Semi-trucks, with their towering presence on the road, have significant blind spots, also known as no-zones. These invisible zones extend to the front, back, and both sides of these colossal vehicles. Countless accidents unfold when smaller vehicles find themselves unwittingly traversing the treacherous territories of a large commercial truck’s no-zone. An experienced truck accident attorney can collect evidence and prove the liability of the at-fault truck driver and the trucking company in a no-zone accident to get you maximum financial compensation.
Hidden Threats Related to No Zones in Trucks
“No zone” refers to the areas around a semi-truck where the driver’s visibility is significantly limited or completely obstructed. These no zones are essentially blind spots, and they pose a unique challenge for truck drivers. Unlike smaller vehicles, truckers cannot easily see these blind spots by using their rearview or passenger-side mirror.
The key no zones around semi trucks typically include:
- Front No-Zone: The space directly in front of the truck cab is a significant blind spot. Drivers in this area may be obscured from the trucker’s view, particularly if the truck has a high hood or the driver is sitting higher up in the cab.
- Rear No-Zone: Similar to the front, the area directly behind the truck is often a blind spot. Many vehicles in this space are invisible to the truck driver.
- Side No Zones: Trucks have large blind spots on both sides, extending from the side mirrors to the rear of the trailer. Vehicles traveling in these areas may go unnoticed by the truck driver.
- Turns No Zone: When a truck is making a turn, the space to the side, especially next to the cab and trailer, is a critical blind spot.
- Underride No Zone: The area underneath the trailer of a truck can also be a significant blind spot. Smaller vehicles that are too close to the rear of the truck may not be visible to the truck driver, especially if they are in the process of slowing down or stopping.
Risks Associated with No Zones in Truck Safety in California
Limited Visibility Leads to Increased Risks
The primary danger of a truck’s no zone lies in the limited visibility they create for truck drivers. When vehicles are positioned in these blind spots, they essentially become invisible to the trucker, especially during lane changes, turns, or sudden maneuvers.
Potential for Collisions During Lane Changes
When a vehicle is traveling in the blind spot of a large truck, and the truck driver decides to change lanes without proper awareness, it can lead to a collision. The fact that the truck driver cannot see in these areas increases the chances of accidents.
Vulnerability in Right and Left Turns
The turning radius of trucks, coupled with the limited visibility around the cab and trailer, makes it challenging for drivers to spot vehicles in these areas.
Rear-End Collisions in Rear No Zones
The rear no zone, located directly behind the truck, is another potential danger zone. Tailgating a truck or lingering too closely in this space can lead to rear-end collisions. The size and weight of trucks amplify the impact of such collisions.
Techniques to Identify and Minimize No Zones
- Stay Seen, Stay Safe: Avoid lingering in truck blind spots by maintaining a safe following distance, ensuring your visibility to larger vehicles in their rearview mirror.
- Signal Ahead, Drive Ahead: Signaling early gives drivers around you ample time to adjust, reducing the risk of being in their blind spots during maneuvers.
- Check and Confirm: Before changing lanes, drivers of passenger vehicles should quickly make sure they are clear of potential blind spots. You should also immediately slow down if you think a large truck driver cannot see you.
- Weather the Blind Spots: Adverse conditions heighten the challenge of large no-zone accidents. You should slow down, remain patient, stay aware, drive safely, and exercise extra caution around larger vehicles.
Why Choose Brown & Gessell as Your No-Zone Truck Accident Attorneys?
Experience, Skills, and Resources
Drawing upon decades of combined experience, attorneys Steven L. Brown and Douglas A. Gessell have successfully handled a myriad of personal injury cases, including no-zone accidents involving large trucks. Our team, which includes the top truck accident attorneys, expert investigators, and skilled accident reconstructionists is known for its detailed investigation methods and sharp legal acumen. We leave no stone unturned in gathering evidence and applying our legal skills to build a robust case on your behalf.
Ability to Go to Trial and Strong Trial Preparedness
We are not just negotiators – we are trial-ready advocates. From the outset, our team focuses on trial preparations, sending a powerful message to opposing parties that we are fully prepared to go to court if a fair settlement is not achieved. This proactive approach significantly enhances our negotiating position. We fearlessly stand up against powerful trucking companies and large insurance providers, showcasing our resolve to protect your rights.
Track Record of Settlements and Verdicts
Our record of obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts for victims of accidents speaks volumes. Having recovered significant compensation for our clients, we leverage this proven success to your advantage during negotiations. The insurance companies and defendants recognize our track record, making them more inclined to reach a fair settlement.
Types of Evidence Our Truck Accident Lawyers will Collect to Prove Liability in a “No Zone” Accident
At Brown & Gessell, our seasoned commercial vehicle accident attorneys will move fast to collect the following types of evidence to prove liability of the negligent truck driver and the trucking company:
Police Reports: We will obtain the official police report filed at the scene of the accident. It may contain information about the accident, statements from witnesses, and preliminary assessments of fault.
Eyewitness Statements: Our legal team will secure statements from individuals who witnessed the accident. Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable perspectives on the events leading up to the collision.
Accident Reconstruction: We may employ experts to reconstruct the accident. Using data such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and traffic patterns, experts can recreate the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Surveillance Footage: Our lawyers will move fast to identify and secure any available surveillance footage from nearby cameras. This could include traffic cameras, security cameras from businesses, or dash cams from other vehicles.
Black Box Data: Commercial trucks may be equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) or “black boxes.” These devices record information such as vehicle speed, brake application, and other critical data in the moments leading up to a crash.
Driver Logs: We will review the truck driver’s logbooks to ensure compliance with hours-of-service regulations. Fatigue or violations of driving time limits could be contributing factors to the no-zone accident.
Trucking Company Policies: Our attorneys will scrutinize the policies and procedures of the trucking company to determine if they were in compliance with industry regulations. Non-compliance or lax safety standards may indicate negligence.
Choose a Dedicated Truck Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
If you have been injured in a truck accident, the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Brown & Gessell will find evidence to prove liability of the negligent party and provide fierce advocacy. Let us fight for your rights and work towards the largest financial compensation you are entitled to. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (209) 583-3938 or fill out this online contact form.