Big trucks make wide turns. Think of a large commercial vehicle such as an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or tractor-trailer used for hauling freight. These types of vehicles can’t make a neat, tight, right turn the same way passenger vehicles can. Instead, the big rig driver has to veer left first, often sweeping into the next lane. Only then can they turn by making a wide right-hand circle.
To warn other drivers of this maneuver, these trucks often bear “wide turn” stickers prominently on their exteriors. But these have the legal effect of a “student driver” sticker.
Both notify other drivers to be a little more careful, but neither is a “get-out-of-jail-free” card. Just as a student driver will be liable for an accident they cause, the driver of a big rig—despite the sticker—will be liable for damages that arise from their negligence. Contact our team of truck accident lawyers if you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident where the driver turned too wide.
Why Do Trucks Make Wide Turns?
If the driver of a car or small truck intends to turn right, they place their vehicle in the far right-hand lane, turn on their blinker, and then make a tight turn at the next intersection.
However, big rigs cannot mimic this because of their size and bulk. The cab of a tractor-trailer could make such a turn, but the trailer it is towing is physically unable to turn that sharply. Typically, the truck driver will start in the right-hand lane, then swing wide into the left lane to position the truck for a right turn.
How Do Wide-Turn Accidents Happen?
A classic “wide-turn” accident occurs when the tractor-trailer swings left in preparation for a right turn, and the car behind them attempts to pass on the right. The big-rig plows into the car as it turns. Given the size and weight of the big truck, the passing car can be totaled, and its occupants can suffer catastrophic damage.
Left turns by big rigs can present different hazards. When an 18-wheeler is turning left, it has to cross all of the traffic lanes, risking a head-on collision. This is even more likely if the truck swings into the oncoming lane of traffic before turning.
But that is not the only type of accident that can happen. Big rigs have many blind spots, areas they are not able to see in the side mirrors. This includes areas on both sides of the truck and also directly in front of it. That means that a truck changing lanes to prepare for a turn can smash right into a vehicle in the adjacent lane.
Laws Intended to Reduce Big Rig Accidents
Traffic laws vary from state to state, including laws enacted to reduce the number of big truck accidents. One law shared by most states requires a big rig driver to signal their intention to turn well in advance, often 100 feet or more. A variety of mirrors may also be required to eliminate some of the worst blind spots.
Many states require trucks to display clear signage notifying other drivers that they make wide right turns. But neither the presence of the sign nor the physical turning limitation gives the commercial trucks a right-of-way over other vehicles. They can only turn legally when it is possible to do so without having an accident.
Who Is at Fault in a Big Rig Accident?
Like in any other vehicle accident, liability is usually not a black-and-white matter. Determining who is at fault can be complex. The police, the insurers, and sometimes the courts have to review all the evidence and assess negligence.
Parties most likely to be assigned fault are:
- The driver of the commercial truck
- The company employing the commercial driver
- The driver of the other vehicle
The truck driver has a duty to drive carefully to avoid impacting other vehicles. They may fail to do that by speeding, failing to signal a turn, driving under the influence, or failing to check their blind spots. If this is the case and their actions caused the accident, the driver may be found negligent.
The company that owns the truck and employs the driver can also be found negligent. They can be held liable for the resulting damages if the truck was improperly equipped or maintained, or the driver lacked sufficient training or experience. The other driver can also be found negligent if they drove negligently, such as speeding or driving while under the influence.
If both drivers are found negligent, the outcome depends on the state’s laws. Some states use the “comparative negligence” approach, while others use the “contributory negligence” approach.
In a comparative negligence state, the court determines each party’s percentage of fault and bases the recovery on the degree of fault. In a contributory negligence state, if a party is found to be even slightly at fault, they cannot recover damages from the other driver.
What to Do After a Wide-Turn Accident
Here are the steps to follow if there has been a wide-turn accident:
- Call 911 to report the wide-turn accident and summon assistance. Move away from the scene if necessary to stay safe.
- Anyone who can do so should take photos of the accident scene. Get photos of all vehicles involved, the damage to each vehicle, the accident debris, the intersection, any road markings, and any injuries. Note whether there are traffic cameras at the intersection or any businesses near the scene with cameras.
- Talk to the police when they arrive and arrange to get a copy of the police report. In addition, get the truck driver’s name, the truck’s license plate and DOT number, and the insurance information. Obtain contact information for all witnesses.
- Visit a doctor the same day. It is imperative to obtain a medical evaluation, even for those who do not believe that their injuries are severe.
- Consult with an experienced attorney after the accident. They will assist in determining the best next steps. Make this a priority, as it is best not to provide extensive statements to insurers before obtaining legal guidance.
Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Can Help You Pursue Full and Fair Compensation
The Cleveland personal injury lawyers at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy have significant experience representing Ohio residents in truck accident cases. We have represented the rights of injured victims and their families in Ohio and across the country for nearly a century.
Contact our team of Ohio auto accident attorneys today for a free consultation. We are committed to working tirelessly to get you the recovery you deserve.
