What Are Wide Turn Truck Accidents?
Commercial trucks and other long vehicles need a lot of room to execute a turn safely. And, this is why they pose a danger on highways and interstates when they are traveling at high speeds, and why they are far more likely to cause a wide turn truck accident.
Contrary to common belief, these trucks don’t just pose a real danger on interstates but also when they try to navigate through tight and crowded city streets. Just a small fender bender with a truck can lead to grievous and some serious property/car damage.
Some truck drivers do not have the experience or acumen needed to drive on city streets and tend to misjudge the amount of room required to execute a normal left or right turn. Side impact crashes and head on collisions are the most common types of wide turn accidents.
It is needless to say that when a wide turn accident takes place, it is the occupants of the passenger vehicle that are victims and suffer injuries as their small vehicle is a lot more vulnerable.
Truck accidents that take place when a large commercial truck is turning is called a wide turn accident. Due to their large size, semis cannot easily make tight turns, and as a result may begin the turn by first swinging wide to the left and then maneuvering the truck to the right. This is called a wide turn and accidents that occur when a driver is executing a wide turn, is called a wide turn accident.
Main Causes of Wide Turn Truck Accidents
As mentioned earlier, it is inexperience coupled with a lack of proper training that cause wide turn accidents. Maneuvering a huge commercial truck around tight bends and corners is a lot more difficult that making the same turn in a passenger vehicle.
This type of maneuvering requires not just good training, but also hands on experience behind the wheel. Unfortunately, most companies tend to hire inexperienced drivers for low wages. These drivers aren’t trained to handle large commercial trucks.
Overlooking or failing to check blind spots, is yet another common reason behind wide turn crashes. Big rigs and tractor trailers have large blind spots. If the truck driver fails or forget to check each of these blind spots before swinging the vehicle right or left, another vehicle on the road, can get caught in the blind spot and be crushed under the truck’s wheels.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or distracted driving can also cause wide turn accidents. Drivers of huge trucks need to remain alert at all times while behind the wheel, especially when making turns.
Other causes that can cause wide turn accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Failure of components such as turn signals, mirrors, taillights, and brake lights on the truck
- Unfamiliarity with roads
- Speeding and/or reckless driving
Common Injuries Sustained
According to a report issued by the NHTSA, over 70 percent of the injuries resulting from truck accidents are sustained by both passengers and drivers in other vehicles. A smaller passenger vehicle is not built to withstand impact from a heavy and large vehicle. Even if a truck is traveling at a really low speed, an accident caused while it is turning can be devastating.
Common injuries sustained in wide turn truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Back injuries
- Paralysis and amputations
- Damage to internal organs
- Burns and scarring
Due to the potential for long term and rather debilitating injuries, the damage resulting from a wide turn accident can be rather substantial. In many cases, victims may need long term personal care and ongoing medical treatment that can sum up to several thousand dollars. And, this is why it is prudent that you hire an attorney to file for compensation if you or someone you know of, has been in a commercial truck accident.
A Law Firm That is Here to Help
Seek the counsel of one of the many experienced attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez, who can help you claim and recover lost wages, damages, and medical expenses. Call us at 561-660-9421 today for a free consultation.
Additional Reading:
Liability in a Truck Accident Case
