Large trucks require different driving methods than smaller passenger cars. The size, weight and length of a tractor-trailer lead to specific accident risks, including wide-turn collisions. Truck drivers are required to adapt to these unique accident risks and operate their big rigs accordingly. The failure to do so could result in a preventable truck accident. If you were injured in an accident, make sure to contact a truck accident lawyer in San Antonio for legal guidance.
What Is a Wide-Turn Accident?
The design of an 18-wheeler that is pulling a trailer requires the truck driver to steer wide to make turns. This is especially true of right-hand turns. To execute this type of turn, a semi-truck must swing out to the left first. This maneuver creates a blind spot on the right side of the truck that can hide other vehicles and contribute to wide-turn accidents.
What Causes Wide-Turn Accidents?
To make a wide turn safely in a commercial truck, the truck driver must pay attention to his or her surroundings and blind spots. The trucker must signal his or her intent to turn, safely judge the space needed to complete the turn, wait until traffic has cleared to the left of the truck, slow to a safe speed, and then carefully make the turn.
Failing to engage in these safe habits can lead to wide-turn truck accidents. Unfortunately, many truck drivers fall short of their duty of care. They make dangerous choices such as driving while distracted, drowsy or under the influence. Other truck drivers are not properly trained to operate big rigs, resulting in unsafe wide turns and related collisions.
Common Injuries Caused By Wide-Turn Truck Accidents
When a large truck crashes into a smaller car, the car typically sustains the worst of the damage. Since a big rig significantly outweighs a passenger vehicle, the truck can inflict serious property damage to the car – often resulting in severe injuries to those inside.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
Wide-turn truck accidents frequently take the form of side-impact collisions, where the turning truck sandwiches surrounding vehicles. These accidents can be particularly harmful, as the side of a motor vehicle is not designed to withstand impact.
Injured in a Truck Accident?
Speak With an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Texas Today
Who Is Liable for a Wide-Turn Truck Accident in Texas?
Since Texas is a fault state, the driver or party at fault for a truck accident is held responsible for paying for victims’ damages. A truck driver may be found at fault for a wide-turn collision if he or she caused the crash in some way, such as by failing to check blind spots before swinging out into other lanes of traffic.
If a reasonably prudent truck driver would have done something differently to prevent the wide-turn accident, the truck driver could be liable, or financially responsible, for a victim’s medical costs and property damage repairs. If the truck driver is to blame, the trucking company could be held vicariously liable – permitting the victim to access greater insurance coverage.
How an Attorney in Texas Can Help
Wide-turn truck accident claims in Texas can involve many complex laws and legal procedures. You may be going up against a large and powerful insurance company or trucking corporation, which will be well-versed in fighting liability. The best way to protect your rights as a victim of a wide-turn accident is by contacting an attorney for representation.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in San Antonio will be able to gather evidence, determine fault for the wide-turn accident, and argue your case to an insurance provider, judge or jury. A lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement or bring your case to court in Texas. Meanwhile, you will be able to focus on healing from your injuries.