Commercial trucks are much larger and longer than passenger vehicles, making them much more difficult to maneuver. Turns are especially challenging. Truck drivers often need to turn their steering wheel away from the direction they want to go to allow for the truck’s wider turn circumference.
These maneuvers are known as wide turns, and while they are essential to avoid mounting a curb or hitting pedestrians or road signs, they can lead to dangerous collisions. Below, we discuss wide-right and wide-left turn truck crashes, including where they often occur, who could be held liable, and how drivers can avoid collisions with commercial trucks.
Victims of wide-turn truck crashes should consider seeking legal assistance from an experienced law firm like Greg Monforton and Partners. Our Windsor truck accident lawyers are committed to securing full compensation for victims, and there are no upfront costs with our services.
Free legal consultation with no obligation to hire our firm. Call us today: (866) 320-4770.
Why Do Truck Drivers Need To Make Wide Turns?
Commercial trucks have a much larger turning radius than passenger vehicles. They also have trailers that can collide with other vehicles or fixed objects if the truck drivers are not careful. This is why truck drivers need to create more space to complete a turn by swinging away from the curb or the direction they are heading.
Truck drivers often need to make this type of maneuver in the following locations:
- Intersections in urban areas: These areas have a lot of tight corners, which is why drivers need extra room to make sure the trailer can safely follow the cab.
- Loading docks and industrial areas: Truck drivers often need to execute wide turns to precisely align their vehicles with loading bays.
- Highway off-ramps: Sometimes these ramps curve so much that drivers may need to take a wider arc.
- Narrow residential streets: These areas are not constructed to accommodate heavy vehicle traffic, so drivers must be cautious.
- Roundabouts or traffic circles: Truck drivers need to be cautious when entering and exiting so they can avoid curbs, pedestrians and fixed objects.
What Is a Wide-Left Turn Truck Crash?
A wide-left turn truck crash involves a truck swinging wide right to execute a left turn. This could cause collisions with oncoming traffic, as oncoming drivers might not anticipate the truck’s wide-turn path. This type of collision may be more likely in an urban or residential area.
What is a Wide-Right Turn Crash?
A wide-right turn crash occurs when a truck driver swings the steering wheel to the left to make a right turn and collides with vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians. These accidents often happen at intersections and can result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the truck’s size and blind spots. Pedestrians, bicyclists and other cars can get pinned between the trailer and the curb, resulting in severe or life-threatening injuries.
Who Could Be at Fault?
Truck drivers are often the ones at fault for commercial truck crashes, such as for failing to signal. Drivers and pedestrians may not have anticipated the maneuver because they did not see a turn signal.
Other reasons why truck drivers could be at fault for wide-turn collisions include:
- Misjudging how much space is available: Truck drivers may incorrectly estimate the amount of space required to complete a turn. This error can result in the cab or trailer going into adjacent lanes or colliding with nearby objects or vehicles.
- Failing to check mirrors and blind spots: Truck drivers must check their mirrors and blind spots and signal before turning, especially in crowded or urban areas.
- Improper training: Some truck drivers crash because they have a lack of training or experience making wide turns. They may exercise poor judgment, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Speeding: Approaching a turn too quickly can make it difficult to maneuver the truck safely. This could raise the risk of losing control of the truck or encroaching on other lanes of traffic.
Even though truck drivers are often to blame, victims must still provide evidence to recover compensation for damages. Trucking companies fight hard to avoid accountability for these collisions, which is why victims need an experienced lawyer fighting for their interests. At Greg Monforton and Partners, we have the resources and legal knowledge to meticulously investigate these cases, gather strong evidence, and evaluate the damages victims have suffered.
Can Both Parties Be at Fault?
There may be situations when the driver of a passenger vehicle can be held partially at fault for a wide-turn truck crash. This means both drivers share responsibility for the crash, and your compensation would be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
These are some of the reasons why drivers of passenger vehicles could be partially at fault for wide-turn crashes with commercial trucks:
- Ignoring turn signals
- Driving in blind spots, especially near intersections, as truck drivers cannot see you
- Attempting to overtake a truck while it is turning
- Misjudging the truck’s maneuver, thinking the driver is turning that way
Avoiding Wide-Turn Truck Crashes
There are practical steps drivers can take to prevent or reduce the risk of a wide-turn crash with a commercial truck:
- Stay alert near trucks, especially at intersections or roundabouts.
- Stay out of a truck’s blind spots, especially near intersections.
- Give trucks significantly more space to safely complete their turns.
- Watch for trucks’ turn signals and give them space when possible.
Injured by a Negligent Truck Driver? Contact Us
Commercial truck crashes often cause life-changing injuries, as victims are in much smaller vehicles that are not built to withstand the impact.
Our firm understands how devastating these crashes can be. We have been advocating for these injured victims for decades, securing millions in compensation on their behalf. This includes a recovery of $4.25 million for a truck crash victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury.
We know you may be concerned about cost, but there are no upfront fees with our services. We do not get paid unless you are compensated.
Injured? We help crash victims secure justice and compensation. Call (866) 320-4770.