Large trucks, such as 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers, have to make wide turns due to their shape, size and length. Truck drivers must be trained on how to safely and properly execute turns to minimize the risk of related truck accidents.
Wide-turn accidents in Wilmington are often preventable, giving injured victims the ability to pursue justice and financial compensation. If you get hurt in a wide-turn trucking accident, the Wilmington truck accident attorneys at Shipman Wright & Moore, LLP can help you with the claims process. Contact us for a free consultation.
What Is a Wide-Turn Truck Accident?
A wide-turn truck accident is a motor vehicle crash that takes place while a large truck is attempting to turn. It can describe a collision between a car and the side or back of the truck, the truck rolling on top of a smaller car (override accident), a sideswipe collision, or a T-bone accident.
Large vehicles such as trucks and buses need extra space and time to execute turns compared to standard passenger vehicles. Right-hand turns are especially tricky because it is a smaller angle for the truck.
Truck drivers are responsible for navigating the unique safety challenges involved in making turns. This includes performing the turn at a safe, slow speed, ensuring there is enough space to make the turn and checking for cross traffic.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car collision involving a commercial truck, contact our Wilmington motor vehicle accident attorneys at Shipman Wright & Moore, LLP today.
How Can Wide-Turn Truck Accidents Be Prevented?
Commercial truck drivers should receive adequate training and instruction on how to safely turn their large vehicles. Truckers should work to minimize the risk of accidents as much as possible by using safety tips such as:
- Slowing down to a safe and careful speed.
- Checking mirrors and blind spots for surrounding vehicles.
- Avoid swinging the truck too wide into other lanes.
- Using blinkers to signal the intent to turn.
- Watching for oncoming vehicles and giving them enough room to pass.
- Accounting for factors such as bad weather or a heavily loaded truck.
Motor vehicle drivers also have a responsibility to exercise care and caution around a turning truck. Drivers should allow the truck ample room. Trying to pass the truck on either side could end in disaster, as trucks have to swing out in the opposite direction to turn. Drivers should be patient and wait a safe distance away until the turn is complete.
Your Rights After a Wide-Turn Truck Accident in Wilmington, NC
Wide-turn truck accidents in North Carolina are often caused by negligent, careless or reckless truck drivers. In personal injury law, negligence is a failure to use proper care, resulting in harm or injury to others.
If a truck driver is making dangerous mistakes, such as speeding, distracted driving, making unsafe lane changes, turning without signaling, turning or U-turning illegally, or trying to make too tight a turn, the driver or trucking company could be held liable.
Trucking companies are typically held vicariously liable for the mistakes of their drivers. The company could also be held directly responsible if it contributed to the crash in some way, such as by failing to properly train its drivers or maintain its trucks.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer in Wilmington Help?
Wide-turn truck accidents can cause serious and catastrophic injuries, including crush injuries, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. At Shipman Wright & Moore, LLP, our truck accident attorneys in Wilmington are here to help you protect your rights and hold someone accountable for your wide-turn trucking accident.
We will investigate the crash, determine causation and collect evidence against one or more at-fault parties on your behalf. Then, we will take over settlement negotiations with a trucking company or bring your case to trial, if necessary, for fair financial compensation for your losses. To learn more about how we can help you with a wide-turn truck accident case, request a free consultation.