Liability in Accidents Caused by Wide Turning Trucks

Truck accidents caused by wide turns have become increasingly common. With so many truckers operating big rigs for commercial and enterprise purposes, professional truck drivers must exercise extreme caution since they traverse roads with much smaller vehicles.

However, truck drivers do not always bear total fault, even if their trucks damaged another vehicle or caused serious injuries. For this reason, drivers hurt in these types of incidents often work with truck accident lawyers to help figure out if they have a strong case against the trucker.

Understanding Accidents Caused by Wide Turning Trucks

Before assessing who is to blame, it remains important to understand the parameters of this type of collision. Due to their length, trucks require a wider turning radius than cars. As the trucks make a left or right turn, the cab must have enough room to swing widely so that the trailer or trailers follow suit. During the turn, other vehicles stopped too close to the turning truck may end up being sideswiped or even crushed by the trailer.

Although left and right turns can be tight for trucks, right turns are particularly tricky. Many times, truckers need to veer into the left lane to make a successful right turn. Again, this leaves other vehicles potentially in harm’s way if they are stopped too close to the turning cab or trailer.

Is the Trucker Always Liable?

Even if a truck forces a car to smash into a pole, building, or other vehicle, the truck driver may not be totally at fault. Liability can only be assessed after scrutiny of the crash site. A thorough investigation will help reveal if the trucker or the other vehicle’s driver was liable.

Truck drivers could be held liable in various situations, including the following:

• Incorrect lane usage
• Turning into oncoming traffic
• Failing to use proper turn signals
• Failing to follow posted speed limits or safety signs
• Attempting to make a sharp turn

Of course, other concerns can point the finger at the trucker, like if the truck driver is intoxicated or distracted.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Victims injured by a wide turning truck should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to recoup damages from the at-fault party. Since Illinois follows the law of comparative fault, drivers may still be awarded money or negotiate a settlement if they are more than 50 percent negligent. In other words, if the injured driver is 49 percent at fault, that driver may still be able to recover 51 percent of any court-awarded damages.

The best course of action for anyone requiring extensive medical care after a collision is to speak to an attorney, especially before accepting a settlement from the truck driver’s company’s insurance provider.

Belleville Truck Accident Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC Help Victims Injured in Accidents Caused by Wide Turning Trucks

Are you wondering if you have a personal injury case related to a truck accident? If so, speak to one of our skilled Belleville truck accident lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC today. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 618-277-3644. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we happily serve injured truck accident victims in Belleville, Carbondale, East St. Louis, Granite City, Edwardsville, Chester, Waterloo, St. Louis, Madison County, St. Clair County, Monroe County, and Randolph County.