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A commercial truck driver must have certain qualifications to operate a large truck legally on our country’s roads. For several reasons, semi trucks and large commercial vehicles are more challenging to drive than smaller vehicles.
One reason is that trucks’ blind spots can be much larger (and more numerous) than those of cars. Although truck drivers must consider this, other motorists must also make sure they stay out of trucks’ “no zones.”
That said, truck wrecks can occur even when drivers are cautious.
Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a big rig’s no zones are the spots where a truck driver cannot see other vehicles nearby. Although cars also have blind spots, trucks have larger ones due to the size and shape of their vehicles.
For example, even in a small car, the side mirrors don’t always let a driver know when someone is right next to them. A driver can easily check to the side by looking through their window and the rear passenger window to confirm no one is in their blind spot before changing lanes. For a truck driver who is above traffic and doesn’t typically have open passenger windows, visibility may be limited when checking blind spots.
That’s just one example. Although modern technology can help with blind spots by alerting truckers to vehicles nearby, it’s still important to consider how limited visibility can result in an accident if you linger in a big rig’s no zones. Some research indicates that no-zone accidents account for approximately one-third of all truck crashes.
Injured in a truck accident? Contact our experienced DC truck accident attorneys for a free consultation.
The four no zones to avoid when driving near a truck are as follows:
Again, while heeding this advice will boost your safety on the road, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never be harmed in a truck wreck because another party was negligent.
The following are common accidents that can result from motorists driving in trucks’ no zones:
Have you been hurt in a truck accident despite practicing safe driving techniques? Let our experienced legal team protect your rights. Contact us 24/7 for immediate assistance.
Truck accidents can result in severe injuries requiring costly medical treatment. Injuries sustained in a truck accident can also prevent you from working and earning a paycheck. In addition, they can result in struggles that might not have a clear dollar value, like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
You may be eligible for compensation for such losses if you were hurt in a truck wreck resulting from the actions or carelessness of a truck driver or other such party. You can seek the compensation you may deserve by filing an insurance claim with the liable party’s insurer. If the insurance company’s settlement offers are too low, you also have the option of filing a lawsuit to seek damages in court.
Determining liability may require investigating the accident. Often, the trucking company will be liable for accidents resulting from the negligence of one of their drivers. Other potentially liable parties include truck designers, truck manufacturers, truck maintenance teams, other motorists, and even government agencies responsible for maintaining safe roads.
Gathering evidence after a truck accident is vital. Save copies of your medical bills and get the names and contact information of witnesses at the scene if possible. Photographs of the scene and a copy of the police report may also serve as valuable forms of evidence. A proper investigation can yield additional evidence that may strengthen your case.
Contributory negligence laws can significantly impact no-zone truck accident claims in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Under these strict rules, if a driver is found even slightly at fault, such as lingering in a truck’s blind spot or passing on the right, they may be barred from recovering any compensation for their injuries.
However, driving briefly through a no-zone while safely passing a truck or merging isn’t automatically considered negligent behavior. The specific circumstances of each case will determine if a victim’s actions constitute contributory negligence, including whether the truck driver violated safety protocols or failed to check blind spots properly. Talk to an experienced truck accident attorney at Regan Zambri Long to protect your rights.
Trucking companies can guard against no zone accidents by complying with federal safety regulations for the trucking industry. This involves hiring qualified drivers and ensuring they have the proper training. Truck manufacturers and designers must also confirm their vehicles adhere to vehicle design regulations and industry best practices.
They must account for any new or developing regulations as well. For example, the FMSCA is considering a regulation that would require commercial drivers to pass a competency test. The purpose of this test is to ensure truck drivers are familiar with the regulations that pertain to their line of work.
It is also important for lawyers representing truck accident victims to be familiar with all applicable regulations. Our attorneys stay current with trucking regulations to better serve you. Contact us for expert legal guidance.
The following tips will help you stay safe when sharing the road with commercial trucks:
It is also important to account for driving conditions. Leave even more distance between yourself and a truck when driving at night or in low-visibility weather. Never cut off a truck, and do what you can (like beeping the horn, flashing high beams, etc.) to alert a truck driver to your presence if you get caught in a no zone.
And always remember that help is available if you’re hurt in a truck accident because someone else is negligent. Our attorneys have recovered millions for truck accident victims. Schedule your free case evaluation with one of our DC, Maryland or Virginia truck accident lawyers.
