Large commercial trucks and tractor-trailers are common on roadways and freeways in South Carolina. These trucks’ large size and weight can make them difficult to maneuver, particularly when making a wide right turn. When these trucks make a right turn and are closer to other vehicles, there might be a collision, or the truck can block other vehicles on the road.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident caused by a wide right turn, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney. At Elrod Pope Law Firm, we can investigate wide right turn truck accidents, help determine who is responsible, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Is a Wide Turn?
A wide turn is a maneuver often used by trucks at places like intersections. Typically, this is done by slightly turning the wheels to the left and proceeding to turn, or occupying a different lane of traffic to begin turning.
If not done correctly, wide turns can be dangerous.
Causes of Wide Turn Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has identified wide turns as one of the leading causes of truck accidents. When trucks make wide turns, they are more likely to collide with other vehicles, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists.
Wide right turn truck accidents may take the form of head-on collisions, a sideswipe collision against a vehicle in a different lane, or a squeeze accident where a car can get trapped under the trailer.
Several factors can contribute to wide turn truck accidents, including:
- Trucks traveling at high speeds, making them unable to execute a wide right turn safely
- Truck driver’s inability to observe safe turning guidelines, such as maintaining a consistent lateral distance from adjacent vehicles
- Poorly maintained or defective equipment, such as turn signals that don’t work properly
- Inexperience or inadequate training on truck or tractor-trailer right-hand turns
- Driving with malfunctioning lights, mirrors, or signals that lead to right-turn squeeze accidents
- Failing to use mirrors and windows to manage turning space appropriately
- Little or no familiarity with a new road
- Backing up to finish a turn
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
Regardless of what caused the accident, it can be challenging to determine who was in the wrong. Elrod Pope law firm understands the law and procedures to follow in such circumstances. Well, this is where Elrod Pope Law Firm comes in.
Wide Right Turn Accident Fault: Parties That May Be Liable
Different parties may be liable in a wide right-turn accident. Some of them include:
The truck driver
The first is the driver who made the turn. If the driver was negligent, such as not using a turn signal, they might be held liable.
Other drivers
Sometimes other drivers may make mistakes that cause truck accidents. If case evidence suggests a driver was speeding or driving recklessly around a turning tractor trailer, they may be held liable.
The trucking company
If the company that provided the truck to the driver was negligent, they might also be liable. This could include not providing a safe truck, not ensuring the driver had adequate training, or failing to provide tracking information.
Vehicle part manufacturers
Some vehicle components can also lead to accidents months or years after manufacture. The manufacturer may be held liable if a vehicle part was defective and caused an accident. This includes things like airbags, brakes, or tires.
The truck owner
If the tractor trailer was at fault for the accident and the trucking company is not the owner, its actual owner may be held liable. It’s the owner’s responsibility to carry out regular inspections, including maintaining fluid levels, safeguarding engine functions, and ensuring the vehicle’s safety.
Get An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
You will need to work closely with an experienced truck accident lawyer to determine who is liable in case of a truck accident resulting from a wide right turn. Your attorney will review all the available evidence to determine who is at fault and what should be done next.
At Elrod Pope, we have over 40 years of experience helping people who have been involved in truck accidents. We work tirelessly to ensure you get the best possible outcome, whether that means obtaining compensation for your injuries or getting the person who was at fault held accountable.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions Wide Right Turn Truck Accident
Why do trucks make wide right turns?
Trucks make wide right turns to avoid tipping over. The extra width helps the truck’s wheels stay on the ground.
What are the potential damages of wide turns to other vehicles?
Wide turns can cause scrapes, dents, and paint damage, mostly in sideswipe incidents. In more severe cases, they can result in severe injuries or even death from head-on collisions or squeeze accidents.
