensure you can see the entire truck in your rear-view mirror before pulling back in front.
- Do not cut in closely in front of a truck when returning to your lane. Remember, trucks require more time and distance to come to a full stop.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Tailgating a truck not only places you in a blind spot but also reduces your own visibility of the road ahead. Keep a distance of at least four to five seconds behind a truck. This will provide you with a clearer view of the road and give you more reaction time if the truck stops or slows down suddenly.
Be Visible
Ensure your headlights or daytime running lights are on when driving near a truck, especially in adverse weather conditions. This makes it easier for the truck driver to see you.
Anticipate Wide Turns
Trucks, especially those with long trailers, need extra room to maneuver turns. They might swing wide or even use multiple lanes to complete a turn. If a truck has its turn signal on or seems to be preparing to turn, give it ample space and do not attempt to squeeze by or pass it.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is dangerous, especially near large trucks. Always keep your attention on the road. Avoid using your phone, fiddling with the radio, or any other activity that might divert your focus.
Prepare for Wind Gusts
The large surface area of trucks means they can produce wind gusts that can affect nearby vehicles. Hold your steering wheel firmly when passing or being passed by a truck.
Stay Alert at Stops
If you’re stopped behind a truck on an incline, leave some extra space. Trucks might roll back a bit when they start moving after a stop.
Communicate Clearly
Use your vehicle’s signals to communicate your intentions to truck drivers. If you need to change lanes or turn, signal earlier than usual to give the truck driver ample time to react.
Be Patient
Remember that trucks handle differently than passenger vehicles. They might accelerate slower or take longer routes to avoid low bridges or tight turns. Exercise patience, and avoid aggressive driving maneuvers around trucks.
Legal Remedies in Case of an Accident
Despite best efforts, accidents do happen. If you’re involved in a collision related to a truck’s blind spot, New Jersey law provides avenues for seeking justice and compensation.
Personal Injury Claim
The most common legal remedy after a truck accident is a personal injury claim. If the truck driver’s negligence, such as failing to check their blind spot before changing lanes, led to the accident, the injured party can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Wrongful Death Claim
If an individual loses their life because of a truck blind spot accident, the decedent’s family members can file a wrongful death claim. This claim seeks compensation for funeral expenses, loss of consortium, loss of income, and other associated damages.
Product Liability Claim
If the truck’s design contributed to a larger than necessary blind spot or if its mirrors and other safety features failed, leading to the accident, the manufacturer might be held liable. In such cases, a product liability claim can be initiated against the manufacturer for producing a defective product.
Negligent Hiring or Supervision
Sometimes, the trucking company might be liable if they hired a driver without proper checks or if they failed to train the driver adequately regarding blind spot checks and safety.
Third-Party Liability
In certain cases, other parties might be partially responsible for the accident. For instance, if a cargo-loading company improperly loaded the truck, making it harder for the driver to navigate, they might share in the liability.
Spoliation Claim
Trucking companies are obligated to maintain certain records, including driver logs and maintenance records. If the company destroys or alters these records after an accident, they can face a spoliation claim.
Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident
- Seek Medical Treatment: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s vital to get a medical examination. Some injuries may not manifest immediately but can have long-term consequences.
- Document Everything: Take photographs of the accident scene, damages, injuries, and any relevant road signs. If there are witnesses, get their contact information and statements.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Always file a police report for documentation and legal purposes.
- Consult with an Attorney: Navigating the legal intricacies of trucking accidents requires expertise. Engaging with a specialized attorney early on can help secure evidence, understand the nuances of your case, and guide you through the claim process.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer at Hartman Duff, LLC for a Free Consultation About Your Case Today
Understanding truck blind spots is not just about safeguarding yourself but also about contributing to safer roads for everyone. At Hartman Duff, LLC, we’re dedicated to making New Jersey roads safer for all and ensuring that justice is served when required.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a trucking accident or you have concerns about road safety, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let our expertise guide you through these challenging times.
Contact Hartman Duff, LLC today for a free consultation, and let us be your beacon in the journey towards justice.