Illinois No-Zone Truck Accidents
No-zone accidents are crashes involving large trucks, such as semitrucks, that occur when a driver fails to check their blind spots before making a turn or merging. No-zones are areas at the front and rear, as well as on both sides of the truck where drivers do not have clear visibility from their mirrors. No-zone accidents are often the fault of the truck driver, but other factors can contribute to these incidents.
If you are in a no-zone accident, speak to a Chicago truck accident lawyer from Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman at (312) 586-1700 before you agree to a settlement from an insurance company.
No-Zone Placements on Commercial Trucks
No-zones are also called blind spots. They are areas where a truck driver cannot see what is present by just looking in their side-view mirrors. There are four no-zones on most tractor-trailers:
- Front: The front no-zone is about 20 feet in front of the truck’s cab. The height of the cab makes it hard for drivers to see a person, bike, or sometimes a small car right in front of the vehicle.
- Rear: The rear no-zone is 200 feet behind the trailer. This is the immediate space behind the truck, making it hard for a driver to know if a car is too close. Tailgating accidents often occur in these situations.
- Sides: Each side of the truck has no-zones. The right side is about two to three lanes of traffic located along the body of the trailer. The left side is generally several feet behind the driver’s door.
If you are in one of these areas, the truck driver may not be able to see you. They may make turns, merge, or otherwise maneuver the vehicle in a way that puts you at risk. However, that does not mean you are at fault.
Who Is At Fault in an Illinois No-Zone Accident
Truck blind spots are a common factor resulting in serious injuries and losses to others. Proving who is at fault can be difficult. However, most of the time, truck accidents happen when drivers fail to check blind spots before they maneuver the vehicle. The truck driver is responsible for taking safety steps to minimize the risk of striking others.
The truck driver could be at fault if they:
- Fail to use signals when turning or changing lanes
- Do not check mirrors or turn their bodies to see what is in the blind spot
- Fail to check cameras or sensors that monitor these blind spots
- Merge or change lanes without ensuring it is clear to do so
- Drive distracted or impaired, often resulting in safety mistakes
Trucking companies may also be responsible for their drivers if they know the driver is unfit or unskilled behind the wheel. There are times when cars struck in these accidents could also be at fault. For example, if a driver is speeding to pass a truck or cuts off a truck that is merging, they could be held partially at fault for the accident and resulting damage.
The Importance of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer After a Serious No-Zone Accident
If you are in a no-zone accident, seek immediate medical care and report the incident to local police. Then, contact our Chicago truck accident attorneys from Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman for a free consultation to help you prove fault and secure fair compensation.
Truck insurance companies will work to minimize any compensation you receive in these accidents. They also often try to shift blame onto you or push for a quick, lowball settlement before your medical treatment is complete.
Our experienced team of truck accident lawyers will investigate the crash, hold the negligent parties accountable, and fight for the full financial recovery you deserve. Contact a truck accident attorney in Chicago to protect your rights.