Every state sets its own laws regarding how long commercial trucks can be. In Virginia, there are a variety of requirements depending on the type of truck, whether or not the truck has a trailer attached, and more. Lengths range all the way up to 65 feet. Think about the amount of space that is needed for a vehicle that size to make a turn, especially a right-hand turn and how tragic the potential result if a passenger vehicle attempts to pass a massive tractor-trailer or make a right turn as the truck is attempting to also turn.
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One of the most common causes of wide turn truck accidents is truck driver error. Some of the mistakes a drive may make while attempting to turn include:
- Failure to check the truck’s blind spots
- Making the wide turn in an area where it is obviously unsafe to do so
- Not slowing the truck down while making the turn
- Not using turn signal to alert other drivers of intention to turn
- Not waiting for a clear and safe opportunity to make the turn
- Swinging the truck into oncoming and moving traffic while attempting to make the turn
- Taking too wide of a swing while turning
The above causes of truck driver mistakes are avoidable if the truck driver is properly trained and experienced. When a driver does not have the appropriate experience and/or training, the trucking company could be held liable for allowing someone who was not qualified to get behind the wheel of the vehicle. Other issues that are avoidable include:
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
Wide turn accidents can also occur if the truck has not been properly maintained or issue repaired, such as signals or lights that are not working.
Liability in Wide Turn Crashes
While negligence of the truck driver is one of the most common causes of these types of crashes, the trucking company the driver works for can also have either direct liability or indirect liability for the losses the victim suffers as a result of the truck accident.
And because of the massive size of commercial trucks, the injuries and losses victims sustain are often catastrophic. Some of the most frequent truck accident injuries we see at Shapiro & Appleton include:
- Amputation
- Back injury
- Brain injury
- Crushed or fractured bones
- Internal organ injury and damage
- Neck injury
- Spinal cord injury (including paralysis)
- Death
Contact a Virginia Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in any type of truck accident, contact a Virginia truck accident attorney to discuss what legal recourse you may have. Truck accident cases can be complex, and it is not uncommon for there to be multiple at-fault parties who are responsible for the payment of financial damages you may be entitled to for your injuries. Our personal injury firm has successfully represented many injured victims and their families and we are happy to meet with you and offer legal guidance on what the best options may be for your circumstances.