No Zone/Blind Spot Trucking Accident Lawyer

Because of the massive size of semi trucks, these vehicles have large blind spots, also known as “no zones.” Unsurprisingly, when truck drivers change lanes or make turns without accounting for these no-zones, severe or fatal injury collisions could easily occur.

If you’ve been injured in a no-zone accident that wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t be left paying for the consequences out of your own pocket. You could be owed considerable compensation, which the experienced Oklahoma truck accident lawyers of Cain Law can help you.

For more than 25 years, our firm has protected the rights of accident victims across Oklahoma. We offer clients top-quality legal representation and customer service. We’ve secured more than $80 million in settlements and awards on their behalf. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, there are no upfront costs to engaging our help.

What Is a Truck’s “No-Zone”?

With its trailer attached, the average semi-truck is 72 feet long from front to back, about five times the length of the average passenger vehicle. In fact, a cab’s hood alone can be almost as long as a small coupe. These extreme dimensions create blind spots so large that they become more than blind spots — they become “no zones.”

What are no zones? They are areas where it is unsafe for other vehicles to travel in because a truck driver cannot see them there. While the driver of a passenger vehicle can simply turn around to check the blind spot their mirrors can’t reach, there is no way for a truck driver to see what’s in their “no zones.”

The three primary truck no zones are:

Front no-zone – A front no-zone makes it hard for a truck driver to see what is directly in front of them due to the height of the truck’s cab and the length of its hood. Because of this no-zone, a driver may be unable to see a smaller vehicle that is immediately in front of them. This zone ranges from 20 to 25 feet in front of the truck.
Back no-zone – The sheer length of a truck with an attached trailer makes it impossible for a truck driver to see what is immediately behind them. Trucks do not have usable rear-view mirrors; drivers must rely on side mirrors. If you are driving behind a truck and cannot see their side mirrors, it is more than likely that the truck driver cannot see you. The back no-zone extends approximately 200 feet behind the truck.
Side no-zones – Side no-zones are at the left and right of the truck in areas not covered by its side mirrors and large enough for most passenger vehicles to disappear into. If you cannot see the driver’s reflection in the side mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you. The side no-zone on the left covers about one lane of traffic next to the truck and about two lanes to the right of the semi.

Who Is At Fault for a “No-Zone” Accident?

Fault depends on the circumstances of a given accident. However, truck drivers have an obligation to operate their vehicles safely. Although no-zones make it difficult for them to see certain areas around their vehicles, they are still responsible for ensuring it is safe to turn or switch lanes before doing so. Therefore, truck drivers are often held responsible for accidents caused by blind spots.

However, even when a truck driver is most directly responsible for causing a collision, they may not be the only party who can be held responsible. Many others may be partially at fault, including:

The trucking company
The truck driver’s employer
The party responsible for loading the cargo

For example, the trucking company needs to ensure its trucks are equipped with proper safety equipment, including working lights and mirrors. If they put a driver in a truck that does not have the required safety equipment and the driver causes an accident, they could be held liable.

Because of the many different parties who may share responsibility for causing an accident, an investigation may be necessary to determine who is at fault for the accident in which you were involved. This is where an experienced blind spot truck accident attorney can be helpful.

Do You Have to Stay Out of a Truck’s Blind Spots When Driving on the Highway?

While it is always best to stay out of a truck’s blind spots, it may not always be feasible. You should try to avoid staying within a truck’s no-zone for extended periods whenever possible, as the driver may forget that you’re there, which increases the chances that they may enter your lane without noticing.

Recoverable Compensation for a Blind Spot Truck Accident

If you’ve been injured in a blind spot truck accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for economic losses, including:

Medical bills
Rehabilitation
Lost wages
Loss of earning potential

You may also be eligible to receive compensation for noneconomic losses, including:

Pain and suffering
Emotional anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Physical impairment

The financial recovery you are entitled to will depend on your particular circumstances. A blind spot truck accident attorney in Oklahoma can review the details of your case to help determine what a fair settlement entails.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer handle your accident claim. However, having the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer can be the difference between a successful claim and one that doesn’t get you the money you need.

Truck accident cases are complicated, in part because of the severity of the losses victims may suffer and because of the number of different parties who may be liable. A truck accident lawyer can help by:

Conducting a thorough investigation
Gathering evidence and documentation
Establishing liability
Calculating the value of your case
Communicating with relevant insurers
Engaging in settlement negotiations

Cain Law Will Fight For You

While truck accidents can happen fast, their effects can last a lifetime. If you’ve been injured in a blind spot truck accident, Cain Law wants to hear from you. Contact us today to find out how we can help during a free consultation.

Do You Need Help? We Will Fight For You

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