Were you hurt when a truck driver made a careless wide turn? Are you struggling to recover from painful injuries and make ends meet while you’re too hurt to work? If so, don’t lose hope. You can demand money for your crash injuries through a wide-turn trucking accident claim with the help of an experienced attorney at Kreger Brodish LLP.
Our Durham personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of clients like you, helping them find peace of mind during the most challenging times. We’re here to stand up to the big trucking and insurance companies on your behalf, fighting aggressively for the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact our firm now to find out what our truck accident lawyers can do for you during a free consultation.
What Is a Wide Turn?
All drivers must make wide turns in certain situations, such as when turning left or crossing over multiple lanes of traffic. When a driver oversteers or understers during a turn and crosses over into other lanes or onto the road shoulder, they can cause what is known as a wide turn accident.
Semi-trucks need lots of space to make turns because of their size – so in a sense, all truck turns are wide turns. Right turns are particularly difficult for these vehicles due to the smaller angle. When a truck driver makes an improper turning maneuver or misjudges how much space they have, they can cause a devastating wide-turn truck accident.
Why Do Trucks Need to Make Wide Right Turns?
Right-hand turns are sharper than left-hand turns in the United States because we drive on the right side of the road. Turning left onto a multi-lane road involves passing a lane devoted to cross traffic, resulting in a wider angle.
Trucks have a much longer wheelbase than most passenger cars, leaving more space between their front and rear wheels. This long wheelbase makes it harder for truck drivers to turn sharply without crossing into neighboring lanes or hitting curbs. Trucks with attached trailers in tow are even longer, with a much wider turning radius than passenger cars have.
When a truck driver turns right, they must compensate for their long wheelbase and wide turning radius by swinging the front of their truck out to the opposite side before starting the turn. Wide right turn maneuvers allow truck drivers to safely clear turns – at least when they are executed properly.
Common Causes of Wide Turn Truck Accidents
Wide-turn accidents can occur for various reasons, including:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence
- Driving while fatigued
- Driver inexperience or error
- Exceeding posted speed limits
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Defective brakes or tires
- Other mechanical issues
Common Consequences of Wide Turn Truck Accidents
When a large commercial truck collides with another vehicle while making a turn, the smaller vehicle will get the worst of the encounter. Consequently, its occupants are likely to suffer severe injuries, such as:
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back, shoulder, and spinal cord injuries
- Facial scarring and dental injuries
- Seatbelt and airbag injuries
- Abdominal and internal injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
- Road rash and other burn injuries
- Emotional and psychological injuries
Commercial Drivers’ License Turning Rules
In its Commercial Driver License Manual, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends the following safety tips for truckers navigating turns:
- When turning right, drivers should go slowly to allow enough time to avoid issues.
- If a driver cannot make a right-hand turn without cutting into another lane, they should turn wide and keep the rear of the truck close to the curb.
- Truck drivers should avoid swinging too wide to the left before turning right, as following drivers might think they are turning left and then try to pass on the right.
- If truck drivers must cross into oncoming traffic lanes when turning right, they should watch out for oncoming vehicles and give them room to pass by or stop.
- When drivers make left-hand turns, they should ensure they have reached the center of the intersection before starting to turn.
- Whenever possible, truck drivers should take the right-hand turn lane when turning left at an intersection with two or more turning lanes.
- Drivers should also allow more room for error in poor driving conditions or if their trucks are heavily loaded.
What Compensation Can I Get After a Wide Turn Truck Accident?
If you were hurt in a wide turn truck accident that was someone else’s fault, you could recover compensation for the following crash-related losses:
- Hospital bills and other medical costs you incur due to the truck accident
- Medical expenses you will likely incur in the future
- Incidental costs, such as travel expenses for going to medical appointments
- Lost wages from any time you miss at work while recovering from your injuries
- Lost future earning potential due to permanent impairments from the accident
- Subjective losses, such as your pain, suffering, and lower quality of life
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Truck accident claims are uniquely complex, with complicated rules, evidence, and insurance policies that do not apply to most other accident cases. A knowledgeable attorney can help you by:
- Explaining your rights and identifying sources of compensation for your claim
- Conducting an independent investigation into the wide turn truck accident
- Communicating with trucking industry reps and insurers on your behalf
- Obtaining medical records, crash reports, and other evidence for your claim
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and medical experts for valuable case testimony
- Managing important case documents, details, and deadlines
- Negotiating forcefully with the insurance company to maximize your settlement
- Taking your case to court and representing you at trial if the other side won’t offer a fair settlement
Contact the North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers at Kreger Brodish LLP for Help
Were you hurt in a wide turn truck accident? If someone else was at fault, you shouldn’t be left to pay the price. Let the North Carolina truck accident attorneys with Kreger Brodish LLP pursue the compensation you need for your injuries and other losses. Contact us today for a free consultation session and find out how we can help.
