How Do Wide Turns Cause Semi-Truck Accidents?
Due to the large size of semi-trucks, accidents involving these vehicles are very traumatic. Of all the different types of accidents, those involving semi-truck wide turns are some of the most common. They also cause some of the most serious injuries. Below, our San Antonio 18-wheeler accident lawyer explains why wide turn accidents are so dangerous.
Why are Wide Turns and Semi-Trucks So Dangerous?
Semi-trucks need more room to make turns than passenger vehicles. Right turns, in particular, are very difficult for truck drivers to maneuver. To make these turns, truck drivers often veer to the left first. This can confuse other motorists in the vicinity. If a truck driver does not use their signal, the situation becomes even more precarious.
A motorist may believe the truck is traveling left and try to pass the truck on the right. The vehicle then becomes trapped between the truck and the curb as the truck driver continues to turn right. In the worst of situations, a smaller vehicle can even become trapped under the truck, which leads to some of the most catastrophic injuries.
How Can Truck Drivers Avoid Wide Turn Accidents?
Truck drivers should always have the experience and skill to make turns safely. To ensure that no one becomes hurt while a truck driver is making a turn, truckers should:
- Always use their turn signals
- Move slowly when making a turn
- When possible, avoiding moving left before making a right turn
- Turn wide only when completing the turn
- Keep the rear of the truck as close to the curb as possible
- Look for oncoming vehicles
- Never reverse while making a turn
When truck drivers fail to make a turn safely, they can be held liable if their negligence causes an accident.
How Can Trucking Companies Avoid Wide Turn Accidents?
It is not only truck drivers that can avoid a wide turn accident, but also the companies they work for. Trucking companies can prevent wide turn accidents in the following ways:
- Ensure that all equipment on all trucks is in good working condition.
- Install appropriate mirrors on trucks that increase the driver’s visibility.
- Fully train all truck drivers and confirm that they are qualified to drive a truck.
- Use proper route planning, so the truck driver can avoid unsafe turns.
- Complete regular drug and alcohol testing.
- Ensure shifts are of reasonable length to avoid driver fatigue.
Just as truck drivers can be held liable when their negligent actions cause a crash, so too can trucking companies.
Our 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in San Antonio Can Determine Liability
If you have been hurt in a wide turn accident, you can hold the negligent party accountable. Determining who is liable for paying damages for your injuries, though, is not easy. At the Law Offices of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio 18-wheeler accident attorney will investigate your crash to determine who to hold liable and help you obtain a fair settlement. Call us today at 210-LAW-9999 or chat with us online to request a free consultation and to learn more.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence
