Wide Right Turn Truck Accident

Philadelphia Wide Turn Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents are scary and can result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. When a truck makes a wide right turn, it often swings left before completing the turn to avoid hitting the curb, which can be hazardous for other drivers and pedestrians who may not anticipate this movement. These accidents can lead to devastating consequences, including serious injuries, significant property damage, and in some cases, loss of life. Understanding the risks and knowing how to react when sharing the road with large trucks is crucial for ensuring everyone’s safety. In the event you have been injured in one of these traumatic accidents in Pennsylvania, the truck accident lawyers at PhillyLaw are here for you. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your options to recover compensation for your truck accident injuries.

Why Trucks Make Wide Right Turns

Trucks make wide right turns because of their large size and extended wheelbase. Unlike smaller vehicles, trucks require more space to safely navigate a turn without encroaching on other lanes or risking a collision. When a truck initiates a right turn, the rear wheels follow a shorter path compared to the front wheels, known as off-tracking. This can lead the back of the truck to swing out into adjacent lanes if the turn is too tight. Therefore, truck drivers must execute wide turns to ensure they can complete the maneuver safely and avoid accidents.

Trucks Making Left Turns

Just like with right turns, trucks require careful execution when making left turns due to their considerable size and length. When preparing for a left turn, a truck driver must first ensure that there is sufficient space to complete the maneuver without impeding traffic in the opposite lane. The driver needs to start the turn from the outer part of the lane to give the trailer enough room to clear the corner. Additionally, truck drivers must be vigilant about oncoming traffic and pedestrians, as the longer turning radius of a truck can create blind spots and increase the chance of accidental encroachments. Properly gauging the timing and space needed for a left turn is crucial to minimizing the risk of collisions and ensuring the safety of all road users.

Common Causes of a Wide Right-Turn Truck Accident

Wide right-turn truck accidents can occur due to various factors, often stemming from the unique challenges truck drivers face on the road.

Truck Driver Inexperience

One common cause is driver inexperience or inadequate training or truck drivers. Newer truck drivers may not fully understand the space required to safely execute a wide turn, leading to potential collisions with vehicles in neighboring lanes.

Truck Driver’s Failure to Use Turn Signals

A lack of proper signaling can also lead to a wide-turn accident. If a truck driver fails to use turn signals or does not signal early enough, nearby drivers are taken by surprise and may not have sufficient time to react, resulting in accidents.

Truck Driver Distraction

Distractions or inattention from the truck driver play a critical role. A momentary lapse in focus can prevent a truck driver from adequately checking blind spots or calculating the correct turning radius.

Road Conditions

Road conditions and layout also contribute to wide right-turn accidents. Narrow roads, crowded intersections, and poorly marked lanes can complicate the maneuver, increasing the likelihood of errors.

Other Driver Behavior

The behavior of other road users can impact the safety of a wide right turn; impatient drivers attempting to overtake a turning truck or failing to yield can create hazardous situations leading to collisions.

Liability for Wide-Turn Truck Accidents

Determining liability for wide-turn truck accidents can be complex and typically involves examining several factors to assess responsibility. Generally, multiple parties can be held liable depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Truck Driver Liability

Truck drivers are often the primary party held responsible for wide-turn accidents. If the driver failed to follow proper protocol, such as neglecting to use turn signals, misjudging the space required for the turn, or engaging in distracted driving, they can be deemed liable for any resulting collisions.

Trucking Company Liability

Trucking companies may also bear liability, especially if the accident was a result of inadequate driver training, poor maintenance of the truck, or if the driver was fatigued due to overly demanding schedules. Companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are competent and their vehicles are safe for road use.

Third-Party Liability

Sometimes, third-party entities can be held accountable as well. For instance, if a truck part malfunctioned due to a manufacturer’s defect and contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable. Similarly, if poor road conditions, such as inadequate signage or road maintenance, played a role, the governmental body responsible for road upkeep might be considered at fault.

Other Road Users’ Liability

In some cases, other drivers on the road could also be responsible. If another vehicle’s driver was driving aggressively, attempting to overtake the truck unsafely, or failed to yield, they might share liability for the accident.

Ultimately, liability in wide-turn truck accidents requires a thorough investigation to identify all contributing factors and responsible parties. Legal professionals skilled in handling such cases can help navigate the complexities, ensuring fair assignment of responsibility and appropriate compensation for damages.

Damages from Wide-Turn Truck Accidents

Victims of wide-turn truck accidents can suffer a variety of damages, which are often extensive due to the sheer size and force of commercial trucks. These damages can be categorized into several main types:

• Medical Expenses: The cost of medical care following a wide-turn truck accident can be substantial. Victims may face a long list of expenses, including hospital stays, surgical procedures, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment for chronic conditions arising from the accident. These costs can quickly add up, placing financial strain on the injured parties and their families.
• Property Damage: Collisions involving large trucks frequently result in significant property damage. Vehicles involved in these accidents may be extensively damaged or completely totaled, necessitating costly repairs or replacements. Beyond vehicles, other types of property—such as roadside structures or personal belongings within the vehicle—can also be affected.
• Lost Wages: Injuries from a wide-turn truck accident can significantly disrupt a victim’s ability to work. Lost wages encompass not only the immediate loss of income due to missed workdays but also future earning potential if the injuries result in long-term disability. This economic impact can be profound, especially for those who are the sole or primary earners in their households.
• Pain and Suffering: Beyond the tangible costs, victims of wide-turn truck accidents often experience considerable pain and suffering. This includes physical pain from injuries, emotional distress, mental anguish, and a reduced quality of life. Pain and suffering are often more difficult to quantify but are an essential component of the compensation process.
• Loss of Consortium: Family members of those injured in wide-turn truck accidents may also suffer. Loss of consortium refers to the deprivation of the benefits of a familial relationship due to injuries sustained by a loved one. This can impact spouse relationships, parent-child relationships, and other close familial bonds.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the truck driver’s or trucking company’s conduct was particularly reckless or negligent, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages go beyond compensatory damages, focusing on the severity of the misconduct.

Victims of wide-turn truck accidents should seek legal counsel to ensure they receive fair compensation for these extensive damages. A knowledgeable attorney can help navigate the claims process, gather necessary evidence, and advocate for the victim’s rights in negotiations or court proceedings.

Steps to Take After a Wide Right-Turn Truck Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a wide right-turn truck accident, taking the right steps can significantly impact the outcomes of potential legal claims and ensure everyone’s safety. Here are the essential steps to follow:

1. Ensure Safety and Call for Help: The first priority is to check for any injuries and ensure the safety of all parties involved. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get medical help as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Move to a Safe Location: If the vehicles involved are causing a hazard on the road and can be moved safely, relocate them to a safer area nearby. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
3. Notify the Police: Report the accident to the police, who will arrive at the scene to assess the situation and file an official accident report. This report can be vital when filing claims or pursuing compensation.
4. Exchange Information: Gather and exchange information with all involved parties, including names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration details, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well.
5. Document the Scene: Take detailed photographs and videos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. Documenting the scene can provide crucial evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
6. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, schedule a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Certain injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not present immediate symptoms. A medical report can also serve as important evidence in your claim.
7. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly. Provide them with all necessary information and documentation to start the claims process.
8. Consult an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer at PhillyLaw: Consider consulting a lawyer experienced in wide-turn accidents to understand your rights and legal options. The truck accident attorneys at PhillyLaw can guide you through the complexities of filing claims, dealing with insurance companies, and pursuing compensation.

Taking these steps can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for any injuries or damages sustained in a wide right-turn truck accident.

How Do I Pay My Lawyer in a Truck Accident Case?

When hiring a personal injury lawyer for a truck accident case, understanding the payment structure is essential to make informed decisions. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Under this arrangement, the lawyer’s payment is a percentage of the compensation awarded to you, either through a settlement or court verdict. This means there are no upfront fees, and you do not owe a fee unless your lawyer wins or settles your case. Choosing to work with a personal injury lawyer on a contingency fee basis for your wide right-turn accident can ease the financial stress during an already challenging time, ensuring that you can pursue rightful compensation without upfront costs.

Why Choose PhillyLaw For Your Wide Right-Turn Accident

PhillyLaw boasts a team of highly experienced truck accident attorneys dedicated to advocating for victims of truck accidents. With extensive knowledge of the complexities involved in such cases, our lawyers are well-equipped to handle every aspect of your claim. From gathering vital evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, PhillyLaw attorneys are committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case. Trusting PhillyLaw means having seasoned professionals by your side who understand the intricacies of truck accident claims and are relentless in their pursuit of justice for their clients. Contact our offices today for a free consultation.