Wide Right Turn Accident

Posted on December 17, 2024 in Truck Accidents

Negligent truck drivers can cause wide right turn accidents by failing to properly assess their surroundings, misjudging the space needed for a turn, or ignoring traffic laws. Common causes include speeding, failing to check blind spots, distracted driving, or poor truck maintenance. Overloaded trucks or inadequate driver training by trucking companies can also contribute to these accidents.

A skilled Phoenix truck accident lawyer can help victims by investigating the cause of the crash, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. An experienced attorney will pursue the compensation that victims deserve for their medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the truck accident.

Most Common Causes of Wide Right Turn Accidents

Wide right turn accidents are a common type of collision involving large trucks, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. These accidents typically occur when a truck makes a right turn but swings too wide, striking other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles. The causes of these accidents are varied, and they can often be traced back to negligence on the part of a truck driver or trucking company.

One primary cause of wide right turn accidents is the size and turning radius of the truck. Unlike smaller vehicles, large trucks require more space to navigate turns. A truck driver may not have enough clearance to make a sharp right turn without swinging wide into adjacent lanes or onto sidewalks. In some cases, the driver may fail to properly judge the size of the turn or miscalculate the space required, leading to a collision.

Another common cause is poor judgment or inexperience on the part of a truck driver. Inexperienced drivers may struggle to accurately assess traffic conditions or how much space they need to make a safe turn. A truck driver who is unfamiliar with the area (or who is distracted) may fail to properly monitor blind spots or pedestrians, resulting in a dangerous wide turn.

Negligence on the part of a trucking company can also play a significant role. For example, a company employee may overload the truck, which can affect its handling and turning ability. Overloaded trucks are more difficult to maneuver, and when combined with improper maintenance or worn-out equipment, they can be even more prone to accidents. In some cases, the trucking company may also fail to train drivers properly, leaving them unprepared for the challenges of handling large vehicles – especially when making tight turns.

Driver fatigue is another form of negligence that can contribute to wide right turn accidents. Truck drivers often work long hours under tight deadlines, and fatigue can impair their decision-making and reaction times. A tired driver may be more likely to misjudge a turn or fail to react quickly enough to avoid an obstacle.

Inadequate vehicle maintenance is another significant factor. Trucks that are poorly maintained, with issues such as worn brakes, faulty steering, or malfunctioning turn signals, can make it much harder for the driver to execute a safe turn.

Ultimately, wide right turn accidents can result from a combination of poor driving, lack of training, and negligence on the part of both the driver and the trucking company. When these factors align, the consequences can be devastating for other motorists and pedestrians.

Common Injuries in Wide Right Turn Trucking Accidents

Wide right turn accidents involving trucks can lead to severe injuries for anyone involved. The large size and weight of trucks make these accidents particularly dangerous, and the injuries sustained can be life-changing.

One of the most common injuries from a wide right turn accident is whiplash. When a vehicle is struck – especially if the truck swings into the vehicle’s path – the sudden force can cause the driver and passengers to jerk forward and backward. This rapid movement can damage the neck and spine, leading to whiplash, which can cause pain, stiffness, and long-term discomfort.

Broken bones are also frequently seen in wide right turn accidents. A truck colliding with a car or pedestrian can cause significant force, resulting in fractures. Commonly broken bones include arms, legs, ribs, and even facial bones, depending on the severity of the crash. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and recovery, including surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.

Another serious injury is head trauma. If a vehicle is hit when a large truck makes a wide right turn, the occupants may hit their heads on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Head injuries can range from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A TBI can lead to permanent cognitive, emotional, or physical impairments, dramatically affecting a person’s quality of life.

Spinal cord injuries are also a major concern in truck accidents. The force of a truck colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian can cause damage to the spinal cord, which can result in partial or full paralysis. These types of injuries are often life-altering, requiring long-term care and therapy.

In addition, internal injuries such as organ damage or bleeding can occur when the body is crushed or violently jolted during a collision. Internal bleeding, especially in the abdomen or chest area, can be life-threatening and may require immediate surgery.

Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable in wide right turn accidents. A negligent truck driver who fails to notice pedestrians or cyclists in their blind spots during a turn can cause severe injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, or even fatalities.

Proving Negligence in a Wide Right Turn Accident Involving a Large Truck

Proving negligence in a wide right turn accident involving a large truck requires establishing that the truck driver or trucking company failed to meet a standard of care, leading to the accident. Negligence is a legal concept that involves someone acting carelessly or recklessly, causing harm to others. In the case of a wide right turn accident, there are several key factors that need to be demonstrated to prove negligence.

First, the duty of care must be established. A truck driver has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and responsibly, following all traffic laws and taking precautions to prevent accidents. The trucking company also shares responsibility by ensuring that its drivers are properly trained and that vehicles are well-maintained. Drivers must ensure they are aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles when making turns – particularly wide right turns that require more space.

