Jones Injury Attorneys | August 18, 2026 | Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks have large blind spots around the front, back, and sides of the vehicle. These areas are commonly called “no-zones.” According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), other vehicles can disappear from a truck driver’s view when traveling in these blind spots.
Knowing where no-zones are located can help motorists avoid dangerous situations around commercial trucks. Blind spots can also play an important role in determining how a truck crash occurred and who was at fault.
Where Are a Truck’s No-Zones?
Commercial trucks have blind spots on all four sides. Their size varies based on the truck and its configuration, but they are typically:
- In front of the truck: The truck’s height can prevent the driver from seeing vehicles directly in front of the cab. Motorists who merge too closely may disappear from view.
- Behind the truck: A trailer blocks the driver’s view of traffic directly behind the truck, making close following especially dangerous.
- On the driver’s side: A blind spot extends along the left side of the cab and trailer. Vehicles that linger beside the truck may be difficult to see.
- On the passenger side: The right-side no-zone extends across multiple lanes and is generally the truck’s largest blind spot. This area can be particularly dangerous during lane changes and right turns.
Mirrors and other safety equipment help truck drivers monitor surrounding traffic, but they cannot eliminate every blind spot. Motorists should avoid lingering in these areas whenever possible.
How Do No-Zones Cause Truck Accidents?
No-zone accidents often occur when a truck driver turns, merges, or changes lanes without seeing a nearby vehicle. For example, a truck could sideswipe a car traveling in its passenger-side blind spot during a lane change.
Blind spots may contribute to:
- Lane-change accidents
- Merging accidents
- Wide-turn crashes
- Sideswipe collisions
- Rear-end crashes
- Underride accidents
Commercial drivers must monitor surrounding traffic before making a maneuver. The FMCSA advises truck drivers to check their mirrors frequently for vehicles entering blind spots and pay close attention before turning or changing lanes.
Who Is Liable for a No-Zone Truck Accident?
A truck’s blind spot does not automatically excuse its driver from responsibility for a collision. Truck drivers must use reasonable care when changing lanes, merging, turning, and performing other maneuvers.
A driver may be liable for failing to check mirrors, signal a lane change, or pay adequate attention to surrounding traffic. A trucking company or another person or business may also share responsibility for a crash.
Police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, electronic truck data, photographs, and video footage may help establish what happened before a collision.
Can a Motorist Be Partially Responsible for a No-Zone Accident?
Passenger vehicle drivers must also exercise reasonable care around commercial trucks. Lingering in a truck’s blind spot, following too closely, or cutting closely in front of a truck could contribute to a collision.
New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule. An injured person’s compensation is reduced in proportion to their share of fault.
For example, a motorist who suffers $100,000 in damages but is assigned 20% of the fault could recover $80,000. Disputes over fault can therefore affect how much compensation an injured person receives.
How Can Drivers Stay Out of a Truck’s No-Zones?
Giving commercial trucks plenty of room is one of the easiest ways to avoid their blind spots. The FMCSA advises motorists not to linger in these areas and warns that if you cannot see the truck driver in the truck’s side mirror, the driver likely cannot see you.
Drivers can also reduce the risk of a no-zone collision by:
- Passing trucks without lingering alongside them
- Avoiding following closely behind a truck
- Leaving adequate room before merging in front of a truck
- Staying clear of trucks making wide turns
- Watching a truck’s turn signals before passing or changing lanes
Large commercial trucks also need more room to stop than passenger vehicles. Leaving adequate space gives truck drivers more time to react when traffic slows or stops.
Contact Jones Injury Attorneys To Schedule a Free Consultation With an Albuquerque Truck Accident Attorney
No-zone accidents can cause severe injuries and raise difficult questions about who is responsible. A truck driver, trucking company, motorist, or another party may share responsibility for the collision.
If you were injured in a truck accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and identify liable parties. Contact Jones Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with an Albuquerque truck accident lawyer.
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