No-zone accidents involve a truck’s large blind spots. If you are injured in one of these accidents, a trusted San Antonio truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you pursue fair compensation from the party responsible for your injuries.
What Are No-Zones?
No-zones refer to blind spots. All motor vehicles have blind spots, but the blind spots on semi-trucks are much bigger due to the larger size and length of these vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has dubbed these areas “No Zones” on trucks, advising other motorists to avoid them whenever possible.
Where Are the No-Zones on a Truck Located?
While typical passenger vehicles have blind spots to their left and right, large commercial trucks have blind spots on all four sides of the truck. The elevated cab height creates blind spots in front of the truck, and the extended trailer creates additional blind spots to the truck’s rear. The no-zones are located in the following spots on a large truck:
- Approximately 20 feet directly in front of the truck
- Approximately 30 feet to the rear of the truck
- Up to two lanes of traffic on the truck’s left side
- Up to three lanes of traffic on the truck’s right side
A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they can’t see you either.
Who Is Responsible for a No-Zone Truck Accident?
Even with a name like “no zones,” this does not relieve a truck driver of their legal responsibility to drive safely. Truck drivers are often found at fault in no-zone truck accidents.
This is because truck drivers should be aware of the additional complications in operating a commercial motor vehicle. They should receive training on their large blind spots, how to safely adapt to them, and how to continuously monitor them during their travel. By making slow and safe lane changes, avoiding distractions, and not driving while fatigued or impaired, truck drivers can usually avoid no-zone accidents. However, when they fail to take these necessary precautions, they can cause serious crashes.
Trucking companies can also be held liable in these crashes because they are responsible for properly training and hiring qualified drivers. They can also be held liable for the negligent actions of their drivers.
In some situations, the driver of the passenger vehicle may be found partially at fault. However, as long as they are not found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, they can still pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.
Contact Us for Help with Your No-Zone Truck Accident
At George Salinas Injury Lawyers, we help hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies that fail to properly train their drivers to continually monitor their blind spots accountable for the harm they cause. We can investigate your case, gather compelling evidence that shows the truck driver’s negligence, and fight for the financial compensation you deserve after being injured. We have decades of experience holding negligent truck drivers and companies throughout Texas responsible after they cause a crash. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.