Things to Know About No Zone Accidents
Transport-trailers and smaller passenger cars both have blind spots. However, the blind spots on commercial trucks pose many dangers to other motorists and are one of the leading causes of truck accidents. On commercial trucks blind spots are called “no zones” because they are so dangerous, other motorists should not stay in them for too long. Still, truck drivers have a responsibility to check their blind spots and ensure no other vehicle is in them before they change lanes, turn, or otherwise maneuver their vehicle. Below, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer explains what you need to know about crashes involving no zones.
Where are the No Zones on a Truck?
The no zones on a truck are very large and cover much more area than the blind spots found on passenger vehicles. There are many no zones motorists should avoid when near large trucks on the roads and they are as follows:
- Front no zone: There is a large no zone in front of the truck. Truck drivers sit much higher up than other motorists and so, they cannot see what is directly in front and therefore, below them. The front no zone typically extends from the bumper to 20 feet in front of the truck.
- Driver’s side no zone: The no zones on the sides of the truck are the largest. The smaller of the two is the one on the driver’s side because the trucker is on the same side. This no zone extends from the door of the truck to the middle of the trailer. Typically, this no zone only extends throughout one lane.
- Passenger side no zone: The no zone on the passenger side of the truck is by far the largest. It extends from the front of the truck to the very back of the truck. This no zone also extends across three lanes of traffic.
- Rear no zone: Truck drivers cannot see what is directly behind their vehicle. They rely solely on their side mirrors to see what is behind them, and those mirrors cannot reflect everything. The no zone behind a truck is approximately 200 feet from the rear of the trailer.
Who is Liable for No Zone Accidents?
Although it is difficult, if not impossible, for truck drivers to see what is in their no zones, they also receive specialized training to help them check their no zones and keep everyone safe. When they fail to do this, they can be held liable for an accident. If a truck driver is the employee of the trucking company they are working for, the company may also be held liable. This is due to a legal concept known as vicarious liability, under which businesses are responsible for the actions of their employees.
Our Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Help After a No Zone Collision
It is advised that other motorists try to avoid a truck’s no zones, but this is not always possible. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio truck accident lawyer can help determine who is liable for your injuries so you can hold them accountable. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, so there are no out-of-pocket or upfront attorney’s fees or costs that you have to pay. Our clients never pay a penny until we win their case.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/large-blind-spots
