The Dangers of Blind Spots in 18-Wheelers & What San Antonio TX Drivers Need to Know

San Antonio, Texas, saw nearly 40,000 collisions in 2024, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, making it the second most dangerous city in Texas for drivers. Due to a lack of clarity around 18-wheelers’ blind spots, many victims of a truck accident in San Antonio TX never knew they were in danger to begin with.

While every vehicle has a blind spot, and many drivers understand how to navigate them, large trucks are unique in several ways. Read on to learn about what those differences entail and, for victims of an 18 wheeler blind spot accident, what they mean for your lawyer-supported personal injury claim.

There are four primary blind spots on a large truck that increase the risk of collision for drivers in San Antonio. While a free consultation after an accident will put you directly in touch with an expert attorney who can provide in-depth details, the short descriptions of those blind spots are:

Truck operators sit significantly higher above the road than other drivers, and because the front of the vehicle is so long, the area directly in front of the truck is a blind spot extending up to 20 feet.

Because the point of view from the driver's seat is limited, the passenger-side blind spot extends over two full lanes of traffic.

While the driver-side blind zone does not extend as far into other lanes as the passenger-side blind zone, it is still a significant blind spot. It may be helpful to reference the visual aids provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for clarity, until you can speak with a San Antonio 18 wheeler accident attorney regarding your collision specifically.

We’ve all seen the “if you can read this, you are too close” sticker. Those certainly aren’t there for nothing, as trucks commonly cannot see cars if they are less than 30 feet behind them.

Knowing about these blind spots ahead of time is all well and good, but for those seeking the support of specialists, like the San Antonio truck accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw, there are a few more notes to keep in mind specifically regarding fault and injury claims.

Fault is a complex factor of collisions in Texas. Even with an attorney, there is a chance that the victim of a large truck collision may carry some fault if they were in a blind spot. However, that doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to compensation, so keep these points in mind:

Even when vehicles are in a truck’s blind spot, truck operators are required to be aware of their surroundings at all times. In cases where a truck driver was not operating safely, Texas truck accident attorneys can help you file an injury claim.

Some fault may be placed on a victim who was in a large truck accident. However, you can still secure compensation for damages if your fault was less than 50%.

Regardless of the circumstances of your collision, you may be able to seek a financial settlement for your damages. Visit our client reviews to learn more about how our lawyers can help you determine fault and seek the compensation you are due.

Even if you were in a blind spot, it’s the responsibility of truck drivers to be aware of their surroundings and drive safely, just as ours is to help you seek the financial justice that you deserve. And because we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, our support incurs no costs until we have won your case.

Don’t let concerns about how or where your accident occurred stop you from talking to a specialist. Our English and Spanish-speaking staff are ready to take your calls 24/7 at the toll-free number 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• FMCSA