When a truck driver needs to make a right turn, they need a wide turning radius to maneuver their big rig safely. However, the extra space needed often puts the semi-truck into the next lane, placing other passenger vehicles at increased risk of being struck by the truck.
How Wide Turn Truck Accidents Occur
If you have driven alongside tractor-trailers or other commercial trucks, you may have noticed that they need more room than the average vehicle in order to complete a turn. The big rig may need to start in one lane and swing into the lane next to it. This means all cars in front of, behind, or beside the truck must be safely out of the way in order to avoid harm to passengers.
Wide turn accidents may occur if a vehicle is in one of the semi truck driver’s blind spots when they attempt to make a right turn. Or, they can occur if a passenger vehicle driver ignores the trucker’s turn signals and ends up in the large truck’s direct line of travel.
One of the most common types of wide turn truck accidents is the squeeze play accident. This type of accident often happens when a trucker does not see a car in the left lane or doesn’t leave enough space for a car in the right lane, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When the truck then attempts to turn, it squeezes the car between the curb and the truck.
Moreover, a truck driver who does not pay attention to vehicles surrounding their semi-truck puts other motorists at risk for injuries or fatalities. Not allowing enough space or time for a wide turn can lead to devastating results for accident victims. And negligent truck drivers may be held liable for injuries that result from these accidents.
Semi-truck accidents involving passenger vehicles can result in serious injuries, ranging from broken bones and several weeks of recovery to life-altering injuries such as paralysis or dismemberment. If you or a family member were hurt due to a tractor-trailer’s improper right-hand turn, you may be able to recover compensation to pay for your medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
Why Do Trucks Need to Make Wide Right Turns?
You may have seen a big rig or other commercial truck swing wide when completing a right turn, but unsure why. Semi-trucks must make wide right turns to compensate for their trailer. That is, when turning right, a semi’s trailer does not follow the path of its front vehicle (towing portion). To compensate for this — and to encourage the trailer to follow the right path — the truck must swing wide.
However, in order to not hit the curb, other vehicles in its path, or any pedestrians, truck drivers must allow plenty of time and room for the turn. Truck drivers should avoid turning right on two-lane roads at all, unless the way is clear. They should only complete right-hand turns on roadways with four lanes of traffic or more if they have signaled properly and ensured the opposing lane is clear. Otherwise, the turn may result in devastating car accidents and subsequent injuries, particularly for smaller vehicles.
Common Causes of Wide Turn Tractor Trailer Accidents
Some vehicle accidents may be caused by the negligence of other drivers on the road who fail to leave room for the wide turns large commercial trucks need to make. Often, though, they are caused by improper training of truck drivers, lack of vehicle maintenance, or other circumstances beyond motorists’ control. Some frequent causes of wide turn truck accidents:
- Lack of turn signals
- Not properly watching surroundings using mirrors and windows
- Not slowing down in time to safely complete the wide turn
- Failing to check lanes before turning
- Swinging the trailer wide in the right lane, leaving an opening where cars can merge and get trapped (“squeeze-by”)
- Improper training or lack of trucker experience
- Driver fatigued
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances
If a passenger vehicle mistakenly gets in the path of a turning truck, the results could be disastrous. Truck drivers can be held liable if they were negligent while driving, leading to an accident. Truck accident attorneys can help accident victims seek fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and more.
Injuries That May Result From Wide Turn Accidents
Whether wide turn accidents are head-on collisions that occur when a large truck turns into the right turn lane or from not allowing enough space when turning into oncoming traffic, serious injuries can result. Common injuries cited in truck accident cases include:
- Injuries to the spinal cord, such as paralysis
- Bone fractures
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injury and other head injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Dismemberment
- Disfigurement
- Death
Commercial drivers are responsible for knowing what’s expected from them — they have to undergo specialized training to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL). This includes ensuring a wide turning radius when making right or left turns. When a large truck driver fails to leave enough room when turning, or leaves too much room, car accidents can result.
You may be able to start a personal injury case if you were harmed by a truck driver’s negligence. Experienced truck accident attorneys can provide the legal advice you need to start your claim.
Are Truck Drivers Always at Fault In Wide Turn Accidents?
First, it’s important to understand that there is a difference between ‘fault’ and ‘liability.’ That is, not everyone who is at fault may be held liable, or legally responsible, for your injuries. However, fault does help determine liability in an injury case.
For example, you may be wondering who to name in your injury claim as the liable party — the trucker, the trucking company, another party? A personal injury lawyer can help you figure out who can be held liable, but know that anyone who may be at fault could possibly be held liable. Liability in an injury case may depend on several factors, such as:
- Negligence: Was the commercial truck driver acting negligently, or in a way that was careless toward other drivers on the roadway?
- Breach of duty of care: This means the truck driver owed you a certain duty of care (such as ensuring they had enough space for a wide turn) and breached it.
- Breach led to the accident: To recover compensation, you may have to prove that negligence resulted in the breach of duty which in turn led to the wide turn accident.
- Accident led directly to your injuries: Personal injury lawsuits or claims often must demonstrate the negligent party’s actions directly led to the accident and your injuries.
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What Damages Can You Claim in A Wide Turn Accident Case?
Which damages you can claim will depend largely on your individual situation and the wide turn truck accident you were involved in. If you have extensive medical bills, your attorney may ask you for copies of your medical records to list on your claim. If you missed several paychecks due to recovering from your injuries, you may be able to list lost wages as damages on your claim.
Similarly, if your car was totaled in the accident, you may be able to seek property damages to cover the expense of replacing your car. Your lawyer will help you determine what you can list on your claim — listing all possible damages may help you receive a fair settlement amount.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries After A Wide Right Turn Accident
What’s the first step to recoup what you lost after an accident? After seeking medical care and beginning to heal, you may want to consider consulting an experienced truck accident lawyer. Working with a lawyer can help take out any guesswork and can provide a number of advantages along the way.
First, your attorney will help explain all statutes in layman’s terms, so you understand what is happening throughout your case and stay well-informed. They will communicate with all other parties, from the defendant to the insurance companies, so you can focus all your energy on healing from your injuries.
Your truck accident attorney will ensure your claim is complete, includes all necessary documentation, is filed in the right area of the court system, and that you file within your claim deadline (the statute of limitations). If you need to take your case to trial via a lawsuit, your lawyer will be there to ensure you understand all possible outcomes and to present all the details and documentation necessary for a strong case
When you rely on a personal injury law firm to manage your claim, you’re connected to a team of legal professionals ready and willing to put their skills and knowledge to work for you.
Contact Florin|Roebig Today for Help After A Truck Accident
Wide turn truck crashes can leave you with mounting medical expenses, large periods of time off work, and life-changing injuries. You don’t have to settle for the changes wrought on your life after a truck accident. Reach out to the law offices of Florin|Roebig for sound legal advice and a free case evaluation.
Our law firm is backed by numerous testimonials from satisfied clients and a wide-ranging and lengthy track record. Let us manage your claim while you get your life back on track after the accident. Call today for more information.
