Wide Right Turn Truck Accidents

It is no secret that tractor-trailers and semi-trucks have a more difficult time making turns than a passenger car or pickup truck. Turning right or making a wide right turn is one of the situations that causes many accidents, particularly wide turn truck accidents. Due to the limitations of the big rig, drivers often have to steer the truck wide to make the turn. This often results in striking another vehicle.

Understanding Wide Right Turn Accidents

The Mechanics of a Wide Right Turn

Due to the large size of 18-wheelers or semi-trucks, they require different maneuvering to execute a right-hand turn. These maneuvers often lead to wide turn truck accidents.

Frequently swinging the truck out wide to the left and then turning back to the right to execute the turn creates a blind spot on the right-hand side of the truck, leading to accidents.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors of Wide Turn Truck Accidents

Wide right turn accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons:

• Limited Visibility-  The truck’s blind spots can hide other vehicles, especially during the initial swing to the left, contributing to wide turn truck accidents.
• Misjudgment of Space– Drivers may misjudge the space needed to complete the turn safely, which can result in wide turn truck incidents.
• Failure to Signal– Using turn signals properly can confuse other drivers about the truck’s intended path, raising the risk of wide turn truck accidents.
• Going too fast can make it difficult for the truck to maneuver safely and avoid wide turn truck accidents.
• Driver Fatigue– Long hours on the road can lead to reduced alertness and slower reaction times, increasing the occurrence of wide turn truck accidents.

Read More: Holding Parties Responsible for 18-Wheeler Wide Turn Truck Wrecks

Preventative Measures and Safety Tips

For Truck Drivers

• Use mirrors and camera systems to reduce blind spots and prevent accidents.
• Use turn signals to alert other road users well in advance of your right turn.
• Drive friendly and anticipate the actions of other drivers.
• Reduce speed when making wide right turns.

For Other Drivers

• Watch out for blind spots. The areas on both sides of the cab are open, allowing the truck driver to see other traffic. Be very careful when you enter these no-zones to avoid wide turn truck accidents.
• If a truck driver is going to turn, give them plenty of room because the big truck will act differently than a passenger car. Large trucks require a much greater turning radius, which can lead to wide turn truck accidents.
• Be safe rather than sorry by anticipating the truck driver’s actions and allowing them to complete their maneuver before attempting to pass, thereby minimizing the risk of wide turn truck accidents.

Legal Considerations and Liability

It can be difficult to determine liability in a wide right-turn accident, a common type of truck accident. A truck driver can be found at fault if they fail to check their blind spots and turn into another lane of traffic. Failing to yield the right of way to those already in the lane of traffic is an act of negligence.

Insurance defense attorneys often attempt to shift blame to the victim in order to reduce the amount they must pay out to settle a case. In wide-turn accidents, common tactics include claiming that the victim failed to take evasive action, was driving too fast, did not apply their brakes in time, and more.

We offer complimentary consultations, and we’ll be happy to listen to your story and evaluate your case.

Call the Texas Truck Accident Lawyer for a FREE Case Evaluation at (281) 893-0760.

Technological Help to Avoid Wide-Right Turn Collisions

It can be difficult to determine liability in a wide right-turn accident. A truck driver can be found at fault if they fail to check their blind spots and turn into another lane of traffic. Failing to yield the right of way to those already in the lane of traffic is an act of negligence.

Other vehicle drivers may be partly responsible if they contribute to causing the accident. The factual observations of the police officer investigating the crash, eyewitness accounts, and photographs of the impact site can all help determine who is responsible for causing the accident.

Types of Injuries We See in Side Impact Collisions

Head Injuries-

We frequently see situations where a truck is turning and sandwiches another vehicle in the process. Traumatic brain injury or concussions can easily occur from this side impact.

Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries-

Spine injuries, particularly to the neck, often occur during wide-turn truck accidents.

Internal Injuries-

The sheer weight of a big rig can make even what seems like a minor accident severe. Internal injuries are often not known immediately at the site, but can be very dangerous and even life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Fractures-

We have seen many instances of fractures, particularly of the arm on the side of the impact.

Wide Turn Truck Accidents Are Common

Wide right turn accidents are very common with 18-wheelers. Truck drivers are aware of the requirements for executing a turn and should exercise extra caution when other traffic is present to prevent wide turn truck accidents.

Call the Truck Accident Attorney in Texas for Help With a Wide-Turn Truck Accident

We have been truck accident experts for over 40 years, and our success speaks for itself. Call us today at (281) 893-0760 for a FREE consultation regarding wide turn truck accidents.

Related Resources:

How Can I Protect My Rights After a Truck Accident?

Wide and oversize loads in Texas

How to Determine Fault in a Blind Spot Accident

About Greg Baumgartner

Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.