Wide Right Turn Accidents
Wide right-turn accidents are common with large commercial trucks. Because of their size and length, these vehicles require extra space to turn. When drivers do not follow safety practices, these turns can become dangerous for nearby cars, cyclists, or pedestrians. A truck accident lawyer can help victims understand how these accidents happen, why they are so severe, and what legal options are available to pursue justice.
Why Large Trucks Need Wide Right Turns
Commercial trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles. Unlike cars, trucks cannot make tight turns, especially in crowded intersections or confined spaces. To complete a right turn, drivers must swing the truck to the left before steering back to the right. This maneuver creates additional clearance for the trailer to follow behind the cab.
The area to the truck’s right is especially dangerous during these turns. This space, often called the “right turn squeeze zone,” refers to the gap between the truck and the curb. Cars, cyclists, or pedestrians in this area are at higher risk of accidents.
If the truck swings left before turning right, road users in adjacent lanes may assume the truck is moving straight or turning left. This confusion leads to collisions when the truck shifts right.
Common Causes of Wide Right Turn Accidents
Several factors can make wide right-turns unsafe. Truck drivers must exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws. Failure to do so increases the likelihood of an accident. Below are some common causes of these crashes.
Misjudging surrounding traffic
Truck drivers must know all vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists near the truck. Misjudging the speed or position of these road users creates dangerous situations. For example, if a driver turns right too quickly without checking mirrors, the truck may collide with a car or bicycle in the squeeze zone.
Blind spots
Large trucks have significant blind spots. The area directly to the right of the truck and rearward is difficult for drivers to see, even with multiple mirrors. A car traveling in this blind spot may remain undetected when the truck begins turning, resulting in a crash.
Failure to signal
Turn signals matter greatly during right turns. Trucks must clearly signal their intent to turn so that other drivers can react. Failing to use turn signals gives nearby road users no warning, leaving them vulnerable when the truck cuts into their path.
Impatience or unsafe speed
For larger trucks, turns on the right must often be slow and deliberate. Drivers who rush through a turn or take it at an unsafe speed are likelier to lose control of the vehicle. The trailer may swing wide, sideswiping vehicles, poles, or pedestrians in the turn’s path.
Improper training
Truck drivers must receive sufficient training on how to perform complex maneuvers. Lack of training or insufficient practice increases the risk of mistakes, particularly in crowded urban areas. Drivers who do not fully understand how their truck behaves during wide right turns are more prone to accidents.
Road or weather conditions
Tight spaces, narrow streets, or inclement weather can make wide right-turns even harder. Rain, snow, or ice reduces the truck’s traction, increasing the chances of skidding. Poor road design can also leave insufficient space for a truck to turn safely.
Victims of Wide Right Turn Accidents
Those injured in wide right-turn accidents often suffer severe consequences. Because of the weight and size of a commercial truck, collisions involving these vehicles result in significant damage. Victims may include drivers of smaller cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
Cars involved in these crashes may be pinned between the truck and objects like curbs, poles, or barriers. Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable because they lack vehicle protection. Injuries often include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities in the worst cases.
Victims may also experience long-term effects from these accidents. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing physical therapy can stress injured parties financially. The emotional toll, such as dealing with permanent injuries or witnessing traumatic events, compounds the situation.
Examining Liability in Wide Right Turn Accidents
Determining fault in wide right-turn accidents often depends on identifying who acted negligently. While truck drivers bear a large share of responsibility, liability can extend to other parties in some cases.
Truck driver negligence
Truck drivers must follow safe driving practices, especially during turns. A driver may be liable if they fail to use a turn signal, check their mirrors inadequately, or make a turn too quickly.
Distracted driving also plays a role in many personal injury cases. For example, drivers using a phone or eating instead of focusing on traffic may misjudge nearby vehicles or pedestrians.
Trucking companies
The trucking company employing the driver may share responsibility. Improper training, lack of vehicle maintenance, or unrealistic delivery deadlines that push drivers to rush can contribute to accidents. For instance, if a company fails to train a driver on proper turning techniques, it can be liable for negligence.
Local or state governments
A poorly designed intersection or lack of proper signage can contribute to a wide right-turn accident. When roads are not engineered to accommodate large trucks safely, this increases the likelihood of crashes. Governments that fail to install signage warning about commercial truck maneuvers may also share fault.
Other negligent drivers
Other drivers can contribute to accidents. A car speeding to overtake a turning truck on the right could collide with the trailer or get sideswiped. While trucks require careful operation, other road users also have a duty to drive responsibly.
Importance of Evidence in Wide Right Turn Cases
Evidence plays a key role in determining what caused the crash and identifying responsible parties. Photos from the accident scene can show vehicle positions, road conditions, and the truck’s trajectory. Statements from witnesses or dashcam footage provide additional context.
Black box data from the truck may also reveal whether the driver braked in time, used their signals, or turned correctly. Police reports help establish key details, including road design and any citations issued after the crash.
Preserving evidence quickly is essential to support a case. Physical signs like tire marks or vehicle damage may fade or be removed over time.
Vito & Dollenmaier Law Can Help
Acting immediately ensures that information remains available to build a strong claim. If you or someone you know has been injured in a wide right-turn accident, a personal injury attorney at our firm can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Call 224-219-9688 for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless compensation is recovered for you.