Wide Right Turn Accidents: When Trucks Swing Left to Turn Right and Crash Into You

Truck accidents are devastating, often leading to severe injury or fatality. Determining fault in truck accident cases can be difficult because several entities may be held liable for the accident. Investigations into truck accident claims rely heavily on evidence, especially in cases where determining liability becomes complicated. Our lawyers are ready to gather evidence, including police reports and witness statements, to build the best defense in your case.

Choosing to represent yourself in a truck accident case can end up costing you more in the long run. Put your trust in our truck accident attorneys; we have the right experience and will pursue the maximum settlement amount in your case.

What Are Wide Turns?

Commercial trucks cannot make the same sharp-degree turns as other smaller vehicles can. Because of this, when a large commercial vehicle is making a wide turn, all vehicles around the truck should be aware. Driver’s should either stop and wait for the truck driver to complete the turn or pull aside and make room.

Large commercial trucks or semis with tractors and trailers attached must swing wide and often start turning from the second lane to the left instead of the right lane. Placing trucks in additional lanes of traffic, some for opposing traffic, increases the risk of right-turn accidents. When a truck driver carelessly makes a wide turn, they put motorists at risk.

What Happens in Wide-Right Turn Accidents?

There are multiple ways a wide right turn accident can happen. When truck drivers are careless and fail to take the proper precautions, these types of accidents often lead to severe consequences.

If you find yourself at an intersection with a truck, a wide right turn accident may result if:

• A motor vehicle is in the truck’s blind spot
• Another driver failed to yield the right-of-way to the truck driver
• A truck driver making a turn at the inappropriate time
• Another car trying to pass a truck in an unsafe manner
• The truck hits a vehicle sitting at a traffic light
• A vehicle becomes wedged between the cab and the trailer

Right turn squeeze accidents happen when a truck driver attempts to make a wide right turn but leaves too much space between them and the right curb. When a truck driver does this, it causes the driver of another motor vehicle to become forced to drive between the curb and the truck. As the truck makes a wide-right turn, it strikes the car, often causing severe damages.

Truckers may cause a wide-right turn accident if they:

• Fail to use their turn signals
• Enter a right turn with the rear of their trailer, and it’s too far from the curb
• Swing their truck out of the far-right lane, leaving an opening for vehicles
• Back into or enter a turn lane too quickly
• Don’t use their windows and mirror properly

Truck accident investigations are different from car accident claims because the negligent trucker, trucking company, or truck manufacturer can be held liable for the accident. These cases are often more complex than car accident cases because determining liability is difficult. In truck accident cases, more than one party is often held liable for damages.

If you or a relative suffered an injury in a wide turn accident, you might be eligible to receive compensation. A truck accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate your accident, consider all pertinent factors and details to determine the cause of your accident.

Pursuing Compensation in a Truck Accident Case

In wide right turn truck accidents, more than one individual may be held responsible. To establish liability in a truck accident case, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached their duty of care. For instance, truck drivers have a duty of care to check their blind spots, use their turn signal, and make safe right turns. If a truck driver fails to uphold their duty of care and causes an accident, they will be liable for the damages.

If someone calls the police to the accident scene, an officer will fill out a report, finalize it, and share it with each person’s insurance carrier. Once the officer shares this report, the negotiation and settlement process begins. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster might try and contact you with a low-ball settlement offer. Insurance companies train their adjusters to pressure you into settling quickly and keeping the case out of court. It is in your best interest to avoid speaking with an adjuster and seek the advice of an experienced legal professional.

When accident victims try to represent themselves, they often don’t account for potential future damages, including medical expenses that may arise well after the case settles. Taking legal action is the best way to ensure that you will get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Us About Your Truck Accident Case

When accident victims try to represent themselves, they often don’t account for potential future damages, including medical expenses that may arise well after the case resolves. Taking legal action is the best way to ensure that you will get the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers can help you understand your legal options and determine all sources of liability.

Don’t attempt to negotiate with an insurance provider on your own. An experienced truck accident attorney can guide you through the complex process and represent you in court if necessary. Contact a truck accident lawyer near you for a complimentary consultation.

Truck Accident FAQs

How much will my truck accident case be worth?

Determining the value of your truck accident case is difficult. Every case is unique; the factors of your case, including your medical expenses or the extent of vehicle damage, are used to determine the final settlement award.

After a truck accident, do I need to call the police?

Calling the police after a truck accident is important. Having an officer investigate your accident is the best way to obtain a report of precisely what happened.

How do you define a commercial truck?

Commercial vehicles are trucks considered to be any vehicle transporting commercial goods. These vehicles are incredibly heavy and typically range between 16,000-80,000 pounds.

How can I prove the truck driver was at fault?

Hiring an attorney who can help guide you through the often complex truck accident claims process is the best way to successfully pursue your claim. A truck accident lawyer will know what to look for while investigating your case.

Can I sue the truck driver’s trucking company?

You may only sue a trucking company for driver’s negligence if a clear employment relationship exists between the company and the truck. In some situations, this can become problematic when the truck driver is an independent contractor.