Do Turning Semi Trucks Cause Serious Accidents?
It is more difficult to drive a semi-truck or an 18-wheeler than a standard passenger vehicle. This is because semis are larger, heavier, and take up more space than a passenger car. More consideration and care will be necessary before attempting moves like merges and turns. Otherwise, a semi truck accident could result, and these collisions often lead to serious damage and injuries.
In fact, one of the most difficult maneuvers routinely made by semi truck drivers while on the road is a turn. It may sound like a simple, straightforward task. But, when a semi is turning, the odds are high that something may go wrong. Often, an incident between a truck and another vehicle is a result of squeeze play or a wide turn. If you sustain significant injuries in an accident, make sure you have someone on your side fighting for your rights. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today to speak with a Chicago Wide Turn Accident Lawyer. Let us help you seek a recovery you deserve.
What Are Dangers Posed by Truck Turns in Chicago?
Semis cannot make tight turns. When a sharp right hand turn is necessary, a semi truck may begin the turn by first swinging wide to the left and then begin the right turn. These wide turns can pose threats to vehicles to the left and right of the semi before the turn, or even those that will be near the semi once the turn is complete.
The initial swing the truck makes to the left can leave the cab of the semi in a separate lane of traffic from where it started. This may potentially cause a side impact collision with a car or other vehicle.
What is a Squeeze Play Accident?
As the truck swings left, it may not be clear of the semi's intention to turn right. Rather, it may look like a late attempt to change lanes. When this occurs, some drivers may be fooled into thinking the right lane is now clear and may proceed forward. This move places the car between the semi truck and the right curb, and in the path of travel once the semi begins to turn. When an impact occurs between a car and a semi in this manner, it is often called a squeeze play accident. This is because the car is squeezed between the trailer of the truck and the curb. The collision can potentially lead to serious damage to the vehicle and possibly serious injuries to the passengers of a car.
Even if a truck swings left in an effort to make a tight right turn, it may not be enough to keep the truck safe and away from other traffic once the turn is complete. If the truck swings too far or not far enough when turning, oncoming traffic may be at risk for a collision.
Collisions with semi trucks are very dangerous to all those involved. But in the majority of accidents, the damage will disproportionately be to the passenger car in the crash. Cars just are not capable of withstanding the force of an impact from a moving semi that weighs several tons.
Who is to Blame for a Wide Turn Truck Accident?
National trucking laws and the laws in Illinois require all drivers to act in a safe and careful manner when behind the wheel. In addition to the basic requirements of all motorists, commercial truckers have additional rules and regulations. These determine how they must act in certain situations. The laws impose a duty on each trucker to act in accordance with these rules. They should not risk the safety of others.
In many cases, the driver of the truck, the owner of the truck, or even the company that the trucker works for may be held legally liable for any damages that result from an accident. This can include the medical bills incurred by all those affected in the crash as well as other damages. For example, a loss of income due to time off from work for treatment and recovery.
Can An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Chicago Help?
When an accident occurs between a semi truck and a car, either driver could be at fault. Liability will depend on the facts of an accident. Any motorist can make an error in driving. Or, they may act with reckless disregard towards the safety of others. Further, this could result in a dangerous situation to arise and a possible collision to occur. Speaking with a knowledgeable injury lawyer who handles truck accident cases may be the best way to learn about your legal rights. Please call and determine whether a recovery may be possible in your case.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we put our experience to use every day as we fight for our clients' rights. We offer a free case consultation to all injury victims who contact us at (312) 924-7575. There is no obligation on the part of the accident victim for taking advantage of the free call. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers and Chicago car accident lawyers understand that you may need answers at any time. To help answer your questions, we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day to take your call.
If you have been hurt in a wide turn truck accident, call us at (312) 924-7575 or Contact Us online for a free consultation.