There is no shortage of traffic in the State of Tennessee, and along with all that traffic, come traffic accidents. Of all the life-threatening traffic accidents out there, truck accidents are the most dangerous (especially for the occupants of the other vehicles involved), and trucks' no zones are often a significant factor. If the question – what is a no zone – springs to mind, you are not alone. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck drivers experience expansive blind spots that stretch across every side of their vehicle. These blind spots are known as no zones because other motorists should avoid driving within them whenever possible for safety's sake. If a trucker's negligence leaves you injured, turn to an experienced Tennessee truck accident attorney at Labrum Law (615-338-9500) for the legal help you need.

The Four No Zones

Because truck accidents are often related to truck drivers' limited view of the other vehicles in their midst, better understanding what is a no zone is critical to helping you stay safe on the roadways.

The Truck's Front No Zone

The area that is directly in front of a semi-truck is dangerous for multiple reasons, and one of them is that the truck's driver cannot see you when you travel in this space (making it a no zone). Additionally, trucks are massive machines that require far greater stopping distances than all the much-smaller vehicles on the road do, which puts you at increased risk when you drive within this no-zone. In other words – even if the trucker could see you hiding there – he or she likely would not have the stopping distance necessary to avoid hitting you in the event of an emergency stop or slow down.

The Truck's Rear No Zone

Tailgating (riding another vehicle's bumper) is never safe, but when you tailgate a semi, the fact that the truck driver cannot see you only adds to the danger. Truck drivers experience a significant blind spot (or no zone) behind their vehicles, and steering clear of them is always well advised.

The Truck's Left Side No Zone

Truckers experience blind spots on the left sides of their rigs starting with the windshield and extending back to about the first quarter of the trailer. This makes passing a semi on the left (the only safe way to do so) tricky and potentially very dangerous. While you will need to move through this prominent blind spot in order to pass the 18-wheeler, you should only do so when you have a clear shot and will not be required to linger in the dangerous no-zone.

An important rule of thumb when you are traveling to a trucker's left is that if you cannot spot his or her face in the truck's left-most side mirror, the truck driver cannot see you. Even if the trucker should be able to see you, however, it does not mean that he or she is on the lookout for you – proceeding with caution is always your best option.

The Truck's Right Side No Zone

Passing a vehicle on the right is never a safe idea, but if the vehicle in question is a big rig, the danger grows exponentially. This no zone begins at the cab and angles back to extend the full length of the trailer (in the second lane over). In other words, when you are to the right of a semi, even being a full lane over will not keep you out of its blind spot, which makes giving this area a pass whenever possible in your best interest. 

It is important to pay special attention to these no zones when a truck is making a turn (especially a right turn, which can be quite wide and can sweep into an adjoining lane), is backing up, or is changing lanes. If a truck driver's negligence leaves you injured in a no-zone accident, discuss your claim with a dedicated Tennessee truck accident attorney at Labrum Law today.

Truck Drivers

While truck drivers do experience significant no zones around their rigs, this does not alter the fact that they are commercial drivers who are held to more exacting safety standards than the rest of us and who owe a considerable duty of care to everyone with whom they share the road. In other words, truckers are responsible for all the following when it comes to those blind spots that surround their tractor-trailers:

• Remaining aware of the traffic all around
• Leaving plenty of distance between one's rig and a forward vehicle
• Driving at a safe speed that takes the condition of the road and anything that adversely affects it into consideration
• Always employing one's blinkers when preparing to change lanes, take an exit, or make a turn
• Never leaving one's driving lane before first ensuring that it is safe to do so (and proceeding with utmost caution)

While staying out of a truck's no zones is always the safest option, truck drivers also shoulder responsibility for allowing your safe passage.

Truck Accidents and Legal Damages

The incredible impact associated with truck accidents can leave you severely injured and facing overwhelming damages, including:

• Property damage to your car
• Extensive medical expenses
• Lost earnings
• The pain and suffering induced by the violent truck accident

Because your health and well-being are critical, ensuring that each of these categories is well represented in your truck accident claim is essential.

What Is a No Zone? An Experienced Tennessee Truck Accident Attorney Can Answer All Your Legal Questions

There is no denying how dangerous truck accidents can be, and no zones (or the blind spots that truck drivers experience) often play a pivotal role. If you have been injured by a truck driver's negligence, seeking just compensation is paramount, and the knowledgeable truck accident attorneys at Labrum Law – proudly serving Middle Tennessee – are committed to skillfully advocating for your claim's most favorable resolution. For more information about how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 615-338-9500 today.