When it comes to truck accidents in the United States, one of the most common types is the wide-turn accident.
These happen when a truck driver attempts to make a wide right-turn and collides with oncoming traffic or passenger vehicles in the other lane - but who is at fault? Schuerger Shunnarah consult on who's at fault in underride accidents.
Truck drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their vehicles and the surrounding traffic.
This includes adhering to traffic laws and using their turn signal when changing lanes. Unfortunately, many motorists fail to take the necessary precautions when making a wide turn, resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities.
In many cases, the fault lies with the truck driver involved in the accident. They might have failed to use their turn signal or misjudged the truck's turning radius, leading to a collision with oncoming vehicles.
Additionally, truck drivers often operate large commercial trucks with blind spots, which can make it difficult to see other vehicles.
Causes of Wide-turn Truck Accidents
Wide-turn truck accidents are a serious problem on American roads today. These types of mishaps can be incredibly dangerous. Unfortunately, they happen all too often and are usually caused by negligent truck drivers or trucking companies.
Failing to Use Signals
One of the leading causes of wide-turn truck crashes is the driver's failure to signal their turn. When a truck driver fails to indicate turns, other drivers may not be aware of the operator's intent, and they may end up colliding with the vehicle.
Negligent Truck Driver
Another common cause of a wide-turn accident is a driver's negligence in accounting for the truck's turning radius.
Large commercial vehicles have wider turning radii than passenger cars, requiring more space to make a turn. When a truck driver does not consider this, they may turn too wide and collide with other vehicles or objects.
This is another factor that can contribute to a wide-turn accident. Trucks have several blind spots, which means that the driver cannot see certain areas around the vehicle.
When making turns, truck operators must be aware of these spots and take necessary precautions to avoid crashing into other drivers.
Determining Liability in a Wide-turn Truck Accident
Truck accidents are often catastrophic, and wide right-turn accidents are no exception. Like most highway casualties, a turning truck can cause significant damage to other vehicles, pedestrians, or properties.
Determining liability in a wide right-turn accident can be complex and requires the expertise of a qualified Houston truck accident attorney.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will understand the unique challenges that come with a wide right-turn accident involving semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. They know how to:
Investigate the issue
Gather evidence
Determine who is at fault
In a right-turn truck accident, it is not always clear who is liable for the damages. The vehicle driver, trucking company, or another party may be at fault.
Truck accident lawyers can help victims file a personal injury insurance claim or a lawsuit against the at-fault party. They can negotiate with the insurance company on the client's behalf and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Expert legal representation can also help drivers understand their rights, evaluate the case, and provide the guidance victims need during this difficult time.
In Texas, the law follows modified comparative fault, which means that the plaintiff can recover compensation if they are less than 50% at fault. If the victim is found to be partially at fault, their damages will be reduced by the percentage of liability assigned to them.
Seeking Financial Compensation from Truck Drivers and Insurance Companies
In the aftermath of a truck accident, victims may be left with severe injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma.
Seeking financial compensation from the truck driver and their insurance company can help alleviate some of the burdens that come with an accident.
However, navigating the legal system and dealing with insurance companies can be challenging without the help of an experienced truck accident attorney.
It is important to note that the trucking company and its insurance agency will often try to avoid liability by blaming the victim for the semi-truck accident.
They may argue that the plaintiff was driving recklessly or not following federal or state regulations. This is where a qualified truck accident lawyer can protect the victims' rights and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
The Truck Driver Must Signal Turns Before Changing Lanes
It's not just wide right-turns that can be dangerous for other drivers when a large semi-truck fails to use its turn signals.
Changing lanes without indicating can also cause crashes. If the motorist moves into the oncoming lane without warning, the other driver might not have enough time to react and avoid a collision.
When a victim is involved in an accident with a truck that fails to signal, they have the right to recover compensation for their injuries and damages. Injured drivers can work with a lawyer to fight for their rights and hold the negligent truck driver and/or company responsible for the accident.
It's crucial to work with an experienced lawyer to consider all aspects of the incident, such as whether the truck driver was paying attention to the road, driving while texting or tired, and whether traffic signals were obeyed. Schuerger Shunnarah can also advise on who's at fault in jackknife accidents.
Final Words
The trucking industry is a vital part of the American economy, with millions of goods transported daily across the country. However, accidents involving large commercial trucks can have devastating consequences.
In-depth investigations into wide right-turn accidents have shown that many of these incidents can be prevented if truck drivers signal their turns before changing lanes.
All large truck drivers must use signals to indicate their intention to switch lanes or make a turn.
The signal communicates the motorists' intentions to other drivers and allows them to make informed decisions. When a truck driver fails to signal, they are not only breaking the law but also putting themselves and others at risk.
Partnering with a renowned law firm such as Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help victims recover compensation for their injuries. With its slogan, "We Go to War for You," the company provides free consultation to plaintiffs involved in wide right-turn accidents.