Driving a commercial truck is difficult, in part because these large vehicles have corresponding blind spots. These locations around the vehicle are dubbed no-zones because drivers should avoid these spots altogether. After all, truck drivers cannot see them when they are in these locations.
If you were injured in a crash involving blind spots, you may be dealing with significant damages and insurance companies that are fighting tooth and nail to avoid paying you what you deserve. You need an experienced Carlsbad blindspot accident attorney who will fight for your full and fair compensation. Call Miller & Steele Law Firm to take advantage of a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help.
What Are a Truck’s No Zones?
No zones are specific areas around an 18-wheeler where a truck driver cannot see motorists in adjoining lanes, including in the following locations:
- Front of the vehicle: This no zone extends about 20 feet directly in front of the truck.
- Back of the vehicle: This no zone extends about 30 feet directly behind the truck.
- Left lane: 18-wheelers have a blind spot in the left lane closest to them that extends from the driver’s door to about half of the trailer’s length.
- Right lane: This is the largest blind spot on the truck, extending to two lanes to the right of the truck and extending about 35 feet behind the truck.
Why No Zone Accidents Occur in Carlsbad?
While all vehicles have some blind spots where you cannot see motorists traveling by you in your mirrors, these blind spots are larger in commercial vehicles. It can be difficult for truck drivers to maintain visibility of traffic in adjoining lanes. When a motorist is in one of these blind spots, the truck driver cannot see them. They may switch lanes or otherwise travel in their lane and collide with them.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial trucks take 40% longer to stop than passenger vehicles. A commercial truck traveling 65 mph takes up to two football fields to come to a complete stop. By the time they notice the danger, there may not be sufficient time to avoid a collision.
Who Is Responsible for a No Zone Accident in Carlsbad?
Motorists should stay out of a truck’s no-zones to avoid collisions. Still, truckers have a heightened duty of care to the public to drive safely. They must always be aware of their surroundings and monitor the traffic around them so they don’t cause a no-zone accident.
California is an at-fault state for motor vehicle accidents, meaning the party found responsible for the accident is liable for the victim’s damages. California also follows a pure comparative negligence system, which allows accident victims to pursue compensation even if they contributed to the accident, but reduces their damages by their degree of fault. For this reason, you want a Carlsbad truck accident lawyer who can effectively argue that the truck driver was primarily to blame for the accident.
Contact Our Carlsbad No Zone Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Review
If you were injured in a truck accident in Carlsbad, California involving no zones, it’s critical to hire an experienced Carlsbad accident lawyer. The Miler & Steele Law Firm has extensive experience handling truck accident claims and going toe-to-toe against powerful trucking companies and aggressive insurance companies. We don’t back down. Call us at (760) 840-5221 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation.