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Wide Turn Trucking Crashes
How Does a Wide Turn Truck Crash Happen?
As explained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large commercial trucks are unable to make turns or maneuvers as easily as other types of vehicles due to their size. Large trucks are up to 14 feet long and have a high center of gravity that prevents them from making the same sharp turns as other vehicles without tipping over. The term “squeeze play” refers to a vehicle that gets squeezed or crushed between the truck and the curb or gets wedged beneath the truck tires during the turn. How does this happen? Here are some examples:
- The truck driver didn’t use his or her turn signal before completing the turn
- The car was in the truck’s blind spot
- Inadequate training
- The truck driver failed to wait for other vehicles to clear the intersection before making the turn
- Reduced visibility due to snow or rain
- Swung too widely while making a turn
- Did not slow down while making the turn
- Chose to make a wide turn where it was obvious that such turn was unsafe or there was not enough room
- Swung into moving, oncoming traffic
Who Is Liable for a Wide-Turn Crash?
- The truck driver. The truck driver is supposed to go through rigorous training so he can correctly operate the truck, whether on the highway or in a town. If they don’t signal, check their blind spots properly or wait until they can safely turn, they are considered negligent.
- If a driver works for a trucking company, the business that employs the driver could be considered negligent as well. The driver was operating within the scope of his employment when he failed to exercise a duty of care to other vehicles on the road. In that case, the driver may not even know he was negligent. Or, it could be that the business failed to have its employees undergo the important and necessary training before sending them out on the road. Both scenarios could put the trucking company at fault, in addition to the driver.
As with any commercial vehicle crash, a wide turn truck accident can cause severe damages and losses to victims. Due to the complexity of such incidents, legal action may be required to help compensate the victims for the losses caused by the negligent acts of the truck driver.
Damages in a Trucking Crash Cover:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Pursuing legal action is vital in a trucking crash case. It will not only benefit the injured victim, but it may also help launch an investigation into a trucking company’s policies and safety practices. In some instances, this can help prevent future accidents and injuries from occurring.
A Truck Crash Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck crash, contact our team of attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. so we can discuss your situation and your possible options to obtain compensation. We’ve handled thousands of complex cases and are here to help.
Source:
Peter Paul Olszewski, Jr., a shareholder and managing partner at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C., brings 37 years of litigation experience. He is a renowned trial lawyer in Pennsylvania, specializing in medical malpractice, personal injury, and criminal defense. Peter's notable achievements include securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and serving as District Attorney and Judge. He is committed to community involvement and is actively engaged in various legal associations.
Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-paul-olszewski-jr-11115b1a/