Trucking accidents go beyond runaway trucks, highway pile-ups, and high-speed collisions. Although these are common accidents due to speeding, some can occur at slower speeds and on side streets or smaller roadways.
Our trucking accident attorneys in Los Angeles often find these “close-quarters” accidents may still cause serious injuries despite the lower speeds. One of the most common types of such accidents is wide-turn trucking incidents.
What are Wide-Turn Truck Accidents?
The large turning radii and size of a tractor-trailer must approach turns more cautiously compared to smaller passenger cars. This is especially true when making a right turn. When trucks need to make a tight turn to the right, they have to move over another lane to leave enough space for the right turn. As they make their turn, they may have to veer to the left, which often meets oncoming traffic. A good turn ends with the truck entering into the right-hand space.
When trucks open the space on the right, pedestrians or car drivers may enter the free area, which ends up with the truck closing in on them. Smaller cars could be wedged between the curb and truck, causing them to run into poles, get crushed, or squeezed into another vehicle.
Scrutiny is necessary to determine the liable party when it comes to wide-turn trucking accidents. In most instances, the truck driver may have been negligent by making a quick turn.
The Driver’s Negligence
A truck driver can be negligent in numerous ways when making a wide right turn, causing injury to pedestrians or drivers. This often occurs when the truck driver disregards their responsibility to take proper precautions when making a turn.
Some examples of errors a driver can make when making a turn:
- Swinging out too far to the left
- Turning from the wrong lane
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol
- Failing to signal before making a turn
- Not waiting for the traffic to clear before turning
Another issue concerning wide right turns is making a right turn when the light is still red. Red-light turn laws differ from one state to another. Drivers must be aware of their state’s red-light turn law, as well as signs prohibiting their turn. They should also follow right-of-way rules when proceeding to turn on red light stops.
Recovering Damage
Similar to other commercial vehicle accidents, a wide turn truck accident causes losses and damage to the crash’s victim. Due to the complex nature of such incidents, legal action is necessary to compensate the victims for their losses. Damage in a trucking accident can cover:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses (hospital bills and medications costs)
- Property damage
- Lost earning capacity
Pursuing legal action is necessary for helping victims recover, as well as launch an investigation into the trucking company’s safety practices and policies. In numerous instances, this can prevent future accidents.
We Fight for Fair Settlements
Haffnew Law will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you need to recover from a trucking related accident. We study the details of your case, allowing you to maximize the value of your claim.
Call us at 213-514-5681 and receive a free consultation about your legal options.
(This is an attorney advertisement by Joshua Haffner)