How Many No-Zones Does a Truck Have? Understanding Blind Spots

Large commercial trucks’ blind spots, known as no-zones, increase the risk of severe collisions. If you were involved in an accident due to blind spots, an Indiana truck accident lawyer from Christie Farrell Lee & Bell can help determine liability and fight for fair compensation.

With over 30 years of experience handling truck accident cases in Indiana, our legal team has the knowledge and resources to build a strong claim and hold the responsible parties accountable. This article will explore how no-zones contribute to crashes, who may be liable, and what steps you can take to protect your rights.

What Are No-Zones in Trucking?

No-zones are the large blind spots around commercial trucks where the driver’s visibility is significantly limited. Unlike passenger vehicles, which have smaller blind spots, trucks’ size and design make them have no zones on all four sides:

• Front no-zone: Extends about 20 feet in front of the truck, making it dangerous for drivers to merge too closely after passing.
• Rear no-zone: Stretches 30 feet or more behind the trailer, where the truck driver has no direct visibility.
• Right-side no-zone: The largest blind spot, covering multiple lanes and making right-hand turns especially dangerous.
• Left-side no-zone: Smaller than the right-side blind spot but still large enough to hide passing vehicles from the truck driver’s view.

Both truck and passenger vehicle drivers need to be aware of these blind spots to reduce the risk of collisions. If a no-zone crash occurs, a personal injury attorney from Christie Farrell Lee & Bell can investigate the accident, gather evidence, determine fault, and fight for fair compensation on behalf of the injured party.

Why Are Truck No-Zones So Dangerous?

No-zones are responsible for many serious truck accidents, as they create high-risk areas where collisions become more likely. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks were involved in 5,700 fatal crashes in 2021, an 18% increase from the previous year.

Some of the biggest dangers associated with no-zones include:

• Limited visibility: No zones make it difficult for truck drivers to see nearby vehicles, especially in heavy traffic.
• Mirror reliance: Although trucks have large side mirrors, they don’t eliminate all blind spots.
• High-speed risks: On highways, vehicles that linger in no-zones are at greater risk of being sideswiped or rear-ended if a truck changes lanes or stops suddenly.

Because of these dangers, passenger vehicle drivers must exercise caution when traveling near large trucks. A truck accident attorney can help you pursue a legal claim to recover compensation for damages when an accident occurs due to a no-zone issue.

How to Avoid a Truck’s Blind Spots

To reduce the risk of no-zone crashes, follow these safety measures:

• Avoid lingering in a truck’s blind spots for extended periods.
• Pass trucks quickly and safely, maintaining a consistent speed.
• Watch for turn signals, as trucks require extra space for lane changes.
• Ensure visibility: If you cannot see the truck driver’s face in their mirror, they likely cannot see you.

When truck drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes, their negligence can lead to devastating accidents. A free consultation with Christie Farrell Lee & Bell can help determine the best legal approach after a collision. During this meeting, one of our lawyers will explain how to proceed following a truck accident and the compensation options available.

Who Is Liable in a No-Zone Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident involving no zones requires an in-depth investigation. Possible responsible parties include:

• Truck drivers: Negligence in failing to check mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes or turning can make a truck driver legally responsible for a crash.
• Trucking companies: If a company fails to train drivers on blind-spot awareness and safety protocols, they may be liable for negligent hiring or inadequate training.
• Passenger vehicle drivers: Lingering in a truck’s blind spots or making unsafe passing maneuvers can make a passenger vehicle driver liable for causing the crash.

To determine who can be responsible for a truck accident, the attorneys at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell will collect evidence, interview witnesses, and craft compelling arguments to build a solid case that holds the negligent party accountable.

Common Injuries in No-Zone Truck Accidents

Collisions involving truck no-zones often result in severe injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Multiple fractures and broken bones
• Internal organ injuries
• Fatalities from underride accidents

Filing a claim after a crash requires proving the extent of harm suffered. A personal injury lawyer can help establish what kinds of injuries you can seek compensation for after a truck accident to maximize the compensation available and ensure you don’t have to shoulder the costs of someone else’s negligence.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover from a Truck Accident?

The amount of compensation you can recover from a truck accident depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, liability, and insurance coverage. Generally, you can pursue compensation for the following damages:

• Medical costs: Covers emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation for accident-related injuries.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries, including future lost earnings if the victim can’t return to their job.
• Pain and suffering: Addresses emotional distress, chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and long-term psychological effects caused by the accident.
• Property damage: Pays for vehicle repairs or replacement if the car is totaled, as well as damage to personal belongings inside the vehicle.

An experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer from Christie Farrell Lee & Bell can determine your claim’s potential value by examining the details of the accident and its impact on your life. We calculate damages based on injury severity, long-term effects, and financial losses, ensuring your claim seeks full and fair compensation for all eligible damages.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a No-Zone Truck Accident

Some immediate steps to take after a truck accident include:

1. Seek medical attention to document your injuries.
2. Gather evidence, including photos and witness statements.
3. Contact a truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Quick action can protect your legal rights and improve your chances of securing full compensation. After a no-zone truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help.

Contact an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

The potentially devastating consequences of no-zone truck accidents make legal guidance essential. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we have decades of experience representing truck accident victims in Indiana. We’ve even been ranked among the top Indianapolis injury attorneys.

Our legal team has the expertise needed to handle even the most complex truck accident claims. Contact us today for a free case review.