There are thousands of large commercial trucks that roll through California on a daily basis, and motorists here in Rancho Cucamonga and throughout San Bernardino County drive alongside tractor-trailers regularly. Some major roadways in Rancho Cucamonga, CA that have a lot of commercial trucking traffic include:
- I-15, which runs through the city and is a major north-south corridor for commercial trucking traffic in the region.
Foothill Boulevard, which runs east-west through the city and is a major thoroughfare for commercial trucking traffic. - Archibald Avenue, which runs parallel to I-15 and is a major commercial trucking route.
- Milliken Avenue, which also runs parallel to I-15 and is a major commercial trucking route.
- Baseline Road, which is a major east-west thoroughfare for commercial trucking traffic in the city.
Those who travel these routes on a regular basis should be aware that driving near commercial trucks is inherently dangerous for a number of reasons. The biggest one of course is that these vehicles can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded, which can result in severe and catastrophic injuries when they are involved in a crash. And because of the size and length of the vehicle, big rig trucks have much larger blind spots than regular vehicles.
Why a Commercial Truck Driver’s Blind Spots are More Dangerous
Commercial truck blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” are especially hazardous because they impede on the truck driver’s ability to see other vehicles in certain areas around it. These blind spots are in several areas around the truck, and if a vehicle is driving in one of them, the truck driver may not be able to see it, thus increasing the risk of a collision.
As we touched on earlier, commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which means that if a collision does occur, the damage and injuries are likely to be more severe. The large size and weight of commercial trucks also mean that they take longer to stop and have more difficulty maneuvering, which can make it difficult for truck drivers to avoid collisions with a car that is in their blind spot.
Truck drivers receive specialized training to deal with the large blind spots on their vehicles. This training is typically provided as part of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) program, which is required to operate a commercial vehicle in California and in other states as well. In addition to the CDL program training, trucking companies also often provide additional training to their drivers on blind spot awareness and safe driving techniques.
Commercial Truck “No Zones”
There are four major blind spots, or “no zones,” on a large semi-truck. They are:
- The Front Blind Spot:
This blind spot is located directly in front of the truck and extends out about 20 feet. Because the front of the truck is so large, it can be difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles that are directly in front of them. - The Rear Blind Spot:
This blind spot is located directly behind the truck and extends out about 30 feet. Because the back of the truck is so tall, it can be difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles that are directly behind them. - The Driver Side Blind Spot:
This blind spot is located on the driver side of the truck and extends out about the entire length of the trailer. Because the side of the truck is so long, it can be difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles that are next to them on the driver’s side. - The Passenger Side Blind Spot: This blind spot is located on the passenger side of the truck and extends out about the entire length of the trailer. This blind spot is smaller than the one on the driver’s side, but it can still be difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles that are next to them on the passenger side.
- The Front Blind Spot:
It is important to note that this is a general description of the common “no zones” that are present on big rig trucks. Actual dimensions will vary based on the specific truck. Also, the size and location of the blind spots can be affected by the type of cargo being carried, the weather conditions and visibility, and the specific mirrors and cameras that the truck is equipped with.
Liability for Truck Blind Spot Accidents
In most cases, the truck driver will be the one who is liable for a Rancho Cucamonga truck blind spot accident. The truck driver is responsible for being aware of the blind spots and taking necessary precautions to avoid collisions with other vehicles. This includes properly checking and monitoring the blind spots, using mirrors and cameras as appropriate, and making sure to signal when merging or changing lanes.
All that said, liability in truck accident cases can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Other parties, such as the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or a third party, may also be liable for the accident.
For example, the trucking company may be liable if they failed to properly train or supervise the driver, or if they failed to maintain the truck in a safe condition. The truck manufacturer may be liable if the accident was caused by a defect in the truck’s design or manufacturing process. A third party, such as a maintenance company, may also be liable if they were responsible for maintaining the truck and failed to do so properly.
Whatever the circumstances of your case, it is best to consult with an attorney who specializes in truck accident cases to determine the liable parties in a Rancho Cucamonga truck blind spot accident. They will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine the liability of the parties involved in the accident.
Blind Spot Errors by Truck Drivers
Truck blind spot accidents often happen because of some type of error on the part of the commercial truck driver. Here are some common reasons for trucker blind spot errors:
- Inadequate Training: Truck drivers who have not received proper training on how to properly check and monitor their blind spots are more likely to make errors.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers who are fatigued may have a harder time paying attention to the road and may be more likely to make mistakes that lead to accidents.
- Distractions: Truck drivers who are distracted by things like cell phones, GPS devices, or other electronic devices may have a harder time paying attention to the road and may be more likely to make critical errors.
Inexperience: Inexperienced truck drivers may be more likely to make errors due to a lack of familiarity with the size and handling characteristics of their vehicle. - Pressure to Meet Deadlines: Truck drivers who feel pressure to meet tight delivery schedules may be more likely to make errors in order to stay on schedule.
- Poor Vision: Truck drivers with poor vision may have a harder time seeing other vehicles in their blind spots.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Poor visibility due to weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow can make it harder for truck drivers to see other vehicles in their blind spots.
Speak with Our Skilled and Knowledgeable Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Lawyer
As we have talked about, truck blind spot accidents in Rancho Cucamonga are usually the fault of the truck driver, the trucking company, and/or a third party. But this will not stop them from trying to pin some of the blame for the accident on you. If they are able to get away with this, they can reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay based on California’s comparative negligence laws.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a commercial trucking accident in the Rancho Cucamonga area, get immediate medical attention, then contact Muhareb Law Group right away to assess your case and discuss your rights and legal options. We have extensive experience with these types of cases, and we will fight hard to get you maximum compensation.
To set up a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team, message us online or call our office today at (909) 519-5832.