More than 500,000 truck accidents are reported nationwide each year. Many of these accidents involve trucks that turn too wide around corners, objects, or structures. Wide turn accidents involving 18-wheelers are a significant road concern, particularly in urban areas like Fort Worth.
These accidents occur when a truck, due to its size and turning radius, swings wide to make a turn, often encroaching into adjacent lanes or sidewalks. These vehicles’ sheer size and weight make wide-turn accidents especially dangerous, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities.
The aftermath of wide-turn accidents can be overwhelming for victims. Medical bills pile up, injuries require long-term care, and dealing with insurance companies can be daunting.
This is where the importance of legal representation comes into play. A qualified Fort Worth wide-turn truck accident lawyer can help victims navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.
At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth truck accident lawyer is dedicated to helping victims of these accidents. We understand these cases’ unique challenges and are committed to providing legal support for justice.
Understanding Wide Turn Accidents
A wide turn accident occurs when a large truck, such as an 18-wheeler, needs to make a turn but requires extra space. This often leads to the truck crossing into other lanes or even onto sidewalks, putting other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.
Common scenarios for wide turn accidents include busy urban streets, intersections with heavy traffic, and situations where the truck driver misjudges the space required for a safe turn. These accidents are more likely to happen in areas with narrow streets, sharp turns, or heavy congestion, all common in Fort Worth.
According to data, wide-turn accidents are a leading cause of truck-related collisions in urban areas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that wide-turn accidents contribute to a significant percentage of all truck-related accidents, with many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Understanding these accidents’ dynamics is crucial for prevention and legal proceedings.
Common Factors in Wide Turn Accidents
Wide turn accidents can be caused by several factors, often involving negligence or error by the truck driver or the trucking company. Common causes include:
- Driver Negligence or Error: Inexperienced or distracted drivers may misjudge the space needed for a wide turn, leading to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Inadequate Training or Experience: Truck drivers who are not properly trained or lack experience handling large vehicles in urban settings are more likely to cause wide-turn accidents.
- Poor Visibility and Blind Spots: Large trucks have significant blind spots, especially on the sides and rear of the vehicle. If a driver fails to check these blind spots before making a wide turn, accidents are likely.
- Mechanical Failures or Improper Maintenance: Faulty brakes, steering systems, or other mechanical issues can cause a driver to lose control during a wide turn.
- Environmental Factors: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, can reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of wide-turn accidents. Poorly maintained roads or inadequate signage can also contribute to this.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Wide Turn Accidents
Wide-turn accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of the trucks involved. Common injuries include:
- Head Trauma: Victims may suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-term effects on cognitive and physical abilities.
- Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in wide-turn accidents, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: The force of impact can cause damage to organs or internal bleeding, which cannot be seen without medical equipment. However, these injuries can be life-threatening.
The impact of these injuries on victims’ lives is profound. Many are left with permanent disabilities, chronic pain, or emotional trauma. Victims must seek immediate medical treatment and document their injuries thoroughly, as this information will be vital in any legal proceedings.
Liability in Wide Turn Accidents
Determining liability in a wide-turn accident can be complex. Several parties may be at fault, including:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver’s negligence or error caused the accident, they could be liable for the damages.
- The Trucking Company: If the company failed to provide adequate training, did not maintain the vehicle properly, or pushed drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, they could share liability.
- Third Parties: In some cases, third parties, such as maintenance providers or manufacturers of defective parts, may also be liable.
Evidence is critical in proving liability. Dashcam footage, witness statements, and accident reports can all help establish who was at fault. Additionally, Texas follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that a victim’s compensation may be reduced if they are found partially at fault for the accident.
Compensation Available for Wide Turn Accident Victims
Victims of wide turn accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Bills: Coverage for all past, present, and future medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work, including potential future earnings if the injury results in long-term disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for non-economic damages covers physical pain, emotional distress, and declining quality of life.
Several factors influence the amount of compensation, such as the severity of injuries, the degree of fault, and the long-term impact on the victim’s life. An experienced Fort Worth wide turn truck accident lawyer can play a crucial role in maximizing the compensation awarded, ensuring that all avenues of recovery are explored.
Steps to Take After a Wide Turn Accident
If you’ve been involved in a wide-turn accident, it’s essential to take certain steps to protect your rights and build a strong case:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Some injuries may not manifest immediately even if you feel fine. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for your health and any future legal claim.
- Report the Accident: Contact the police and report the accident. Ensure that all details are accurately recorded in the police report.
- Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene, including photos, witness contact information, and details about the truck and driver.
- Consult a Lawyer: Contact a truck accident lawyer in Fort Worth to discuss your case and understand your legal options. Early legal intervention can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters. They may attempt to minimize your claim. It’s advisable to have legal representation during this process.
The Legal Process for Wide Turn Accident Claims
The legal process for a wide-turn accident claim typically involves several stages:
- Filing a Claim: Your lawyer will file a claim on your behalf, outlining the damages you seek.
- Investigation: Both sides will gather evidence, take depositions, and interview witnesses. This stage is crucial for building a strong case.
- Negotiations: Many cases are settled out of court through negotiations between your lawyer and the insurance company. A Fort Worth wide turn truck accident lawyer will fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial. Your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguments to secure the compensation you deserve.
Each stage of the process requires careful legal guidance. Understanding the timelines and what to expect can help alleviate the stress of legal proceedings.
Why Hire a Fort Worth Wide Turn Truck Accident Lawyer?
- Specialized Knowledge: A lawyer with experience in truck accident cases understands the unique challenges these cases present and can navigate the complex legal landscape effectively.
- Dealing with Trucking Companies: Trucking companies often have aggressive legal teams and insurance adjusters. A lawyer can level the playing field, ensuring your rights are protected.
- Maximizing Compensation: An experienced lawyer knows how to assess the full extent of your damages and fight for the maximum compensation available.
At Patterson Law Group, our Fort Worth truck accident attorney has the experience and dedication needed to handle wide turn accident cases. We have successfully represented numerous clients, securing favorable outcomes that allow them to rebuild their lives.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
At Patterson Law Group, we understand the devastation a wide turn truck accident can cause. Our truck accident attorney is here to provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. We offer:
- Experienced Legal Guidance: Our truck accident lawyer in Fort Worth has extensive experience handling complex accident cases and have a track record of success.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every case with the attention it deserves, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome.
- Compassionate Support: We are committed to helping our clients through every step of the legal process, providing both legal and emotional support.
FAQs
Individuals involved in wide turn truck accidents often have several questions about their rights and what to do. Here are some answers.
What should I do immediately after a wide turn truck accident?
Seek medical attention, report the accident, gather evidence, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
How long does it take to settle a wide turn accident claim?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, but your lawyer will provide an estimate during your consultation.
What compensation can I receive?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. A catastrophic injury lawyer in Fort Worth, Texas, can provide specific guidance based on your case.
Contact Our Fort Worth Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in an accident, contact our Fort Worth truck accident attorney at Patterson Law Group to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
