The last thing that anybody expects to happen is that they will be injured in a crash caused by a negligent truck driver. However, truck accidents occur regularly in and around this area, and one of the main cause of these incidents are wide turns made by the trucker. At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., we are here to help when you need a Boston truck accident lawyer. Our team will investigate your case in order to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
How Do Wide Turn Truck Accidents Occur?
According to data available from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large commercial trucks can reach up to 75 feet in length. Because of this length, large trucks often encroach on other lanes around them when making turns, and this can affect vehicles in those other lanes. In some instances, a large truck can slam into another vehicle when they are making a turn.
The most serious problems with these incidents occur when a truck is making a right-hand turn from near-lane to near-lane. In these cases, a trucker will typically swing the truck left in order to complete the turn, but this swing can cause the vehicle to enter into oncoming traffic and cause a collision or a sideswipe accident with a vehicle travelling in the same direction.
Vehicles can also get “squeezed” if they are on the right side of a truck that is making a right-hand turn. There is a significant blind spot along the right side of a truck, and the trailer of these trucks could “cut” the corner when making a turn and squeeze a vehicle on the right side.
Who Can Be Held Liable In These Situations?
When these accidents occur, it is often because of the negligent actions of a truck driver. All truck drivers should be properly trained to make turns appropriately. When a truck driver causes a wide turn accident, they will typically be held liable for the incident. However, their employer may also be held liable when a wide turn accident happens, particularly if the truck driver is acting within the scope of their employment duties at the time of the crash. If a truck driver is an independent owner/operator, they will carry the liability themselves.
Large commercial trucks and trucking companies have higher liability insurance requirements, and it will likely be the insurance carriers that settle claims for accidents that occur due to wide turn accidents.
Let our Boston Truck Accident Lawyers Help
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident after the truck driver took a wide turn, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., we are going to conduct a thorough investigation into your case in order to secure full compensation for your claim. This can include:
- Compensation for all medical expenses
- Any lost wages if you cannot work while you recover
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against the truck driver or trucking company
When you need a Boston truck accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling (617) 698-6000.
