How to Avoid a Collision with a Wide Turning Truck
Because of their sheer size, trucks aren’t able to make turns as easily as passenger vehicles. You have probably been at an intersection that gets congested because of the need to swing wide – often because an unknowing motorist ends up in the truck’s way causing them to stop until things can get cleared up a little bit.
It’s a common issue, but it can also lead to dangerous wrecks if the truck driver, or the motorist, lacks experience. Today, the Car Crash Captain takes a look at what these wide turning trucks can do, and how we can all stay safer on the roads.
What Happens when a Truck Turns?
Wide turning trucks often cause issues on older and narrower streets. Because they’re hauling a trailer that makes the overall vehicle around 72 feet long, they can’t just pop into any old turn like we can in our little four-wheel rigs.
Right hand or left hand means they have to adjust the approach, or the final aspect of their turn – it often means they’re crossing into another lane to do so. Inexperienced truck drivers or inattentive and inexperienced motorists may not recognize the turn, or be able to indicate their intent, and a wreck can occur.
Due to the size of the truck and the inability to see in large blind spots, these wrecks can be devastating, even at slow speeds.
What’s a Squeeze-Play Turn?
One of the more common wrecks is known as the squeeze-play turn.
Suppose a truck rolls on up and wants to make a right-hand turn. But they can’t just turn right, or they’ll be hopping up and over the curb; maybe knocking over a light pole. There’s traffic coming from their right, so they can’t swing wide into the oncoming lane as they complete the turn.
To help them around the corner, they often turn left, then swing it back to the right. Doing so can cause the turn signal to turn off, and a motorist behind them sees the truck start to the left and they assume they’re making a left-handed turn; so, they pass on the right.
The truck then swings back to the right, and the motorist, especially if they’re in a small car, can get caught underneath the truck’s trailer.
Who is at Fault in these Wrecks?
It can go either way in these accidents. In the aforementioned squeeze-play, it’s likely that the motorist would be at fault. But what if the truck driver truly did signal “left” on accident? A dash cam is incredibly handy in that situation.
In other situations, it all boils down to if the trucker was acting negligently, or doing his or her best given the roads they’re required to drive on. Was the motorist in the wrong place, or was the truck driver impeding their travel?
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were in a wreck with a big rig, then you need a lawyer to help you out. Most trucking companies have lawyers on their side, and as soon as there is a wreck they’ll be making calls to insurance companies and legal representation.
The insurance companies will come out and assess what happened, and they’ll work their tail off to make sure the truck driver wasn’t at fault, or at least to show you’re partially at fault. You need your own legal team to help ensure you’re not trampled legally, and you find justice.
Herbert Law Group is on Your Side
Herbert Law Group is all about ensuring your justice.
We know how to handle insurance companies, we know how to look at these wrecks, and we know how to show that you are an innocent victim.
Wide turning trucks can cause issues, but no matter how your accident happened, let’s talk about it and see how we can help. Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll reach out to you for your free initial consultation.