Big rigs are so dangerous because of their large blind spots, or spots in which the driver can’t see what’s happening. While all vehicles have blind spots, these areas are especially large on semi trucks. For this reason, people often call them “no-zones.” They are on all four sides of the vehicle and pose a serious safety risk for nearby drivers in smaller vehicles.You can protect yourself on the road by learning the location of these no-zones and how to avoid them. If you get into a collision with a truck, an experienced Virginia truck accident lawyer can help you review the specific facts of your case and help determine your eligibility for compensation.Where Are the Four No-Zones of a Commercial Truck?Generally, when you encounter a large commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on the road, you should be aware of its four no-zones, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):Front – High cabs and engine bays obscure the 20 feet directly in front of commercial trucks. This space is hazardous because trucks need more space to stop than smaller vehicles. When a car cuts in too closely, the truck driver may not have time to slow down.Rear – Trucks carrying trailers have rear blind spots that block entirely a driver’s view of vehicles up to 30 feet behind them. A car traveling in this space is invisible in the truck’s mirrors.Right-side – The blind spot on a truck’s passenger side runs the entire trailer length and can extend across two lanes. This area is the truck’s largest no-zone. Cars driving here are particularly at risk when the truck driver changes lanes or makes a wide right turn without looking.Left-side – The blind spot on the driver’s side is smaller than the right side, though it still obscures the adjacent lane from the tip of the wing mirror to about halfway down the trailer’s length. Vehicles that linger here may not be visible in the truck’s side mirrors, putting them at risk of sideswipe collisions.What Could Happen If You Drive in a Truck’s No-Zone?Driving in a truck’s no-zone is risky. Truck operators have trouble seeing cars in these areas or reacting in time during emergencies.For example, if a car moves into the front no-zone, the truck driver may not have enough distance to stop safely, which can cause a rear-end crash. Staying in the rear no-zone is also dangerous. The truck driver cannot see a vehicle directly behind them. An accident can result if traffic slows significantly while the truck blocks the rear driver’s view of the road.Side no-zones present their own hazards. The truck may strike a car on the right side when changing lanes or making a wide turn. On the left, truck drivers can sideswipe other cars because the trucker may not realize another vehicle is there.In every case, driving in these blind spots leaves little time for correction. When you drive in a truck’s no-zone, an accident becomes more likely, and it could be more severe than other types of crashes because of the truck’s size and weight.What Are Common Trucking No-Zone Accidents?Some common types of no-zone truck accidents include:Rear-end collisions – A truck may not have enough distance to stop when a smaller vehicle changes lanes too closely in front of it. This dangerous situation may result in the truck striking the car from behind.Underride crashes – A car that follows too closely in a truck’s rear no-zone risks sliding under the trailer if the truck brakes suddenly. These accidents often cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.Sideswipe accidents – Vehicles in a truck’s side no-zones risk being hit if the truck changes lanes. The truck driver may not see the other car in time, which can cause the truck to push the vehicle into another lane or off the road.Right-turn collisions – Trucks must make wide right turns. Cars in the right-side no-zone can get struck or pinned when the truck swings outward before turning sharply.Lane-change crashes – A truck driver merging into traffic or moving across lanes without looking might strike a vehicle hidden in its blind spot.Who Can Be Held At Fault for a Virginia Trucking No-Zone Driving Accident?Several parties may be at fault for a no-zone driving accident, including:Truck driver – A truck driver may be liable for a crash if they changed lanes without checking blind spots, followed another car too closely, or otherwise behaved carelessly or recklessly in the operation of their vehicle.Trucking company – Trucking companies can share responsibility for collisions if they pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, fail to train them properly, or allow unsafe driving practices.Vehicle manufacturer – If a defect in the truck or trailer contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable for putting faulty equipment on the market.Maintenance provider – A repair shop or service provider may be responsible if poor maintenance or ignored repairs contributed to the crash.An experienced truck accident lawyer can investigate a collision and identify who’s responsible for your injuries.What Compensation Could You Receive in a No-Zone Truck Accident Claim?If someone else caused a Virginia truck no-zone accident, they could owe you money for the harm you have suffered, which may include the following:Current and future medical expensesLost income and reduced future earningsPain and sufferingEmotional distressDiminished quality of lifeVehicle repair/replacement costs.What Are Some Tips for Trucking Blind Spots?Here are a few tips for protecting yourself in and near a truck’s no-zones while driving through Virginia:Pass quickly – Move through blind spots without lingering to reduce the time you’re hidden from the driver’s view.Avoid tailgating – Leave extra space behind trucks so the driver can see your vehicle and stop safely if traffic slows abruptly.Use signals – Turn signals give truck drivers time to notice your movements and adjust.Stay visible – If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Position your car so that you remain in view.Contact a Virginia Truck Accident LawyerLichtenstein Law Group has nearly 100 years of combined experience serving Virginia’s injured. We prepare for trial and negotiate from strength, a philosophy that has helped us recover millions of dollars and earned us widespread praise from our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Virginia truck accident lawyer and let us demand justice on your behalf.
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