Next, a breach of duty must be proven. This means showing that the truck driver or trucking company failed to fulfill their duty of care. In the case of a wide right turn accident, this may involve several types of mistakes, such as failing to properly judge the turn’s size, not checking blind spots, or turning too sharply. It can also involve actions like speeding or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the truck was overloaded or improperly maintained, this may also be considered a breach of duty by the trucking company.

The next element is causation. The accident victim must show that the truck driver’s actions (or the trucking company’s negligence) directly caused the accident. For example, if the driver made a wide right turn and collided with another vehicle or a pedestrian, the victim must demonstrate that the collision was a direct result of the driver’s failure to safely make the turn. If the driver was distracted, speeding, or making the turn recklessly, causation would be established.

Finally, damages must be proven. The accident must have resulted in harm to the victim, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses. Medical records, witness testimony, and accident reports can all be used to show the extent of the damages resulting from the crash.

To strengthen the case, evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, or traffic camera footage can be vital. Experts in accident reconstruction may also be hired to analyze the scene and determine how the truck driver’s actions (or inactions) led to the crash.

Successfully proving negligence in a wide right turn accident often requires thorough investigation and strong evidence. If all of these elements are demonstrated, the injured party can secure compensation for their damages.

Litigating a Truck Accident Case Involving a Wide Right Turn

Litigating a wide right turn accident case involving a large truck is a complicated process that involves several key steps. If you’ve been involved in such an accident and believe the truck driver or trucking company was negligent, it’s important to understand the legal process and how a lawyer can assist at each stage.

Step 1: Filing the Lawsuit – The first step in litigation is filing a lawsuit. After gathering evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, your lawyer will draft a complaint. This legal document outlines your claim, including the negligence of the truck driver or trucking company. It also specifies the damages you are seeking, such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer will file this complaint with the appropriate court and serve it on the defendant (the truck driver or trucking company).

Step 2: Discovery Phase – Once the lawsuit is filed, both sides enter the discovery phase, where they exchange evidence and information. During this phase, your lawyer will gather important documents, such as the truck driver’s logbook, maintenance records for the truck, and the company’s safety procedures. Your lawyer may also request depositions, where witnesses or experts are questioned under oath. This phase is important for identifying weaknesses in the other side’s case and building a strong argument for your own claim.

Step 3: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – In some cases, the parties may agree to participate in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation or arbitration. Mediation involves a neutral third party helping both sides reach a settlement, while arbitration is a more formal process where an arbitrator makes a binding decision. Your truck accident lawyer will help you navigate these processes, advocating for a fair resolution while preparing for the possibility that the case may still go to trial.

Step 4: Trial – If the case does not settle through negotiation or ADR, the next step is trial. At trial, your truck accident attorney will present evidence, question witnesses, and argue that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent. The defendant will present their side, and the judge or jury will decide the outcome. If you win, the court will award damages.

Recovering Compensation in a Wide Right Turn Truck Accident Case

Victims of wide right turn trucking accidents may be entitled to compensation for their various losses if they can prove that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent. These types of damages are meant to help victims recover both the financial losses they’ve suffered and the pain they’ve endured as a result of the accident.

Medical Expenses – One of the most common losses victims can seek compensation for is medical expenses. This includes all costs related to treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, such as hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, and prescription medications. If the injuries are severe, medical costs may be ongoing, and victims may be allowed to recover future medical expenses.

Lost earnings – If a victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they can claim lost earnings. This includes not only the income lost while recovering but also any future earnings if the injuries result in long-term disability or reduced earning capacity. For example, if a victim is unable to return to their previous job or has to take a lower-paying job because of the accident, they may be compensated for that lost income.

Pain and Suffering – Pain and suffering damages compensate victims for their physical pain and emotional distress, including chronic pain, mental anguish, anxiety, depression, or a decreased quality of life. Pain and suffering are harder to calculate than medical bills or lost income, but a skilled truck accident attorney can help demonstrate the effect the injuries have had on the victim’s life.

Property Damage – Victims may also be entitled to compensation for property damage, such as damage to their vehicle, personal belongings, or other property destroyed in the accident. This compensation covers the repair or replacement costs of the vehicle and any items that were damaged.

Emotional Distress

Emotional Distress – In addition to physical pain and suffering, victims can sometimes recover compensation for emotional distress. This can cover psychological trauma resulting from the accident, such as nightmares, PTSD, or long-term anxiety about driving or being in public spaces.

Punitive Damages – In rare cases, if the trucking company’s or driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, victims can seek punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the at-fault party (or parties) for extreme negligence and deter similar conduct in the future.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away

If you recently suffered injuries in a wide right turn trucking accident, a knowledgeable Phoenix personal injury attorney can help. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident circumstances, determine your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve to become whole again.