Wide turns by semi-trucks and other large vehicles can lead to severe collisions when smaller vehicles get caught in the truck’s turning path. Because these trucks need extra room to swing left or right, they often cross into adjacent lanes—sometimes trapping or crushing nearby vehicles. If you were hurt in one of these crashes, an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer can help you determine fault and protect your right to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Wide-Turn Crash Scenarios
When big trucks make wide turns, smaller vehicles often end up in danger zones that can lead to serious or even deadly accidents. Here are several scenarios drivers and cyclists can encounter:
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Right-Hook Accidents
In these situations, a truck pulls out to the left to begin a right turn but then swings sharply back to the right, turning over the lane or shoulder where a smaller car or bicycle may be. This can result in the car or cyclist being struck or pinned under the truck’s trailer.
Squeeze/Crush at the Curb
Sometimes a car becomes caught between the curb and the long trailer as both attempt to turn right. The restricted space leaves the smaller vehicle trapped and at risk of being squeezed when the trailer cuts across the lane it shares with the curb.
Lane-Encroachment Left Turn
Trucks making left turns may need extra space, causing the rear of the trailer to swing wide, often crossing the center line and moving into an oncoming or adjacent lane. Vehicles in those lanes can end up getting clipped or sideswiped as a result.
Driveway/Alley Turns
When turning into a narrow driveway or alleyway, a truck may need to block several lanes to maneuver. This creates a temporary but high-risk situation for drivers who may be passing or stopped alongside the truck.
Why These Crashes Happen
Wide-turn truck accident scenarios are more common when mistakes or avoidable issues arise. Several different factors play a role:
Driver Errors
Mistakes like failing to set up the turn correctly, neglecting to use a blinker, not looking at blind spots, or driving too fast while taking a turn can all play a role in these accidents. This can occur when a driver just isn’t paying close enough attention or is overly tired.
Lack of Training or Experience
Some truck drivers haven’t had enough instruction or practical experience, and they haven’t learned how to properly take these turns.
Route Planning Failures
Because of the size of these vehicles, most trucks plan their routes in advance. If this is done improperly, or isn’t done at all, a truck could end up on a road that makes turning very difficult and unsafe for those around them.
Other Motorists’ Conduct
Drivers and cyclists who pull into a truck’s blind spot or rush to beat a turning truck can contribute to these accidents as well.
Understanding the common causes of these accidents helps attorneys and injury victims pinpoint exactly how these preventable accidents occur and who could be responsible. If you have questions about an accident, reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer.
