Wide-turn accidents can be serious, resulting in severe injuries and even death. Understanding how these kinds of crashes occur and the steps drivers can take to prevent them is important for staying safe on the road.
This article was written to provide more information on wide-turn truck accidents and ensure that motorists know what steps they need to take to prevent such crashes. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also explain how to avoid jackknife accidents in Texas.
What Is a Wide-turn Truck Accident?
A wide turn accident takes place when a truck driver fails to execute a turn as intended, resulting in crashes with other vehicles, oncoming traffic, people, or objects in the vicinity.
This type of accident is frequently seen with large vehicles, such as buses or trucks, which require more space to make these kinds of maneuvers safely. Wide turn accidents can be caused by a number of factors, such as speeding, a lack of experience, and a failure to check blind spots.
Consequences can be serious and even deadly. Because trucks and other large vehicles are often the culprits, the truck driver performing the maneuver is seldom the one to suffer the brunt of the impact. Those in nearby passenger vehicles typically face the most serious consequences.
How to Avoid Wide-turn Accidents in Texas
Below are five tips on how to prevent these devastating accidents. These tips can be used by both truck and passenger vehicle drivers.
Reduce the Vehicle's Speed Before Turns
Speeding plays a crucial role in many wide-turn collisions. In Texas, where speed restrictions vary greatly based on road and weather conditions, vehicles must follow stated speed limits and decrease their speed prior to taking turns. Approaching corners at a fair pace assists drivers in maintaining greater control of their vehicles and responding more swiftly to unforeseen hazards.
When preparing for a wide turn, truck drivers ought to start slowing down well ahead of an intersection or bend. This can help him or her maintain control of the vehicle.
Make Way for a Turning Truck
The truth is that Texas is famous for its vast roadways, which are frequently shared by massive commercial vehicles.
When driving beside or behind these large vehicles, drivers must be cautious and appreciate the challenges that these drivers often face. Larger motor vehicles with longer wheelbases tend to need a lot more space to execute a turn safely.
To avoid wide-turn accidents with huge trucks, passenger vehicle drivers should exercise patience and avoid attempting to squeeze into tight gaps around them.
Unsafe actions, such as cutting in front of or beside a truck that is making a wide turn, might be risky since the driver may not be able to see the vehicle. Keeping a safe following distance and giving heavy vehicles plenty of room during turns can help avert possibly fatal collisions on Texas roadways.
Use Mirrors and Check Blind Spots
Wide turn accidents are common when motorists fail to check blind spots. In Texas, where huge trucks and SUVs are common, it is especially crucial for drivers to remain aware of their surroundings. Drivers should check their mirrors and blind spots regularly, especially before making a turn, to ensure there are no other vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians in their route.
Be Alert Where Pedestrians Are Involved
Wide turn accidents are not only an issue for motor vehicles. Pedestrians, too, encounter risks when crossing junctions and crosswalks. In Texas' busy cities, pedestrian traffic is prevalent, and drivers must be cautious to avoid accidents. Failure to yield to pedestrians at crossings or making wide turns without looking for foot traffic can result in serious accidents.
To improve pedestrian safety and prevent wide-turn incidents, drivers should pay special attention to designated crossings and pedestrian signals. Texas law mandates that drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and use caution when turning at junctions.
Take a Defensive Driving Course
Defensive driving courses can help those who want to improve their ability to drive. It can also be crucial in helping to prevent accidents, as drivers will learn how to make wise decisions in emergency situations.
These courses address a variety of topics, including safe turning methods, risk awareness, and more. Keep in mind that completing a program like this can not only improve a driver's understanding but may also result in insurance savings.
Pursuing Compensation in Wide-turn Truck Accidents
When large trucks do not take turns correctly and crash into passenger vehicles, the consequences can be life-changing. With the help of a reliable team of semi accident lawyers in Dallas, victims can pursue damages.
A Texas truck accident attorney will assess the specifics of the case to determine liability and help guide the victim through the process of obtaining compensation.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Damages?
Assigning fault is an important part of obtaining compensation. The truth is that there are a number of different parties that can be held liable for a victim's damages.
An attorney will review the details of the case and ensure that the correct party or parties are held liable for the part they played. They can also advise on how to avoid underride accidents in Texas. Here is an overview of some of the people that can be assigned fault in a wide-turn truck accident:
Truck Drivers
In many cases, it is the truck driver who is to blame for the accident. Traveling at high speeds, driving while distracted, and failing to slow down before a bend can all cause these kinds of crashes.
Trucking Companies
In some cases, the trucking company can be held responsible. Suppose the brakes were not functioning because of poor maintenance, which led to the incident. In that case, the trucking company may be responsible for paying compensation to the victims.
Other Drivers
It isn't always the truck drivers who are to blame for wide-turn truck accidents. Sometimes, passenger vehicle drivers can be the ones at fault if they cut in front of a truck or engage in other unsafe behavior.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Is Here to Help
Working with a reliable personal injury lawyer is the key to success when obtaining compensation for accident injuries. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are committed to the cause and will go to war for victims, ensuring that they receive justice.
Claimants can contact the team to schedule a free consultation and case review.