Truck Stops Are Convenient, but Dangerous

There are thousands of truck stops across America, and truckers aren’t the only ones who use them. Locals use them for convenience stores and gas stations. Travelers use them as rest stops where they can grab snacks, stretch their legs, refuel, and regroup mentally if they need a quick nap.

None of this changes the fact that these are still centers for tractor trailers, tankers, and other large trucks where drivers shower, sleep, and handle any number of life’s necessary activities while out on the road. That means very large parking lots with rows of large trucks closely lined up with no room for error. Trucking accidents don’t just happen on highways. Truck drivers and travelers alike are at risk for being injured or killed by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Know the “No Zones”

Because tractor trailers are so large, drivers sit much higher up. This means there are blind spots all the way around the truck where a driver can’t see a car, much less a person. These blind spots, called no zones, leave tractor trailers unable to see anything less than 20 feet in front, 30 feet in back, a distance of two lanes on their passenger side, and one lane on the driver’s side. That means putting a big buffer between you and a truck in a truck stop whether you’re in a vehicle or on foot.

Liability for driver error

Truck drivers do have a safety protocol they follow before pulling out of a truck stop. This unofficial checklist is intended to avoid accidents involving personal injuries and property damage. Some of these obligations include:

• Parking nose in to avoid dangerous backups
• Using a spotter when backing up is unavoidable
• Not parking at the end of a row because it adds to cross traffic safety issues
• Checking around your truck for obstructions and pedestrians before driving out

Truck drivers who fail to take steps to safely operate their vehicles can be held liable for negligence when they cause injuries or death.

In addition to the truck driver and trucking company, the truck stop may be held accountable in a premises liability claim for these accidents. Perhaps warning signs weren’t clear, or even posted. Maybe the parking lot wasn’t properly lit. The truck stop owners are responsible for safeguarding foreseeable injuries to anyone who comes onto their property.

The personal injury attorneys at Warren & Kallianos, PLLC have been recognized as some of the top trial lawyers in North Carolina because we fight hard for our client’s rights. You deserve to be compensated for your injuries.

If you have been hurt due to the negligence of a truck driver, learn what you could be entitled to by speaking with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys. To schedule your free, no obligation consultation in our Charlotte office, call 704-275-5593 or we invite you to reach out to us through our contact form.