Wide Turns

Wide turns are an inherent challenge for large commercial trucks, requiring precision and care to avoid accidents. In Prince George’s County, collisions caused by wide turns are all too common, often occurring when truck drivers fail to check their surroundings or miscalculate the space needed to complete the maneuver. These accidents frequently result in devastating injuries, particularly for motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians caught in the truck’s path. A knowledgeable Prince George’s County truck accident lawyer can help uncover whether a wide turn error caused your crash and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Foran & Foran, P.A. is deeply familiar with the dangers of wide turns and the negligence that often leads to these accidents. Factors such as driver inexperience, poor visibility, or vehicle defects can make wide turns even more hazardous, increasing the risk of rollovers or collisions with other vehicles. Our team thoroughly investigates every detail of your case, whether it involves improper training, mechanical issues, or inadequate safety precautions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and take steps toward justice.

Large trucks, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,000 pounds, are critical to transportation but pose unique risks on the road. Most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 71% of large trucks involved in fatal crashes were heavy trucks weighing over 26,000 lbs. One common maneuver that contributes to accidents is wide turning. Due to their size and articulation, trucks require significantly more space to execute turns safely, increasing the potential for accidents, particularly in urban or congested areas.

Wide turns are necessary because large trucks cannot pivot like smaller vehicles. Their length and articulation require them to swing wide to the left before turning right or vice versa. This maneuver often creates blind spots and confuses other drivers, leading to collisions. These accidents significantly impact passenger vehicles, with 81% of large trucks involved in fatal crashes occurring in multi-vehicle accidents, compared to 63% for passenger vehicles. Wide-turn accidents often lead to side-impact collisions, underride incidents, or smaller vehicles being forced off the road.

Several types of accidents can occur during wide turns, each with severe consequences:

Side-Impact Collisions: These occur when a truck’s trailer swings out and strikes another vehicle, often because the driver misjudged the space required or failed to account for blind spots.

Underride Crashes: Passenger vehicles can become trapped underneath a truck’s trailer during a wide turn, especially if underride guards are not present or properly maintained.

Pinning or Crushing Incidents: Cars in adjacent lanes can be pinned or crushed if a truck swings too wide during a turn, forcing smaller vehicles into barriers or off the road.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries: Wide turns in urban areas often endanger pedestrians and cyclists, who may be struck by the trailer’s swing or caught in a blind spot.

Causes of Wide Turn Accidents

Wide turn accidents often result from preventable errors or negligence, including:

Driver Inexperience: Inadequate training leaves drivers unprepared to execute wide turns safely, especially in tight or crowded spaces.

Failure to Signal: Failing to use turn signals or communicate intentions clearly can confuse other drivers and increase the risk of collisions.

Blind Spots: Large trucks have expansive blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to see vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians alongside or behind them.

Improperly Maintained Vehicles: Defective brakes or steering systems can prevent a truck from executing turns accurately, leading to accidents.

Determining liability in wide turn accidents often requires examining the actions of multiple parties. Truck drivers are responsible for executing turns safely, ensuring they account for blind spots, use proper signals, and adjust to road conditions to prevent accidents. Trucking companies may share liability if they fail to provide drivers with adequate training, enforce necessary safety protocols, or properly maintain their vehicles. Maintenance providers, including third-party companies, can also be held accountable when faulty repairs or neglected upkeep contribute to an accident. Additionally, vehicle manufacturers may bear responsibility in cases where defective parts, such as brakes or steering systems, play a role, leading to potential product liability claims.

Wide-turn accidents are often preventable and result from driver inexperience, lack of training, or negligence. If you’ve been harmed in a crash caused by a truck’s wide turn, the Prince George’s County truck accident attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. can help. We work to uncover the cause of the crash and hold the responsible parties accountable. Our team offers free consultations, advances all case-related costs, and never charges a fee unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today at 301-441-2022 or through our secure online contact form to discuss your case.