Even if it is unintentional, truck drivers are common instigators in crashes and other accidents, including wide-turn wrecks.
Large commercial vehicles need more space to complete a turn than the truck driver and other car operators may realize. Therefore, failing to understand this need can lead to serious accidents.
However, truck drivers are responsible for operating these vehicles safely to avoid accidents that could injure other people. If they cause a wide-turn crash with another car and someone suffers the fallout of severe injuries, victims can seek compensation. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also provide insight on what you can do to avoid underride accidents.
What Is a Wide-turn Truck Accident?
As mentioned, trucks need more space than other vehicles to make a turn. However, most streets and intersections are not wide enough to accommodate large vehicles.
In this regard, wide truck turns occur when large commercial vehicles must complete a turn but do not have enough space, so they must occupy an additional lane of traffic.
When making wide turns, trucks may start from different positions. If the vehicle is turning right, it may swing into the lane of traffic left of the right turn lane. This helps drivers avoid getting into a lane with opposing traffic.
A few trucks may have to move into the lane of traffic left of their intended lane to complete a turn. However, drivers should not do this on a two-lane road to avoid crashes with oncoming vehicles.
Most truck drivers do not like wide turns, as these vehicles' high center of gravity makes the risk of tip-over and rollover accidents higher.
If a driver tries to make a right turn within a small radius, the vehicle is more vulnerable to tipping over, for example.
Why Wide-Turn Truck Accidents Happen
Semi-trucks and commercial vehicles, including buses, are more susceptible to wide-turn accidents due to their enormous size.
Compared to the average passenger vehicle, commercial trucks are 20 to 30 times larger. Also, their centers of gravity are higher. As a result, sharper turns can make them tip over and cause massive damage.
Most wide right turn accidents occur because a passenger vehicle drives next to a truck that is about to make a turn and does not have enough space to complete it.
Common Causes of a Wide-Turn Truck Accident
These are the common causes that lead to this type of commercial truck accident:
The truck driver does not turn on their turn signal, which ends up misleading the car driver regarding their direction
The truck driver speeds into the turn without waiting for other passenger vehicles to move
The truck driver fails to see a car in their blind spots due to poor visibility or bad weather
The truck driver has not been trained to make wide turns
Poor driving techniques can also cause a wide right turn accident, including the following:
Failing to use windows and mirrors to see if they have enough space to make the turn
Entering a right turn when the rear of the trailer is too far from the curb
Swinging the truck out of the far-right lane, leaving an opening for other vehicles
Entering a turn lane too quickly
Backing up to complete a turn
In addition, the following factors can increase the risks of having a wide-turn accident:
Driver distraction
Defective turn signals
Lack of truck driving experience
Driver fatigue
Driving while impaired or intoxicated due to drugs and alcohol consumption
Unfamiliarity with a new route
Defective mirrors
How to Prevent Wide-Turn Accidents
As mentioned, all truck drivers must make right and left turns safely. In fact, most have to learn to make these turns as part of their training to get a license.
Therefore, a commercial truck driver must follow these safety precautions for right turns:
Turn slowly
Turn wide as they complete the turn
Do not back up
Keep the rear of the vehicle close to the curb
Watch out for oncoming traffic when they have to cross into an oncoming lane
Give oncoming vehicles enough room to stop or go by them
There are also a few precautions to consider when making left turns:
Reach the center of the intersection before starting the turn
Use the right-hand lane when there are two turning lanes
In addition, truck drivers should consider these tips:
Do not pass a vehicle from the right side
Avoid moving into the blind spot of another vehicle
Avoid driving between two vehicles, whether large or small
Do not pull forward at the curb
Final Thoughts: Why Drivers Should Prevent Wide-Turn Accidents
Wide-turn accidents can be devastating and have catastrophic consequences on people's lives. Additionally, both drivers often sustain serious injuries if they are involved in these collisions.
Even if they are driving at a reasonable speed, drivers of all vehicles involved in these accidents can sustain the following injuries:
Head injuries
Broken bones
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Scarring and burns
In the worst-case scenario, drivers suffer disfigurement, a disability, or die. Additionally, victims often need expensive treatment and must spend huge sums to cover vehicle repairs.
A wide-turn accident can be extremely dangerous, but drivers can reduce the risk of causing one if they are responsible when operating their vehicles.
Should Truck Accident Victims Call an Attorney?
As mentioned, every trucking company and driver is required to follow safety precautions to avoid putting other people's lives at risk. If they fail to comply with such regulations and cause an accident, victims can file a claim to hold them accountable for their actions. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions like, "What can you do to avoid jackknife accidents?"
Although it is not mandatory, contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer can help victims gather the evidence they need to build a solid case and seek compensation for their injuries and losses.
The aftermath of a wide-turn accident can be disastrous, but victims can always fight for their rights and are entitled to compensation. Therefore, they should call a seasoned Toledo semi truck accident attorney after a catastrophic collision and get the legal guidance they need to hold a negligent truck driver responsible for their careless actions.
People seeking legal counsel after a wide-turn accident can find a trustworthy lawyer at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. This law firm's team has extensive experience handling these cases and is willing to help victims fight for their rights. They go to war for their clients!