Most motorists are unaware of the dangers lurking in a truck’s no-zone on Georgia highways when driving alongside large trucks. A no-zone refers to the large blind spots around commercial trucks where other vehicles become virtually invisible to the truck driver.
Understanding no-zones is critical for staying safe—and for holding the right party accountable in the aftermath of a truck accident. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck crash, this guide will help you understand your rights and what steps to take.
What Are a Truck’s Blind Spots?
A no-zone is a term coined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to describe the large blind spots surrounding semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. These areas are especially dangerous because a truck’s mirrors cannot cover them entirely. The main no-zones include:
- Front No-Zone: extends about 20 feet in front of the truck
- Rear No-Zone: can stretch over 200 feet behind the truck
- Side No-Zones: blind spots on both sides of the truck, particularly on the right side
Even careful drivers can disappear from a trucker’s view if they remain in these zones too long.
Why No-Zone Accidents Are So Serious
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A collision from such a massive vehicle—even at moderate speeds—can cause devastating injuries. Victims of no-zone accidents often suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ injuries, and, in severe cases, wrongful death.
These injuries frequently lead to prolonged medical care, lost wages, and emotional distress. Prompt legal representation can help ensure that victims receive proper compensation.
Who Is at Fault in a No-Zone Accident?
While smaller vehicles are often blamed for lingering in a truck’s blind spot, the truck driver or their employer may still bear legal responsibility. Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault—as long as you are less than 50% responsible.
Truck drivers may be liable if they fail to check mirrors before changing lanes, drive while distracted or fatigued, or operate a poorly maintained vehicle. Trucking companies may also be liable for inadequate training, unsafe schedules, or mechanical failures.
What Compensation Is Available to Victims?
Georgia allows victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These may include:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries and rehabilitation
- Lost income and diminished future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Property damage
Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases involving reckless behavior to punish egregious misconduct and deter similar behavior.
How to Avoid No-Zone Accidents
Truck drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles responsibly, but drivers of passenger cars can also reduce risk. Here are key safety tips:
- Stay out of a truck’s side, front, and rear blind spots.
- Don’t cut in front of a truck abruptly.
- Leave extra space when merging or changing lanes near a truck.
- Pass quickly and on the left side whenever possible.
- Never tailgate or closely follow a truck.
A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t see the truck driver in their mirror, they can’t see you either.
What to Do After a No-Zone Accident
If you’re involved in a no-zone crash, your actions immediately after the accident can affect your case. Be sure to:
- Call 911 and request emergency medical help.
- Seek medical attention right away, even for minor injuries.
- Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage and roadway conditions.
- Get the witnesses’ names and contact information.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media.
- Contact an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Truck accident claims often involve multiple parties—drivers, employers, insurers, and sometimes manufacturers. These cases are more complex than typical car accident claims and require experienced legal counsel.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers in Savannah for Help Today
If you have been injured in a no-zone truck accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process on your own. Contact Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Savannah truck accident lawyers. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Savannah
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