Wide-turn truck accidents are often preventable, yet they continue to cause harm due to negligence, poor training, or inadequate maintenance. Let us explain how we can help and what you need to know if you’ve been involved in an accident in Arlington, Texas.
What Is a Wide Turn Truck Accident?
Wide-turn truck accidents occur when large commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, swing wide to make a turn and collide with other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. This maneuver, known as a “swinging turn” or “buttonhook turn,” can block multiple lanes of traffic, creating dangerous situations.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that over 32,000 crashes involving large trucks occurred statewide in 2022, many of which involved improper turns. In Arlington alone, these accidents contribute significantly to roadway injuries and fatalities.
Common Causes of Wide Turn Truck Accidents
Our experience as a wide turn truck accident attorney in Arlington has shown us that these crashes often result from:
- Driver Negligence: Truck drivers may fail to properly check their mirrors or signal when attempting a wide turn. Distracted or fatigued driving exacerbates the risk.
- Poor Training: Commercial truck drivers require specialized training to operate large vehicles safely. Inadequate training often leads to errors during wide turns.
- Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes or improperly maintained steering systems can prevent a truck from completing a turn safely.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo makes trucks more difficult to control, increasing the likelihood of a wide-turn collision.
- Negligence of Other Drivers: Other motorists who drive too close to turning trucks may get caught in the “no-zone” or blind spot.
If any of these factors contributed to your accident, our team of truck collision lawyers in Arlington will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Injuries Common in Wide Turn Truck Accidents
Wide-turn truck accidents can result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Victims often suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Emotional trauma, such as PTSD
As top-rated, wide-turn truck wreck lawyers in Arlington, we know how to calculate the full scope of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Liability in Wide Turn Truck Accidents
Determining liability in a wide-turn truck accident can be complex. However, our experience as a wide-turn truck accident attorney in Arlington allows us to identify all liable parties, which may include:
- Truck Drivers: If a driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident, they might be liable.
- Trucking Companies: Employers are often responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained, and their vehicles are well-maintained.
- Manufacturers: The manufacturer might share liability if a defective truck part contributed to the crash.
- Other Motorists: In some cases, other drivers’ actions, such as cutting off a truck, may have played a role.
At Patterson Law Group, we investigate your case thoroughly to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Texas Laws That Impact Your Case
Wide-turn truck accidents in Arlington are subject to federal and state laws. Some of the most relevant regulations include:
Texas Negligence Laws
Texas operates under a comparative negligence rule (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §33.001), meaning you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
The FMCSRs establish standards for commercial truck drivers, including rules on rest breaks, vehicle maintenance, and safe driving practices.
Texas Commercial Vehicle Laws
Trucks operating in Texas must adhere to specific weight limits, maintenance schedules, and safety requirements. Failure to comply with these laws may indicate negligence.
We use our knowledge of these laws to build a strong case for our clients, ensuring they receive the maximum compensation possible.
Steps to Take After a Wide Turn Truck Accident
Acting quickly is crucial if you’ve been involved in a wide-turn truck accident. Here’s what we recommend:
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance for anyone injured.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle.
- Collect Witness Information: Gather contact details from witnesses who can support your case.
- Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries may not appear immediately, even if you feel fine. A medical evaluation ensures your health and provides documentation for your case.
- Contact Us: As your Arlington wide turn truck accident lawyer, we will handle every aspect of your case, from dealing with insurance companies to filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
- Experience: We’ve handled countless truck accident cases, securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Personalized Service: We treat every client like family, providing compassionate yet aggressive representation.
- Resources: Our firm has the resources to investigate complex truck accident cases, including access to accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals.
- Results: We’ve helped clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a wide turn truck accident, you may be eligible to recover damages, including:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, you may be entitled to additional compensation designed to punish the responsible party.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been involved in a wide-turn truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, so acting quickly is important. Let us, your top-rated wide-turn truck wreck lawyer in Arlington, fight for your rights and secure the justice you deserve.
Call Patterson Law Group today for a free consultation. Together, we’ll take the first step toward rebuilding your life after a devastating accident.
