Because of the length and weight of large commercial trucks, it takes a special skill to be able to maneuver such a truck round a corner. In order to make a right turn, a large truck such as an 18-wheeler, semi, or tractor trailer much first swing to the left. If the driver of a tractor trailer or other large truck makes an error in navigating such a turn by miscalculating the amount of space needed, the result could be a serious car accident. Not only is the result significant damage to another vehicle, occupants of the vehicle often suffer serious injuries such as a brain injury, contusions, broken bones, internal injuries, amputations, paralysis, or spinal cord injury. However, in practically every case of a wide turn truck accident, the accident could have been avoided and the injuries not sustained if the driver of the truck followed safe driving rules. If you were injured in a wide turn truck accident, it is important that you immediately contact a Brooklyn Swinging Turns Accident Lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through a personal injury claim. In addition, if while treating you for your injuries your doctor makes a mistake such as a misdiagnosis resulting in a medical malpractice claim, the truck driver may be legally required to compensate you for that as well.
Large Trucks and Wide TurnsWide turn accidents frequently occur when a truck is attempting to make a sharp right-hand turn and first swings left. At the same time, a much smaller car may try to pass the truck on the right. The truck may then “squeeze” the car between its trailer and curb, injuring the occupants of the car. A truck driver must be attentive and make sure that he or she is aware of the location of other cars. Before making a wide turn a driver of a large truck must signal to other drivers, and only make the turn if it is safe to do so.
Pursuing a ClaimThere are many reasons for a wide turn accident—the majority of which point to the negligence of the truck driver. The law requires that truck drivers obtain a special license to operate a tractor trailer. In order to receive that license, drivers must go through special training. The training includes how to execute difficult turns in tight spaces. However, many truck drivers are overworked, exhausted, or undertrained. Others simply miscalculate the turn, opting to attempt a risky turn rather than wait for traffic to clear.
Whether they are caused by poorly executed wide turns, a mechanical failure, driver fatigue or some other reason, truck accidents can be devastating to a victim as well as to the victim’s family. Because of the size and weight of large trucks, even low-impact, low-speed accidents can have catastrophic results. Truck accidents can lead to devastating injuries such as a spinal cord injury, broken bones, brain injury, amputation, paralysis, and all too often, death. Through a personal injury lawsuit, New York law allows you to hold the negligent party responsible for the losses you suffered. Victims who suffer serious injuries in truck accidents have significant medical bills. In addition, because victims of serious injuries often have to miss a great deal of work or are unable to return to work at all, victims have the right to sue for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. If a truck accident results in the death of your loved one, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Beware that New York law has a specific time limit for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If you do not file your claim within the time period, you will be forever barred from collecting damages even if your case has merit.
Brooklyn Swinging Turns Accidents LawyerIf you were involved in a truck accident that you believe was caused by the negligence of the truck driver, it is important to immediately contact an experienced truck accident attorney since the rules that apply to a truck accident and in many ways different from those that apply to a car accident. Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC to discuss the details of your case. Our staff is experienced in handling claims resulting from truck accidents, as well as SUV accidents, car accidents, and motorcycle accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.