Have you ever noticed that many large commercial trucks have a small sign on the back of the trailer that reads: “Caution, This Vehicle Makes Wide Right Turns?” If so, you might also have wondered, who is responsible when that wide right turn leads to an accident? When is the truck driver responsible? If not the truck driver, then who?
The truck accident attorneys at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC have represented many clients who were injured in wide-right-turn accidents. When we take these cases, we conduct an investigation to determine just what happened and who may be responsible. We then use this evidence to prepare a persuasive case that the at-fault party should be held liable for their negligent actions. This post will explain why large trucks make wide right turns, how that can lead to an accident, and who might be legally liable when it does. We will also discuss potential compensation for those injured in wide-right-turn truck accidents.
Why Do Trucks Make Wide Right Turns?
Trucks make wide right turns because of their large size. Most commercial trucks hauling a trailer are more than 70 feet long. That’s a lot of truck to turn in a small space. Because we drive on the right in the United States, our left-hand turns are necessarily wide, as they must cross the oncoming lane first. This is not the case with right turns. While passenger vehicles have relatively tight turning radii, a 73-foot semi-truck needs extra space to execute a right turn.
Sometimes, that means taking the outside lane when it’s available. Other times, it means veering into the lane of oncoming traffic or the adjacent lane.
Types of wide-right-turn accidents
There are several circumstances in which a truck making a right-hand turn might be involved in a collision, including:
- Right turn on a two-lane road – When executing a right turn on a two-lane road, the truck might veer into the lane of oncoming traffic. This puts the truck driver and drivers of any oncoming vehicles at risk of a collision if they are not properly prepared and paying sufficient attention.
- Right turn on a multi-lane road – A truck driver might swerve into an adjacent lane to complete a right turn. A collision could occur if the driver fails to check their blind spots or other drivers are not paying attention or are speeding.
- Other driver squeezing next to a turning truck – Drivers may try to squeeze into the lane next to a truck that is preparing to complete a wide right turn. A collision could occur if the truck driver is not aware of the car next to them, or if the car’s driver does not anticipate the truck’s right turn.
- Rollovers – Because of their higher center of gravity, a truck could tip over when completing a right turn if the driver is going too fast or turning at too acute an angle.
Common Injuries in wide-right-turn accidents
Because of their size and weight, tractor-trailers can cause severe injuries when they collide with smaller vehicles. The following are common injuries of wide-right-turn accidents involving large commercial trucks:
- Broken or crushed bones
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Amputated limbs
- Neck and back injuries
- Concussion
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Who Can Be Held Responsible For a Wide-Right-Turn Accident?
The truck driver involved in a wide-right-turn accident is frequently to blame for the collision, but this is not always the case. It depends on whether they acted negligently, which led directly to the accident. Examples of negligent actions that could make a truck driver liable include:
- Driving too fast
- Failing to use the turn signal
- Failing to check blind spots
- Driving while distracted
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or certain medications
- Disobeying traffic signals or signs
- Failing to comply with federal or state regulations
There may be instances where the trucking company may be held responsible for a wide-right-turn accident. For example, suppose the truck was not properly maintained, and consequently, its turn signal failed, leaving other motorists unaware of the truck driver’s intent. In that case, the trucking company could be responsible for a subsequent accident. If the truck driver did not have proper or sufficient training and their inexperience contributed to the accident, the trucking company could be held responsible for hiring an unfit driver.
Other drivers could also be responsible for a wide-right-turn truck accident. For example, if another driver squeezed in next to a turning truck in an attempt to cut off the truck, that driver may be held responsible if that led to an accident in which others got hurt.
Compensation for Wide-Right-Turn Accident Victims
If you were injured in a wide-right-turn accident with a tractor-trailer, you might be able to recover compensation for your injuries and associated losses. It may depend on whether you share any responsibility for the accident. According to Georgia law, accident victims can recover compensation as long as they are less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you understand the law and your legal options.
With the help of a skilled truck accident attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses for long-term care and treatment
- Lost wages from time missed at work while recovering
- Diminished future earning capacity due to injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC Today
If you were injured in a wide-right-turn accident, contact the truck accident attorneys of Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC today for a free consultation about your case. Our legal team can help you understand your legal options and advocate for your rights and interests against the at-fault party.
