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Wide-Turn Truck Accident Lawyers

Trucks making wide turns can present a hazard to other drivers and, in certain circumstances, can result in serious accidents. The main issue revolves around the size and length of commercial trucks, which require more space to navigate turns compared to smaller vehicles. This can create blind spots for truck drivers, making it difficult for them to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in their path.

Wide-turn truck accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on Arizona roads, and all too often, can lead to accidents with serious consequences. It’s both the responsibility of the truck driver and other drivers sharing the road to ensure safe turns are made on streets and highways. However, accidents do and will happen, and understanding how they occur helps promote road safety and prevent such incidents in the future.

Common Causes of Wide-Turn Truck Accidents

Trucks often swing wide to make a turn due to their long wheelbase and large turning radius. This means they may encroach into neighboring lanes or cross over into oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of colliding with other vehicles. Drivers unaware of a truck’s intention to make a wide turn may attempt to pass the truck on the inside, only to be struck when the truck turns unexpectedly.

Moreover, blind spots or “no-zones” surrounding trucks can contribute to accidents during wide turns. These blind spots exist on the sides, rear, and front of the truck, making it challenging for the driver to see vehicles alongside or directly in front of them. As a result, pedestrians, cyclists, or cars may inadvertently end up in these blind spots, and if the truck driver is not cautious, they can be hit when the truck starts to turn.

Wider turns also require truck drivers to navigate different traffic patterns and road conditions. Busy intersections, narrow streets, or inadequate signage can complicate the process of executing a wide turn, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Wide-turn truck accidents are often caused by a combination of limited visibility, driver error and misjudgment, and driver negligence. If you happen to be driving in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could end up in the way of a truck making a wide turn.

If you’ve been injured in this type of truck accident, it’s important you have the right legal team on your side. The wide-turn truck accident lawyers at Torgenson Law are experienced in investigating and evaluating who is at fault for the accident. Our personal injury attorneys will work to identify who caused the incident and build a case for appropriate compensation.

Common Injuries Sustained in Wide-Turn Accidents

Wide-turn accidents often cause collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. These accidents can lead to significant and life-changing injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks.

  • Whiplash. A common injury sustained in wide-turn truck accidents is whiplash. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle from behind or from the side during a wide turn, the impact can cause the neck to jerk suddenly, leading to whiplash. Whiplash can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and even long-term complications if not treated promptly.
  • Spinal injuries. Another common injury is spinal cord damage. As the force of a collision with a truck can be significant, it can result in spinal cord injuries such as herniated discs, spinal contusions, compression fractures, or even paralysis. These injuries can have life-altering consequences, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
  • Brain damage. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also frequently seen in wide-turn truck accidents. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the occupants may experience a violent jolt or impact to the head, potentially leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe brain injuries. TBIs can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood changes, and even permanent motor skills disabilities.
  • Broken bones and contusions. Additionally, broken bones and crush injuries are quite common in wide-turn truck accidents. The force exerted by the massive weight of a truck can easily fracture bones upon impact. In severe cases, particularly where a smaller vehicle is trapped between the truck and a fixed object, crush injuries can occur, leading to extensive contusions, tissue damage, organ failure, and, in some cases, amputations.

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a wide-turn truck accident to diagnose and treat any injuries promptly, as well as get documentation about your injuries. Expert legal assistance is also necessary to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and other damages resulting from these debilitating accidents.

Who’s at Fault in a Wide-Turn Truck Accident?

In a wide-turn truck accident in Arizona, determining fault can vary depending on the specific circumstances and applicable traffic laws. Typically, fault in these accidents is attributed to the party who failed to exercise reasonable care and caused the collision. While it is prudent to review each case individually, it is commonplace for both the truck driver and the other vehicle involved to share some responsibility for the accident.

Truck drivers making wide turns have a legal duty to signal their intentions and exercise caution to prevent accidents. They must accurately assess their surroundings and use their mirrors to ensure there are no vehicles or pedestrians in their blind spots before initiating a turn. If a truck driver fails to do so, causing an accident, they can be held partially or fully responsible.

On the other hand, passenger vehicle drivers have a responsibility to be aware of their surroundings, especially when sharing the road with large trucks. They should be attentive to a truck’s turn signals or indication of an upcoming wide turn. Failing to exercise caution, attempting to pass the truck on the right, or attempting to squeeze through a narrow gap on the left could contribute to the accident and result in shared or partial fault with the truck driver.

The circumstances surrounding the accident, such as visibility conditions, traffic patterns, speed limits, and any violation of traffic laws, are critical in determining fault. Eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, accident photographs, and expert analysis can also play a significant role in identifying negligent behavior and allocating fault accurately.

As each wide-turn truck accident is unique, consulting with a truck accident attorney experienced in handling these types of cases is essential to ensure proper evaluation of fault and pursuit of rightful compensation.

Contact Torgenson Law Today

It’s important to note that determining liability in a wide-turn truck accident in Arizona follows the comparative fault rule. Under the legal doctrine of pure comparative fault, at-fault parties can claim compensation for losses if the other party involved is shown to be at least somewhat at fault. Even those who are deemed 90 percent at fault for their accident-related injuries are still eligible to claim compensation. However, any monetary compensation would be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Due to the comparative fault rule in Arizona, it’s essential you have attorneys on your side who understand how to navigate this complex legal doctrine and who can help determine fault for the accident. Since even a 1 percent fault can lead to split compensation, it’s crucial to have attorneys who can evaluate all the facts and are prepared to prove the party at fault in court, if needed.

If you have been injured in a wide-turn truck accident, reach out to us for a free and confidential evaluation of your case. We’ve represented Arizona drivers in all types of accidents over the years, and our wide-truck accident lawyers will work directly with you to build a persuasive claim for compensation. We don’t get paid unless we get you a monetary judgment for your injuries and damages. Call us today for a case review at 602-726-0747 or reach out online, and we will get started on a claim for fair and just compensation.

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