Wide Right Turns a Big Road Hazard
Over 4,000 people die in large truck accidents annually, and out of those deaths, some 68 percent of them are riding in a passenger vehicle. Accidents involving large trucks can be devastating simply due to the weight and size of commercial trucks. They can weigh up to 40 tons, compared to one to five tons for an average passenger vehicle. One of the most common types of trucking accidents involves wide right turns which are exceptionally dangerous because they can result in head on collisions. If you have been injured in a commercial trucking accident, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Why Wide Right Turn Accidents Occur
If you visualize how a truck has to make a right turn it is easier to understand how these accidents happen. The size of a truck makes it hard to maneuver a truck. To manage these turns, a truck must swing the truck to the left first. This can result in one of several types of right turn accidents. If the truck swings their vehicle to the left too far, it can veer into the next lane of traffic and strike the vehicles there.
The second type of wide right turn accident occurs if the truck driver doesn’t go far enough to the left before attempting to turn right. The failure to swing sufficiently to the left can cause the truck to roll over. This can be devastating enough because it could cause cargo to spill onto other vehicles or the roadway or result in a fire. In even more devastating situations, the truck could roll over on top of nearby vehicles.
The third common type of wide right turn accident occurs where there are two right turning lanes. When a truck turns, it may veer into the second turn lane. If a car is in that lane, it may be trapped or crushed by the turning truck.
Although a truck driver should always use a turn signal to indicate their intentions, many drivers fail to realize how much a berth a truck needs to make a right turn. This may result in them not giving the truck enough space.
Determining Liability in a Wide Right Turn Accident
If you have suffered injuries in a wide right turn accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. However, who pays the compensation depends on who is liable for the accident. If the driver failed to turn properly, didn’t check his blind spots, or failed to use a turn signal, the driver could be held liable. However, liability and truck accidents can be complicated. If a truck is poorly maintained by the trucking company, or the driver doesn’t have the required CDL, the trucking company may be held liable. If the truck wasn’t loaded properly, the company that loaded the truck may be responsible.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident, contact the West Palm Beach truck accident attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP today. We have experience in helping people just like you determine who is liable for an accident and can get you the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks
https://www.turnpikelaw.com/common-causes-of-truck-accidents/
