When it comes to road safety, large commercial trucks pose a significant risk, particularly during turns. Wide turn truck accidents are one of the most common and dangerous types of collisions involving large trucks, often leading to serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. These accidents typically occur because of the unique way in which large trucks must maneuver turns, especially right-hand turns.
In this article, we’ll break down the causes of wide turn truck accidents, discuss who may be liable, and explain the legal options available to victims. Whether you’re a driver, pedestrian, or passenger, understanding these accidents can help you stay safe and protect your rights.
What Are Wide Turn Truck Accidents?
Wide turn truck accidents occur when a large commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or delivery truck, swings wide while making a turn, typically to the right. Because of the truck’s large size and limited turning radius, drivers often need to veer left before turning right — or swing right before a left turn — creating a hazardous situation for nearby vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
If a driver miscalculates the turn, fails to check blind spots, or doesn’t signal properly, smaller vehicles can be caught between the truck and the curb or other obstacles, resulting in dangerous collisions. These accidents can happen on city streets, highways, intersections, and loading docks.
Common Causes of Wide Turn Truck Accidents
Understanding the causes of wide turn truck accidents is crucial for prevention and for assigning liability in the event of a crash. Here are the most common causes:
1. Driver Inexperience
Operating a commercial truck requires extensive training. Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers may not fully understand how much space is needed to safely complete a turn, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
2. Blind Spots
Large trucks have significant blind spots, especially on the right side. If a smaller vehicle or pedestrian is in a blind spot during a wide turn, the truck driver might not see them, potentially leading to a side-impact collision or squeeze play accident.
3. Improper Signaling
Failing to properly signal before making a wide turn is a common contributing factor. Nearby drivers and pedestrians may be caught off-guard if they aren’t given adequate warning.
4. Tight Urban or Residential Streets
Narrow streets, tight intersections, and heavy traffic can make it difficult for large trucks to safely navigate wide turns without encroaching into other lanes or colliding with objects or vehicles.
5. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Attempting to make turns too quickly or without proper caution can cause a truck to lose control, jackknife, or tip over, increasing the risk of injury or damage.
6. Poor Weather and Road Conditions
Rain, snow, ice, or poorly maintained roads can make it harder for a truck to safely complete a wide turn, raising the chances of an accident.
Common Injuries in Wide Turn Truck Accidents
Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, wide turn truck accidents can lead to severe and sometimes fatal injuries. Common injuries include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and bruising
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
Liability in Wide Turn Truck Accidents
When a wide turn truck accident occurs, determining liability is essential for pursuing compensation. Several parties may be responsible, including:
- The Truck Driver — if they were negligent, inattentive, or improperly trained.
- The Trucking Company — if they failed to properly train drivers, enforce safety policies, or maintain the vehicle.
- Third Parties — such as other motorists who made reckless moves or blocked the truck’s path.
- Government Entities — if poor road design or maintenance contributed to the accident.
What to Do After a Wide Turn Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a wide turn truck accident, taking the following steps can protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Call the Authorities Report the accident to the police to ensure there’s an official report.
- Gather Evidence Take photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, road signs, skid marks, and visible injuries.
- Collect Information Get contact and insurance information from the truck driver and any witnesses.
- Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Consult with a truck accident lawyer who specializes in wide turn truck accidents to discuss your case and legal options.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of wide turn truck accidents may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages (for families of fatal accident victims)
FAQs About Wide Turn Truck Accidents
Q1: What makes wide turn truck accidents so dangerous?
Wide turn truck accidents are dangerous because large trucks need extra space to maneuver turns, creating risk zones for nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The truck’s size, weight, and blind spots contribute to the potential severity of these accidents.
Q2: Can I sue the trucking company after a wide turn truck accident?
Yes. If the truck driver was employed by a company, and their negligence or the company’s failure to maintain safe practices contributed to the accident, you can potentially sue the trucking company for damages.
Q3: What is the “squeeze play” in a wide turn accident?
A “squeeze play” happens when a truck swings left to make a right turn, and a smaller vehicle tries to slip by on the right, getting trapped between the truck and the curb. This is a common and highly dangerous scenario in wide turn truck accidents.
Q4: How long do I have to file a claim after a wide turn truck accident?
The statute of limitations varies by state, but it typically ranges from one to three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer promptly to avoid missing deadlines.
Q5: What kind of lawyer handles wide turn truck accidents?
You should consult a truck accident attorney or personal injury lawyer with experience in handling commercial vehicle and trucking accident cases. They understand the complexities of these cases and can help you secure fair compensation.
Conclusion
Wide turn truck accidents are a serious safety issue on roads and highways, often resulting in severe injuries and financial hardship for victims. By understanding the causes, risks, and legal implications, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from these potentially life-altering accidents.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a wide turn truck accident, consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney can make a significant difference in securing the compensation and justice you deserve.