Wide-Turn Truck Accident Lawyers

Several factors contribute to these types of truck accidents, including:

• Blind spots: Large trucks have significant blind spots, especially on the right side and directly behind the vehicle. When truck drivers make wide turns, they may not see other vehicles in these blind spots.
• Improper turning techniques: Truck drivers are trained to make wide turns. However, poor judgment or technique can result in turning too wide and encroaching into adjacent lanes.
• Inadequate signaling: Failure to use turn signals or improper signaling can confuse other road users. This makes it difficult to anticipate a truck's movements.
• Traffic density: Truck drivers may struggle to find sufficient space to complete a wide turn safely in heavy traffic. This can lead to collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes or at intersections.
• Speed: Trucks that approach turns too fast may lose control during the maneuver. Excessive speed can also make it difficult to judge the appropriate turning radius.
• Inexperienced: Inexperienced drivers may struggle to execute wide turns safely. They often lack the skills and judgment to navigate tight spaces.

Some of the most common types of wide-turn truck accidents include:

• Sideswipe accidents: Sideswipes occur when a truck's trailer swings wide during a turn. The trailer collides with vehicles traveling alongside or attempting to pass the truck.
• Right-hook accidents: In a right-hook accident, a truck making a wide right turn collides with a vehicle traveling on its right side. This typically happens when a truck driver fails to see a smaller vehicle in their blind spot.
• Rollovers: Trucks are more prone to rollovers when taking sharp turns at high speeds. They can also happen when the cargo inside the trailer shifts.
• Intersection collisions: At intersections, trucks making wide turns can collide with vehicles coming from multiple directions. This can lead to complex accidents involving multiple vehicles. That includes T-bone or underride truck accidents.
• Obstruction collisions: When a truck makes a wide turn, it may strike stationary objects such as traffic signs or light poles. This can obstruct traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: In cases where a truck's wide turn leads to a collision with one vehicle, it can trigger a chain reaction of collisions.
• Jackknife accident: A jackknife truck accident occurs when the truck's trailer swings outward at an angle. This occurs during wide turns if the truck driver loses control, especially during slippery road conditions.

Determining fault in a wide-turn truck accident often takes a thorough investigation. This may involve:

• Collecting evidence.
• Examining witness statements.
• Reviewing traffic camera footage.
• Considering applicable traffic laws and regulations.

The truck driver may be found at fault if they: 

• Failed to use proper turning signals or techniques. 
• Didn’t check blind spots before turning.
• Were speeding before or during the turn. 
• Drove under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Engaged in distracted driving at the time of the crash. 
• Failed to yield the right-of-way when making the turn. 
• Improperly loaded cargo inside the trailer.

After a wide-turn truck accident, take specific steps to ensure your safety, document the incident, and protect your legal rights. Here's a checklist of what you should do:

Check on all parties involved

The first thing you should do is assess the situation. If you’re able to get out of your vehicle, check for injuries among all parties involved. If anyone requires immediate medical attention, call 911 to request medical assistance.

Contact the police

Call the police immediately to report the truck accident. Provide them with accurate information about the location and the nature of the incident. Then, wait for them to arrive. They will create an official police report containing important crash scene evidence.

Exchange information

While waiting for the police, exchange contact and insurance information with all other parties involved. Gather their names, phone numbers, and insurance details. Also, collect the contact information of any witnesses. Their statements can later help strengthen your case. 

Take pictures and notes

Take pictures and notes of the crash scene. Include pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any relevant road signs. Document any visible injuries you or other parties have sustained. Also, take note of any nearby surveillance cameras, as the video footage can later help prove who was at fault. 

Seek medical attention

Even if you don't believe your injuries are serious, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms. Also, keep all medical records, bills, and documentation related to your injuries and treatment.

Report the crash to your insurance company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the truck accident. Provide them with accurate details about the incident, but keep your comments to a minimum. While you should be honest with your insurance company, admitting fault or discussing blame can hurt your chances of getting compensation.

Contact an attorney

There is a lot at stake in a wide-turn truck accident. That’s why you need an experienced truck accident lawyer to help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. 

Trucking companies are good at hiding any wrongdoing on their part. They often deploy their own team of investigators to crash scenes to produce biased results. An experienced attorney can thoroughly investigate your truck accident and gather the facts to build your case. 

They also know how to deal with trucking companies and their insurers and can fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.

If you’ve been injured in a wide-turn truck accident, get a Law.com Premier Attorney who can fight for you every step of the way. Our verified attorneys understand how devastating truck accidents can be. They can fight to hold responsible parties accountable and recover every dollar owed to you in damages.

Best of all, our Premier Attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront costs, and you pay no fees unless they win your case. To get started, contact a Premier Lawyer in your area and set up a free legal consultation.