Truck wide turn accidents in Missouri occur when a semi-truck turns left before making a right turn or takes up multiple lanes while turning. These accidents result in serious injuries for drivers that are hit unexpectedly, as well as extensive damage to their vehicles.
Because of their large size and extended trailers, trucks need additional space to turn safely. When truck drivers neglect the safety precautions, they can crash with nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or even buildings.
The majority of these accidents happen because truck drivers fail to signal their intended turns correctly and, the absence of turn signals leaves drivers unable to predict the truck’s movements, which can result in their car being trapped in the truck’s turning path.
Blind spots also play a big role in these crashes, as truck drivers must carefully check their mirrors and surroundings before making a turn, because if they fail to do so, a smaller vehicle hidden in a truck’s blind spot might end up crushed by the trailer.
Driver fatigue is another major factor, as extended driving periods slow down the truckers’ response times and reflexes, which leads them to take wrong turns. Also, a tired driver might forget to check their mirrors or overestimate how much space they have, leading to catastrophic accidents.
Unfamiliarity with the roads can result in hazardous situations too, because a trucker may execute a wide turn in a narrow space, resulting in dangerous conditions for the drivers nearby.
Accidents like those should be avoided with proper training and safety precautions and careful driving practices, to prevent innocent drivers or pedestrians from suffering the consequences. Understanding how these crashes happen can help Missouri drivers stay alert and reduce their risk on the road.
Continue on with this article by our highly rated Missouri truck accident attorneys to learn more about how these crashes happen, how to avoid them, and your legal options if you are involved in one.
Wide Right Turn “Squeeze Play” Accidents
A wide right turn “squeeze play” accident happens when a truck swings left before making a right turn,which opens a gap for a smaller vehicle to enter the right lane. As it seems like the truck is changing lanes, the driver moves forward but ends up trapped when the truck completes its turn.
This happens because the blind spots on the truck obstruct the driver’s visibility of the vehicle next to them. During the turn, the smaller vehicle gets trapped between the truck and the curb which results in serious damage and injuries.
Several factors contribute to these accidents. If a trucker fails to use their turn signal, other drivers have no warning that the truck is preparing to turn. Also, the driver cannot spot surrounding vehicles when the truck mirrors are poorly maintained or when their view is obstructed.
Additionally, if the truck swings too wide too soon, it can mislead other drivers into thinking the lane is open. Even when the turn signal is on, car drivers often misinterpret that as a lane change signal, rather than an indication that the truck will execute a wide turn.
To lower the risk of a squeeze play accident, truck drivers must stay near the curb before turning and only swing left after clearing the intersection. That stops smaller vehicles from getting trapped in the turn. However, not all truckers follow these precautions, and when they don’t, unsuspecting drivers can suffer serious injuries.
Understanding these dangers can help Missouri drivers maintain their alertness on the road when sharing space with large trucks.
Wide Left Turn Accidents
Large trucks cause wide left turn accidents when they initially swing to the right before completing their left turn. This maneuver creates confusion for other drivers, increases blind spots, which raises the potential for impacts with vehicles, pedestrians as well as nearby structures.
Because of their large dimensions and wide turning radius, trucks need additional space when executing a left turn. However, when a truck driver does not execute the turn correctly, serious accidents can occur.
Why Do Wide Left Turn Accidents Happen?
Multiple factors lead to accidents during wide left turns. The primary reason behind these accidents is insufficient driver training. Truck drivers with insufficient experience frequently fail to properly handle their vehicle in wide turns, because they misjudge the distances and blind spots.
Similarly, drivers who are unfamiliar with the route tend to hesitate or position their truck improperly before turning, which results in a higher chance of collision.
Accidents involving wide left turns often result from the presence of faulty or absent mirrors. Large blind spots in trucks, as well as defective or obstructed mirrors can prevent drivers from seeing smaller vehicles approaching or waiting to turn.
Additionally, the trucker’s capacity to perform a safe left turn diminishes when distracted or impaired by drugs or alcohol and when fatigued.
Common Injuries in Wide Left Turn Accidents
The force of impact in a wide left turn accident can cause severe injuries. Whiplash frequently occurs because a crash’s abrupt motion produces a jarring effect on both the neck and spine. In more serious cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis while traumatic brain injuries may produce ongoing cognitive and emotional difficulties.
Other potential injuries from wide left turn accidents can be broken bones, dislocated hips or knees along with soft tissue damage. Victims of these injuries generally need prolonged medical attention and suffer long term health issues.
Who is At Fault in a Wide Turn Truck Accident?
Determining responsibility in wide-turn truck accidents is complex. Under Missouri’s pure comparative fault system, truckers and other drivers are responsible for accidents at the same time, and their percentage of fault determines the amount of compensation they can recover.
For instance, when a truck driver makes a wide left turn without signaling and hits a car in the next lane, they are usually presumed responsible for the accident. However, if the car’s driver was speeding or distracted, they could also be partially responsible. The car driver’s compensation will decrease by 20% if they are found to be 20% responsible.
Trucking companies and insurers often try to shift the blame, which makes it even harder to prove who is responsible. If you’ve been injured in a wide turn accident, working with an experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Missouri 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Near Me
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we will work to secure justice for you if you suffered a Missouri truck wide turn accident. Our firm specializes in holding negligent truck drivers and their employers responsible for their negligent actions.
We will gather the necessary evidence before starting aggressive negotiations or take your case to court if necessary. You don’t have to face this process alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve!
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