Detroit No-Zone Accidents Lawyers
Large, 18-wheeler trucks have areas around them known as “no-zone” areas, and drivers cannot easily see cars occupying these spots. Because of this, truck drivers have to be exceedingly careful to check no-zone areas before changing lanes or making a quick turn. Unfortunately, many truck drivers fail to take this precaution and end up causing serious accidents for innocent Detroit drivers.
The Detroit no-zone truck accident attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C. know too well how devastating collisions with 18-wheelers can be. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you should focus entirely on physical and emotional recovery. As you do so, our Detroit legal team may fight on your behalf for the financial compensation you need to cover medical expenses and other damages.
3 No-Zone Accident Areas
It is important for all Detroit drivers to be aware of the no-zone areas around a commercial truck, although the truck driver is ultimately responsible for safely checking his or her blind spots. No-zone areas are located:
- Directly in front of a truck
- Directly behind a truck
- Directly behind the driver and front passenger doors
These areas require manual checking to be sure another vehicle is not present. If a truck driver failed to check the no-zone areas and involved you in an accident, then it may be critical for you to speak with an experienced Detroit personal injury attorney who may help you pursue restitution from the driver responsible.
How Each No-Zone Crash Happens
Some of the no-zones (or blind spots) are bigger than you might expect. You can see a graphic developed by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) that illustrates the four no-zones at this link. To stay safe, it’s best to avoid lingering in these zones for any amount of time.
Unfortunately, our interstate system is often crowded. You won’t be able to stay out of no-zones entirely. That’s why it is the truck driver’s responsibility to always turn and check their blind spots before they change lanes, brake, or turn. If you haven’t been in a no-zone accident, here are some guidelines about each danger area that might help you avoid a crash.
In Front of the Truck
According to the Department of Transportation, an 18-wheeler will take the space of two football fields to stop if they are traveling at 65 miles per hour. Many highways have speed limits above this, so trucks driving at a higher speed may have even longer braking distances.
Never brake suddenly in front of an 18-wheeler. Never swerve into a truck’s lane and cut them off. They won’t be able to stop in time to avoid hitting you. These actions could cause you to be rear-ended. It may be impractical to keep two hundred yards between you and the truck, but you should allow at least two car lengths between the back of your vehicle and the front of the 18-wheeler.
Behind the Truck
If you drive directly behind a truck, you will be invisible to the driver. They don’t have rearview mirrors because of the load they are carrying behind the cab. You should leave at least three car lengths between your vehicle and the back of the truck.
Some people believe that drafting behind an 18-wheeler will increase their vehicle’s fuel efficiency and save gas. Any changes in the road conditions in front of the truck could cause the truck driver to suddenly brake. If they do so, you may crash into the back of the truck. The safety risks aren’t worth the potential limited savings.
Next to the Truck’s Cab
The largest blind spots are next to and extending behind the truck’s cab. The no-zone on the right side (next to the passenger door) extends diagonally the length of the truck across two lanes. Except in an emergency, avoid passing trucks on the right to avoid this no-zone.
On the truck driver’s side, the no-zone extends from the driver’s door across the lane about half the length of the 18-wheeler or two car lengths. When you’re driving next to a truck, you should be able to see the truck driver in their wing mirrors.
If you can’t see them, they probably can’t see you. Keep your speed steady when you pass trucks on the left. That way, the truck driver can gauge when you will pass through their blind spot and avoid making any adjustments in their course.
How Can an Attorney Help Me?
Once you or a loved one are in a no-zone collision, you may suffer significant, even critical, injuries or be killed. 18-wheelers weigh as much as 40 tons, which is 20 to 30 times heavier than most passenger cars. That makes crashes involving trucks much more dangerous than other collisions. If you’ve been in a no-zone truck accident, your first step should always be to get the medical treatment you need.
Once you are safe, start keeping all documents related to your crash and treatment. If you are able, try to take photographs of the crash scene and call the police to make an official accident report. Keep track of all your medical records and bills. Any documentation you receive from medical professionals or insurance companies may be important if you move forward with a lawsuit. Also, keep anything you receive from the police.
If a truck driver is responsible for your injuries because they failed to check the no-zones, you deserve full and fair compensation. Our compassionate lawyers at Ravid & Associates, P.C. will help you understand the ways you can hold the driver liable. We can start immediately with a free, confidential consultation with our experienced attorneys.
Once you hire us, we will help you gather all of the documentation you need to prove the truck driver’s negligence. We will work to win your financial compensation for the losses you have suffered. That might include reimbursement of your medical expenses related to the crash, coverage for the wages from your missed work, and compensation for your pain and suffering. Don’t hesitate to contact us because you’re worried that you can’t pay us. We won’t be paid unless we win your case.
Contact a No-Zone Accidents Attorney in Detroit
If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed in a no-zone accident in Detroit, then you might actually be eligible to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and subsequent costs. The Detroit no-zone accident attorneys of Ravid & Associates, P.C. can help victims of truck accidents understand their legal options moving forward. Contact our Detroit offices at (248) 948-9696 today to learn more about taking action.