Commercial trucks are nearly 30 times larger than the average car, measuring around 70 feet long, 14 feet tall, and weighing up to 80,000 pounds. Due to their sheer size and height, large trucks have several blind spots called “no-zones.”
While all vehicles on the road have blind spots, a truck’s blind spots are called “no-zones” because truck drivers cannot see them whatsoever, and other drivers should never occupy these areas of the road. They cannot simply turn their head or adjust themselves to see the no zone. For this reason, truck drivers must make every effort to be mindful of other cars on the road to avoid blind spot accidents.
Here’s more on the four main “no zones” for a large truck and how they can impact your accident claim.
The Four “No Zones” for Large Trucks
Large trucks have four “no zones”: one in the front, one in the rear, and two on each side. Here is a breakdown of each “no zone”:
Front “No Zones”
The front “no zone” is different than the others because it’s technically not a blind spot. A truck driver might have visibility of the space in front of them, but it’s considered a “no zone” because trucks have shorter stopping distances than other cars on the road.
Drivers who occupy the space within 20 feet of the truck risk being rear-ended if a sudden stop in traffic occurs. That’s why you should give yourself plenty of space if you need to merge in front of the truck. Generally, trucks need the length of two football fields to stop.
Rear “No Zones”
You’ve probably seen this phrase on the back of commercial trucks: “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.” This is the general rule for following behind commercial trucks. You should stay 30 feet, or two car lengths, behind a large truck to ensure they can see you. Following too closely behind large trucks is common and often results in fatal rear-end accidents for tailgating cars.
Side “No Zones”
Wide-turn accidents are common with large trucks. To make a wide turn, trucks must swing the vehicle into the lane next to them to ensure enough space for the tractor trailer to clear the curb at an intersection. Truckers will swing the truck cab to the left to make a wide right turn and to the right to make a wide left turn.
Drivers traveling too close to the driver side of the truck could get hit as the driver veers into the next lane to make a wide right turn. Further, drivers traveling too close to the passenger side risk getting pulled under the tractor trailer during a wide turn accident.
How Do “No Zones” Impact Your Accident Claim?
A truck’s “no zones” could either help or hurt your claim. For example, if you get into a truck accident, but were found to be tailgating the truck or traveling in a “no zone,” you could be partially liable for your damages. The truck driver might still be required to compensate you, but your compensation will be limited by your percentage of liability per Texas’ comparative negligence laws.
Although truck drivers have “no zones” other drivers must avoid, this doesn’t give them a license to rule the road. Truckers still have a duty to be mindful of all drivers on the road and abide by traffic laws just like everybody else. So, if a truck driver’s reckless or careless driving caused your accident, they are still liable for compensating you even if you were in one of their blind spots.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Call Kemmy Law Firm Today
An accident with an 80,000-pound big rig could result in lasting consequences beyond your initial treatment. It’s critical that you understand a truck’s “no zones” and drive defensively to avoid a devastating accident. Your accident might have caused you to be permanently disabled or emotionally traumatized. Whatever damages you endured; our family of personal injury lawyers is here to help you recover fully.
The Kemmy Law Firm aims to help all accident victims in the Permian Basin, and we will thoroughly investigate your case to determine all liable parties and hold them accountable. Contact our office at (830) 264-6297 today to schedule your free consultation.
Kemmy Law Firm serves clients across the Permian Basin region:
Truck Accident Lawyers in Odessa, Texas
101 N Jackson Ave
Odessa, Texas 79761
Truck Accident Lawyers in Hobbs, New Mexico
1601 N. Turner, Suite 417
Hobbs, NM 88240
Truck Accident Lawyers in San Antonio, Texas
1924 N Main Ave
San Antonio, Texas 78212
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