New York Wide Turns

Many of us have watched as a huge tractor trailer slowly tried to make a right turn through an intersection, coming dangerously close to clipping another vehicle. Because of the size and length of large trucks, it takes a special skill to be able to maneuver such a truck round a corner. If the driver of a tractor trailer or other large truck makes an error in navigating a wide turn by miscalculating the amount of space needed, the result could be a catastrophic car accident. Far too often this does indeed happen. Not only is the result significant damage to another vehicle, victims of such accidents 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 New York Wide Turns 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.

Tractor trailers typically weigh between 10,000-80,000 pounds and can be up to 48’ long. Because of this, it can be difficult for large trucks to navigate wide turns. Unlike a standard passenger vehicle or an SUV which are about 13’-16’ long, semis and 18-wheelers need a substantial amount of space in order to safely execute a turn. Wide turn accidents frequently occur when a truck is attempting to make a sharp right-hand turn. Since a large truck must swing wider than a sedan or SUV when executing such turns, large trucks typically must first swing left before initiating the right-hand turn. In doing so, the large truck usually must enter the lane for oncoming traffic when in order to successfully make the turn. As a result, the truck may end up causing a side-impact or head-on collision.

There 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.

If you were involved in a truck accident that was caused by a wide turn, 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.