A tractor-trailer’s vast size creates blind spots for the truck driver called no-zones. Understanding these zones is crucial for safely sharing the road with large commercial trucks. In this article, we explore the safety and legal implications of truck no-zones.
If you or a loved one has been in a truck crash, our Atlanta truck accident lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Are Truck No-Zones?
Before diving into the legalities, understanding the reasoning behind truck no-zones is crucial. A tractor-trailer’s vast size creates significant blind spots around its perimeter. These blind spots, aptly named “no-zones,” are areas where the truck driver has limited or even zero visibility.
Merging into these zones significantly increases the risk of a collision, as the driver might be completely unaware of your presence. The four primary no-zones surrounding a truck are:
- Front No-Zone: Extending approximately 30 feet in front of the truck, this area is invisible due to the truck’s long hood and windshield angle.
- Blind Spot on the Right Side: Stretching from the truck’s rear wheels to the cab’s passenger side, this expansive zone is a major culprit in truck accidents. Drivers often fail to check this area thoroughly, leading to devastating side-swipe collisions.
- Blind Spot on the Left Side: Less extensive than the right-side blind spot, it nonetheless covers a crucial area from the truck’s cab to the first trailer axle.
- Rear No-Zone: Extending hundreds of feet behind the truck, this zone is particularly dangerous due to the truck’s stopping distance. Tailgating a truck significantly increases the risk of being rear-ended.
No-Zones and Georgia Truck Accident Cases
While not explicitly mentioned in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the concept of no-zones plays a crucial role in determining fault and damages in truck accident cases. Here’s how.
Duty of Care
Truck drivers have a heightened duty of care due to the size and potential destructiveness of their vehicles. This duty extends to actively monitoring their blind spots and avoiding maneuvers that put other vehicles in the no-zones.
Comparative Fault
Georgia operates under a comparative fault system, where the blame for an accident is apportioned among all parties involved. If you were driving in a truck’s no-zone at the time of the accident, your percentage of fault might be higher, potentially reducing your recoverable damages.
Evidence and Expert Witnesses
Demonstrating that you were outside the truck’s no-zones at the time of the accident strengthens your case significantly. Witness testimonies, dashcam footage, and accident reconstruction experts can play a vital role in establishing this.
What to Do After an Atlanta Truck Accident
If you find yourself involved in an Atlanta truck accident, staying calm and taking the following steps is crucial.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel unharmed, adrenaline can mask internal injuries.
- Gather evidence: Take pictures of the scene, the damage to both vehicles, and any visible injuries. Collect witness contact information if possible.
- Contact the police: File a police report and obtain a copy for your records.
- Let an attorney communicate with the truck driver’s insurance company: Politely decline any statements and refer them to your attorney.
- Consult with an experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney: A qualified lawyer can guide you through the legal process, investigate the accident, and fight for your rightful compensation.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
Understanding truck no-zones is critical for safe driving. By staying informed and following safety precautions, you can reduce the risk of a collision.
If you have been injured in an Atlanta truck accident, our attorneys are ready to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our firm has won millions of dollars for accident victims in Georgia. Contact the Weinstein Firm at 770-HELP-NOW for experienced legal representation. As a new client, you benefit from a free case review.
