With major highways like the 91, 215, and I-10 running through Riverside County, it’s no surprise that local drivers frequently share the road with commercial trucks, including 18-wheelers and big rigs. While essential for transporting goods across California, these massive vehicles pose serious risks to passenger vehicles especially when drivers unknowingly travel in a truck’s “no-zone.”

At Hillstone Law, our experienced Riverside truck accident attorneys have seen firsthand how devastating these collisions can be. Understanding where these blind spots are and how to avoid them can help reduce your risk of a catastrophic accident.

What Are Truck No-Zones?

Big rigs are not just large they’re long, tall, and heavy. According to Truckers Report, the average semi-truck stretches up to 80 feet in length and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. With that size comes major limitations in visibility and maneuverability.

No-zones are large blind spots around the front, back, and sides of a commercial truck. If your vehicle is in one of these areas, the truck driver likely can’t see you. If the driver changes lanes, turns, or stops suddenly, it can lead to a serious and often deadly collision.

Breakdown of Common Truck No-Zones

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has identified key blind spots all drivers should avoid:

• Left Side: Extends about one lane wide from the cab to the trailer. Stay out of this lane if you can’t see the driver in the side mirror.
• Right Side: Significantly larger, stretching two lanes wide and several feet back from the truck. Avoid lingering here it’s the most dangerous spot.
• Front: Keep at least 20 feet of space between you and the front of a truck. Trucks require longer stopping distances, and you may be completely invisible to the driver if you cut in too closely.
• Rear: Trucks have 30+ feet of blind space behind them. Following too closely is extremely dangerous and gives you little time to react if the truck suddenly stops.

Injured in a Truck Accident in Riverside? Know Your Rights

Even if you’re driving defensively, accidents can still happen especially when truck drivers are fatigued, distracted, or improperly trained. When they do, the injuries for victims in smaller vehicles are often severe, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures and crush injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Wrongful death

Commercial trucking companies often deploy legal teams and insurance adjusters to minimize their liability immediately after a crash. That’s why it’s critical to have a dedicated legal team on your side from day one.

Let Hillstone Law Fight for You

At Hillstone Law, our Riverside truck accident attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of injury victims. We will investigate your case, preserve critical evidence (such as dash cam footage and truck maintenance records), and hold all negligent parties accountable including the driver, the trucking company, and even third-party vendors if applicable.