Wide Turn Truck Accident Attorneys in Michigan
If you have ever seen a commercial truck make a turn, you know how much room these large, long vehicles need to execute a turn safely. Commercial trucks pose a danger on interstates and highways when they are traveling at high rates of speed. However, many people do not understand that large trucks also pose a real danger when they are trying to navigate crowded and tight city streets. Just a simple fender bender with a semi-truck can cause serious injuries and property damage. Many truck drivers don’t have the necessary experience driving on city streets and they misjudge the amount of room required for a normal left or right hand turn. Head-on truck collisions and side-impact crashes are common types of wide turn accidents. When a wide turn accident occurs, the occupants of the passenger vehicle often are the victims who suffer injuries since their vehicle is much more vulnerable.
Causes of Michigan Wide Turn Truck Accidents
One of the most common causes of wide turn truck accidents is inexperience combined with a lack of training. Maneuvering an oversized truck around corners is much more difficult than making a turn in a passenger vehicle. This type of maneuver requires a significant amount of training and actual experience behind the wheel. Sadly, some companies hire inexperienced drivers who are not properly trained to save money. The result can be very harmful to others on the road.
Failing to check blind spots is another common cause of a wide turn crash. Tractor trailers and big rigs have extremely large blind spots. If the truck driver fails to check each of the blind spots before swinging out to out to the left to make a right turn or cutting the wheel sharply to make a left turn, another vehicle can be caught in the blind spot and crushed by the heavy truck.
Distracted driving and driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs are also common causes of wide turn truck accidents. Truck drivers must remain alert and focused at all times to avoid a truck crash, but especially when executing turns. In addition to impaired driving and distracted driving, other causes of wide turn truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Failing to maintain the truck with properly functioning turn signals, mirrors, taillights, and brake lights
- Unfamiliarity with roads
In some cases, a large truck accident may have more than one cause. For instance, an inexperienced truck driver may have tried to make a tight turn with an overloaded trailer causing a crash. An experienced Michigan wide truck accident attorney can help determine the cause of the truck crash and the parties who are liable for the damages that resulted from the crash.
Common Injuries Sustained in Wide Turn Truck Accidents
According to the NHTSA, over 70 percent of injuries from truck accidents are sustained by the drivers and passengers in other vehicles. A passenger vehicle simply cannot withstand an impact from a large, heavy vehicle like a commercial truck. Even though a truck may be traveling at a low speed when making a turn, the crash can be devastating. A passenger vehicle can be crushed under the wheels, by the trailer, or by the cab.
Common injuries sustained in wide turn truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other head injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries and back injuries
- Internal bleeding and damage to internal organs
- Paralysis and amputations
- Burns, scarring, and disfigurement
Because of the potential for long-term, debilitating injuries, the damages in a wide turn truck accident can be substantial. If the victim requires long-term personal care and ongoing medical treatment, the costs can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When combined with other damages such as loss of income, physical pain, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, and emotional stress, the value of a truck accident claim can reach into the millions of dollars. Because insurance companies want to limit the amount they must pay for claims, they employ teams of professionals to investigate and fight accident claims. A truck accident victim needs an Okemos truck accident attorney who understands how to fight insurance company tactics to protect the victim’s right to receive full compensation for damages.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Lansing for Help
If you are injured in a commercial truck accident, you need an attorney on your side who has experience handling this type of car accident claim. The legal team at The Clark Law Office is ready to help you file a truck accident claim to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Call our office at 517-347-6900 to schedule a free legal consultation. We accept most cases on a contingency fee basis meaning we won’t charge an attorney fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf. We have offices in Okemos and Lansing for your convenience.