Certain areas around a large truck, or tractor-trailer, pose heightened risks for automobile drivers. Traffic safety experts call them a truck’s “no zone” areas, or blind spots. Typically, truck drivers cannot see passenger vehicles or others in these areas surrounding their rig. If you drive into a truck’s no zone and outside of the truck driver’s vision, a serious (if not fatal) crash could occur.
If you suffer injuries in a crash with a commercial truck in Virginia, the truck driver or their employer may argue that you drove in a no zone and caused the crash. The goal is to limit your ability to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. To protect yourself, you should seek help from an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the truck crash.
Where Are the ‘No Zones’ of a Truck?
Large commercial trucks have four significant blind spots, or no zones. They are:
- Directly in front of the hood — This no zone extends as far as 20 feet in front of the bumper.
- Left side of the truck (on the driver’s side) — This no zone extends from the truck driver’s door to the middle of the trailer. If you must pass a large commercial truck on this side, drive steadily and spend as little time as possible in the blind spot.
- Right side of the truck (on the passenger’s side) — This blind spot is the largest no zone. It extends from the front to the rear of the truck and three lanes over. Because of the size of this no zone, car drivers should avoid passing trucks on the right side at all costs.
- Directly behind the truck — In this rear no zone, the truck driver has the poorest visibility. If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors from this area, the truck driver cannot see you or other vehicles.
What Can Happen If You Drive in a No Zone?
When a driver tries to go through a truck’s blind spots — especially the no zones around a large commercial truck — it increases the risk of serious accidents. If you drive in these areas, the truck may change lanes, brake, or turn without knowing you are present. The situation could result in a side-impact collision, rear-end crash, or runoff. Additionally, sudden stops in a no zone can lead to underride accidents that may result in fatal injuries. To stay safe, always avoid lingering in these blind spots and maintain a safe distance from large trucks.
How Can a Driver Stay Safe Near a Truck No Zone?
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has many suggestions for drivers near a truck’s no zone. These suggestions include:
- Pay attention to a truck’s turn signals — You should give truck drivers a wide berth to maneuver their rig and stay as far away as possible while they are turning.
- Maintain a consistent speed when driving near a truck — You should also move to the opposite lane as quickly and safely as possible. Do not slow down or linger when you drive in a no zone.
- Keep a safe distance — You should keep a reasonable stopping distance between yourself and the truck. Tailgating prevents truck drivers from seeing you and prevents you from seeing in front of the truck.
- If you intend to pass a truck, put on your turn signal — This is courteous and signals to the truck driver that you are coming into their line of sight.
- Do not suddenly cut in front of a truck — If you cut in front of the truck driver, you could compromise their braking distance. The result could be a rear-end collision. Instead, turn on your signal and leave sufficient distance between yourself and the truck.
Can a Driver Be Held at Fault if They Were in a No Zone When the Accident Happened?
In Virginia, a passenger vehicle driver can be held at fault for a truck accident if they were in a truck’s no zone, and their actions contributed to the crash and resulting serious or fatal injuries. So, if a person drives in a no zone, they may increase the likelihood of being involved in a collision, particularly during lane changes, braking, or turning. Virginia follows the doctrine of pure contributory negligence. So, suppose you are even slightly at fault in a traffic accident. In that case, you may be unable to recover compensation from the other party, even if they were primarily responsible for the crash.
Fault does not automatically fall on the passenger vehicle driver simply because they were in a no zone. It is still necessary to examine whether the truck driver acted negligently. For example, if the truck driver failed to signal, didn’t check their mirrors, or violated traffic laws, they could bear responsibility for the crash.
Because Virginia law bars recovery for drivers who bear any degree of fault, proving the truck driver’s negligence becomes a key factor if you wish to seek compensation. Proving fault may involve reviewing evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports. Working with a skilled Virginia truck accident lawyer can help you build a strong case.
What Types of Damages Could You Receive in a Truck No Zone Accident Claim?
Injured victims of truck no zone accidents may recover compensation for such losses as:
- Medical expenses and costs associated with ongoing care
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Property damage.
Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the crash to calculate the full extent of your losses and pursue maximum compensation.
Contact a Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer
If you suffered injuries in a no zone truck accident in Virginia, the team at Marks & Harrison wants to help you. Since 1911, we have helped countless injured people and their families recover millions of dollars in compensation, including significant truck crash cases. You deserve the support of a skilled legal team that is ready to put its knowledge and resources to work on your behalf. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free consultation, and let us help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
