Drivers often underestimate the potential danger of driving near semi-trucks. These trucks have large blind spots, and spending too much time in these “No-Zones” is a recipe for disaster.
Unfortunately, truck accidents can occur even when drivers watch out for a truck’s No-Zones. And just like with any other truck crash, people involved in No-Zone accidents frequently suffer severe physical, emotional, and financial injuries.
Truck accidents are one of our core focus areas at Spiros Law, P.C., and we know how to help you recover the money you need after a crash. Our highly experienced and driven truck accident attorneys can take care of your case and protect your rights while you focus on your medical treatment. We have decades of legal experience and a proven successful-track record in handling these cases. Call us today at (217) 516-3451 or visit our contact page for a free case review.
What Are the ‘No-Zones’ on a Truck?
A truck’s “No-Zones” are areas of the truck where the driver has significant blind spots. Accidents are more likely when other drivers linger in these spots because the truck driver might not see someone next to them when merging or changing lanes. At the same time, truck drivers are responsible for checking their mirrors and taking other precautions to avoid No-Zone collisions.
Trucks have four main No-Zones other drivers should avoid, and they are:
- Front No-Zone: The area directly in front of a truck is a substantial blind spot due to the elevated position of the truck driver’s seat. When a passenger vehicle cuts too close in front of a truck or suddenly stops, the truck driver may not have enough time to react or see the vehicle, leading to a potential collision. Passenger vehicles must maintain a safe distance when driving in front of a semi-truck.
- Rear No-Zone: Truck drivers have no rearview mirror, and their side mirrors don’t always provide a clear view of the area directly behind the truck. This rear No-Zone can extend up to 200 feet behind a truck or its trailer, making it dangerous for passenger vehicles to tailgate or follow too closely. To stay safe, always maintain a proper following distance and ensure you can see the truck’s side mirrors.
- Right-side No-Zone: The right side of a truck has a large blind spot that extends from the front of the truck, down the length of the trailer, and diagonally outwards toward the rear. This No-Zone can be particularly hazardous for other drivers when a truck makes a wide right turn or changes lanes. Passenger vehicles should avoid driving alongside a truck on its right side for extended periods to avoid accidents.
- Left-side No-Zone: While the left side of a truck has a smaller blind spot compared to the right side, it is still a No-Zone that other drivers should generally avoid. This blind spot typically extends from the driver’s seat down the length of the trailer and slightly outwards. Passenger vehicles should avoid lingering in this No-Zone and only pass trucks on the left side when it’s safe.
Common Causes of Truck No-Zone Accidents
It’s always dangerous when passenger cars linger in a truck’s No-Zones. Some of the most common causes of truck No-Zone accidents include:
- Inadequate driver training: Without sufficient training to handle large vehicles, truck drivers might have difficulty noticing other vehicles in their blind spots, raising the risk of accidents.
- Distracted driving: A truck driver who is texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or otherwise distracted might fail to notice a vehicle in one of their No-Zones, potentially resulting in a collision.
- Poor visibility: Adverse weather conditions, nighttime driving, or glare from the sun can hinder a truck driver’s ability to detect vehicles in their blind spots.
- Vehicle size: The larger a truck is, the bigger its No-Zones are, elevating the risk of accidents.
Who’s Liable for a Truck No-Zone Accident?
The truck driver is the first party to look at after a No-Zone accident. Ultimately, the driver must check the truck’s blind spots, adjust their mirrors, and take other precautions to prevent no-zone accidents. If a truck driver acted negligently and caused an accident, they might be liable for your injuries.
The trucking company might also share liability for a No-Zone accident. Trucking companies have a legal duty to hire qualified, safe drivers, and they can be liable for an accident if they fail to check a driver’s credentials, don’t check the driver’s safety record, or act negligently in some other way.
Finally, other parties sometimes play more minor roles in truck No-Zone accidents. For instance, a maintenance company or the company that made the truck’s brakes might be liable for a crash if the accident occurred due to a design defect or sloppy repairs. Our Illinois truck accident attorneys can review all the evidence in your case and identify everyone liable for your injuries.
Compensation for a Truck No-Zone Accident
Truck accidents frequently cause more severe injuries than truck accidents, making working with an experienced attorney who can maximize your financial recovery is crucial. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
We can’t tell you exactly what your case is worth until we look more closely at the crash, so don’t wait to contact our office.
Deadline to File an Illinois Truck Accident Lawsuit
Each state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury cases, and these laws determine how much time you have to file a lawsuit. Under Illinois law, you generally have two years from the date of a truck accident to file a lawsuit. Our attorneys can take care of filing your claim on your behalf so you can focus on your medical treatment.
How Our Charleston, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
Recovering compensation from a negligent truck driver, trucking company, or other negligent party takes determination, experience, and special legal knowledge. Our Charleston truck accident attorneys can help you with your case by:
- Reviewing the police crash report, your medical records, crash scene photos, and other evidence to document your injuries and determine who caused your injuries
- Consulting experts and interviewing witnesses to get a clearer picture of the crash.
- Documenting all your injuries and filing an insurance claim on your behalf.
- Dealing with the insurance companies and fighting for maximum compensation during settlement negotiations.
- Preparing your case for court and representing you at trial if the liable parties won’t agree to a fair settlement.
Contact a Charleston, IL, Truck Accident Lawyer Now
The Charleston, IL, truck accident attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. understand a truck accident’s toll and are ready to defend your rights. Call us today at (217) 516-3451 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
