Checking your blind spots while driving keeps you and other motorists safe. This is especially important for truck drivers, as their vehicles create large blind spots and a single error could result in a serious accident.
Blind-spot truck accidents in Birmingham are preventable if motorists follow safe practices and maintain road awareness. Unfortunately, wrecks still happen and leave everyone involved with serious injuries and losses. If you sustained harm in a crash, a commercial truck accident attorney from our team can discuss your legal options.
Understanding a Truck's No-Zone Areas
All vehicles have blind spots, but the blind spots surrounding a commercial truck are much larger due to the vehicle’s size, height, and trailer length. These areas, known as "no-zones," are regions where a truck driver may be unable to see nearby vehicles, increasing the risk of a serious collision.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the primary no-zones around a semi-truck include:
- Directly in front of the truck: The elevated cab creates a blind spot that extends approximately 20 feet ahead of the vehicle
- Directly behind the trailer: Because most tractor-trailers do not have rear windows, drivers cannot see vehicles traveling roughly 30 feet behind them
- Along the driver's side: A blind spot extends along the left side of the truck, typically covering one lane
- Along the passenger side: The largest no-zone is on the right side, often spanning two lanes and extending the length of the trailer
To stay safe, avoid lingering in these areas whenever possible. A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck driver in the side mirror, the truck driver likely cannot see you. Maintaining a safe following distance and passing promptly can help reduce the risk of a blind-spot accident in Birmingham and throughout the state.
How Does the Law Limit Compensation for Truck Accidents?
It is a truck operator’s responsibility to maintain control of their vehicle and safely avoid other drivers. If a semi-trailer hits a Birmingham motorist because the driver failed to check their blind spot, the injured party may be able to seek compensation from the trucking company's insurer for the accident.
However, Georgia has adopted a modified comparative negligence law that could affect a claim. Under this system, injured victims may still recover compensation, but the amount decreases based on their share of fault for the incident. If a court finds them 50 percent or more responsible for the crash, they cannot recover compensation.
Insurance companies are very familiar with comparative fault and may use the victim’s presence in one of the no-zones to shift blame and avoid a payout. Our experienced lawyers focus on the truck driver’s conduct and how it contributed to the injuries involved in the crash.
Call Our Birmingham Team After a No-Zone Truck Crash
Blind-spot truck accidents in Birmingham have serious consequences and could leave you with mounting medical bills and permanent disabilities. A lawyer from our practice could provide you with the guidance you need to move forward after a crash.
Our attorneys know how to challenge insurance companies and pursue the financial compensation you deserve. Call our team for a free consultation and to learn more about your options.
