Most people sharing a road with a large semi-truck know the uncomfortable feeling of watching a truck turn a tight corner when you are in the turning lane. There is a high risk of accidents here, especially if the truck driver does not act as required to minimize striking other drivers or other property. Wide turn truck accidents can lead to serious injury and loss, but with the help of a Phoenix truck accident attorney working just for you, you can make sure you receive compensation for any losses they cause.
Why Wide Turn Accidents Happen
Trucks have to make wide turns in many situations. Most semi trucks have two components. The tractor, which is the component where the engine is, and the trailer, or the box-like fixture on the back. These two components are hitched together. Both components must be able to turn evenly, but trucks, unlike cars, need more room to do so in a safe manner.
If the truck does not follow the exact track that the tractor takes during a turn, it can lead to the truck flipping over or other accidents occurring.
What makes this so difficult even for seasoned drivers is that these are very large trucks that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when they are loaded. The tractor can have a cab that is 20 feet long with a trailer that extends 53 feet or more. The bigger the truck is, the harder it is for the driver to make tight turns.
What Happens in a Wide Turn Truck Accident?
When a truck turns, and there is not enough room for the tractor to turn as well, an accident can occur. Truck drivers certainly have ample training in this area, and they are very good at building skills. Yet, there are still some reasons why these accidents happen:
- The truck driver turns too quickly, making the maneuver too difficult
- The truck driver does not have enough room because the other cars in the oncoming lane are too far into the intersection
- The truck driver does not have the necessary skills to manage the size and type of truck they are driving
- The trailer components fail to operate as they should, causing the trailer to snap off the tractor
- A lack of right of way or yielding to those who have the right of way
In many of these situations, the wide truck accident could have been avoided if the truck driver had the time to operate safely. For example, if another driver is in the intersection, the truck driver should not attempt an unsafe turn but instead wait for that driver to move before turning. In other cases, truck drivers need more skills with the specific type and size of truck they are operating to ensure they have the necessary skills to operate in a safe manner.
How A Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Wide turn truck accidents are not uncommon, but they can be deadly. With the help of a truck accident attorney, such as an experienced professional at Sargon Law Group, you can have a better idea of what your rights are in such an accident. Contact us today to sign up for a free consultation and learn more about how our Phoenix personal injury attorneys can help you build a strong case.