What Are “No-Zone” Truck Accidents?

Large trucks can pose a significant hazard on Virginia roads. The Virginia Highway Safety Office reports that in 2019 alone, there were 2,484 crashes involving large trucks, with 48 crashes involving at least one death and 851 crashes involving at least one injury. One reason large truck accidents are so common is that their size means there are several areas around the truck where it’s difficult for truck drivers to see what’s happening. These blind spots are the cause of many crashes.

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a large truck, a Virginia truck accident lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Based in Buckingham, Herbert E. Maxey, Jr. has more than 40 years of experience handling personal injury cases. Attorney Maxey will work with you to build a thorough, comprehensive case for financial recovery that reflects the full extent of the harm you’ve suffered.

Get a confidential consultation by calling (434) 969-4873, visiting our contact page, or talking to us via live chat.

What Are No-Zones?

Semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles may be 72 feet long or more, and they sit higher off the ground than typical passenger vehicles. This additional length and size mean large trucks have substantial blind spots where it’s difficult for a truck driver to see what’s happening around them. These blind spots are sometimes referred to as “no-zones.” If you’re driving near a truck, be especially watchful and make sure the truck driver can see your vehicle.

Where Are No-Zones Typically Located?

There are four main no-zones, or blind spots, around a large truck, which include:

• A front no-zone – This zone extends from the front edge of a truck about 20 feet forward. Because trucks sit so high off the ground, small vehicles in this area may be hidden from view, causing the truck to slam into the vehicle from behind if it has to stop suddenly.
• A rear no-zone – This zone extends from the rear of a truck about 30 feet backward. When hauling a trailer, truck drivers have no way to see what’s directly behind them, as the trailer itself blocks objects from view. Trucks also take a long time to stop because of how heavy they are, so if you’re following too closely and the truck driver has to suddenly slow down, you’re likely to slam into the back of the truck.
• A left no-zone – This zone includes the lane immediately to the left of a large truck, especially near the truck’s cab. Truck drivers have limited visibility when it comes to the areas to their immediate left and right because of the truck’s size and height. If you can’t see a truck’s side-view mirror, they most likely can’t see you, so be cautious when passing.
• A right no-zone – Even wider than the left no-zone, the right no-zone for large trucks extends two lanes to the right of the vehicle, running diagonally to the right from the cab. Truck drivers have even less visibility on their right side than their left, in part because they sit on the left side of the cab while driving. Never pass a truck on the right and be wary near intersections, as large trucks often make wide right turns.

Compensation for a No-Zone Injury Crash

Though you should avoid a truck’s no-zones when driving, a truck driver, their employer, and other parties can still be held liable if you’re involved in an accident while moving through a no-zone. Truck drivers should carefully monitor their no-zones and take precautions when driving, given their vehicles’ substantial blind spots.

Through an insurance claim against the liable parties or a personal injury lawsuit, you can potentially recover compensation for:

• Any medical bills related to the crash
• Your missed wages while you recover from your injuries
• Any permanent loss in your ability to work because of a disability
• Your damaged personal property
• The pain and suffering you’ve endured
• The mental distress resulting from the crash

How Our Firm Can Help

Truck accident cases are more complex than a typical car accident, making it harder to recover full compensation for your injuries. There are often multiple liable parties, and the severe injuries often caused by truck accidents mean it’s important you get the money you need to recover. Herbert E. Maxey, Jr. can help with your truck accident case by:

• Identifying the liable parties and all potential sources of compensation
• Finding and documenting the necessary evidence to substantiate your claim
• Handling all communication with the liable parties to prevent any mistakes that could hurt your claim
• Negotiating for an insurance settlement that reflects all the losses you’ve suffered
• Representing you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached

Want to know more about how we can help with your truck accident case? Call our office at (434) 969-4873, visit our contact page, or use our live chat service to set up a consultation.