Wide Right Turn Accident

Wide right-turn accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck collisions. Large commercial trucks require extra space to make right turns, and crashes can occur when truck drivers fail to signal, misjudge the distance, or swing into adjacent lanes. Victims of these accidents frequently suffer severe injuries such as fractures, amputations, or traumatic brain injuries. While you may be entitled to compensation, you must prove the negligent actions of the other party.

At Slingshot Law, our experienced Grand Junction truck accident attorneys can investigate these crashes, prove negligence, and pursue compensation on your behalf. You can rely on us to handle the legal aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

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Truck Wide Right Turn Accident Fault

Wide right-turn accidents occur when large commercial trucks swing left before turning right. The maneuver creates a dangerous situation for vehicles, motorcyclists, and pedestrians in adjacent lanes.

Determining fault in these accidents requires evidence that demonstrates whether the truck driver exercised reasonable care or violated traffic laws. Truck drivers remain responsible for executing these maneuvers safely and ensuring no one occupies the space they’re entering.

A truck accident lawyer understands how to gather and present evidence that establishes the truck driver’s negligence in causing these devastating collisions. A truck accident attorney can use the following types of evidence to prove fault:

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data

Electronic logging devices track hours of service, driving time, and rest breaks. These devices can reveal whether the truck driver was fatigued or violated federal regulations limiting driving hours.

A truck accident lawyer can subpoena ELD data to prove the driver was operating beyond legal limits, establishing that exhaustion impaired their judgment before the crash. They can also establish that their failure to check blind spots or execute the maneuver safely led to the crash.

Truck’s Event Data Recorder (Black Box)

Commercial trucks’ event data recorders capture valuable information, such as speed, braking, steering input, and engine performance, in the moments leading up to crashes. A truck accident attorney can extract this data to demonstrate that the truck was traveling too fast for safe turning.

The data can also reveal whether the driver failed to brake appropriately or made sudden steering corrections, indicating loss of control or awareness during the wide right turn maneuver.

Surveillance and Dashcam Footage

Video footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or other vehicles’ dashcams can provide visual evidence of how the accident unfolded. A truck accident lawyer can use the video footage to demonstrate that the truck driver failed to signal properly.

The footage can also demonstrate that the driver swung excessively without checking the surroundings or turned from an improper lane, which suggests that the driver’s negligent execution of the right turn contributed to the collision.

Truck Driver’s Logbook and Records

Driver logbooks, maintenance records, and training documentation reveal negligence on the part of the trucking company. A truck accident attorney can use the records to determine whether the trucking company properly trained drivers on safe turning procedures and if the driver followed protocols.

A truck accident attorney can also use incomplete training records or logbook violations to establish both driver and company negligence. They can prove inadequate preparation for safely executing wide right turns in urban environments.

Witness Testimony

Eyewitnesses who observed the truck’s turning maneuver can provide accounts of the driver’s actions. A truck accident lawyer can gather statements proving the truck driver failed to yield, didn’t check mirrors, or turned from the wrong lane.

Accident Scene Reconstruction

Skid marks, debris patterns, vehicle final positions, and road conditions help reconstruct the sequence of the collision. A truck accident attorney can hire accident reconstruction experts who use physical evidence to calculate the truck’s path, speed, and turning radius.

The expert can prove the driver had sufficient space to turn safely or chose an improper turning approach that endangered other road users.

Traffic Signal and Intersection Records

Traffic signal timing records can establish whether the truck driver had adequate green light time and whether the intersection accommodated large vehicle turns. A truck accident lawyer can use these records to prove that the driver proceeded despite insufficient time remaining.

They can also prove that the driver chose an intersection unsuitable for their vehicle size, demonstrating poor judgment and negligence.

Trucking Company Safety Records

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) records reveal the trucking company’s safety ratings, prior violations, and accident history. A truck accident attorney can obtain these records to establish a pattern of negligence, inadequate driver supervision, or company policies that prioritize speed over safety.

Furthermore, they can also demonstrate that systemic failures contributed to the driver’s improper execution of the wide right turn that led to the accident.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Semi Truck Accident?

Wide-right-turn truck accidents often result in substantial settlements due to the severe nature of the injuries and clear liability. However, the settlement amounts vary based on multiple factors unique to each case.

The elements that influence settlement values can help set realistic expectations. Here are factors that affect the settlement values of wide right-turn accidents:

Availability of Evidence

Strong evidence increases the chances of higher settlement values in wide-right-turn truck accidents. Truck crash claims with comprehensive documentation settle for more than those with limited proof.

A truck accident lawyer can use the following sources of evidence to enhance the value of your claim:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing hours of service violations
• Event data recorder (black box) information capturing speed and braking
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
• Dashcam videos from other vehicles at the intersection
• Witness statements from pedestrians or other drivers
• Accident scene photographs showing skid marks and debris patterns
• Truck maintenance records revealing mechanical failures
• Driver training documentation exposing inadequate preparation
• Company safety records demonstrating systemic negligence
• Traffic signal timing records establishing the right-of-way

Cases with multiple evidence sources settle for more than accidents where fault is ambiguous or documentation is sparse.

Shared Fault

Shared liability affects settlement amounts in wide-right-turn accidents. If you’re found 0 percent at fault because you occupied your lane properly when the truck turned into you, you’ll recover full compensation.

However, if investigators determine you were 20 percent responsible for being in the truck’s blind spot, your settlement decreases proportionally. Someone 30 percent at fault receives significantly less than someone 10 percent at fault, even with identical injuries.

Insurance Coverage of the Negligent Party

Insurance coverage of the negligent party is primarily the source of compensation for the injured victim. Therefore, their level of coverage determines how much you receive for your losses. Commercial trucks typically carry higher insurance limits than passenger vehicles.

Cases involving well-insured trucking companies settle for considerably more than accidents with underinsured defendants. A truck accident lawyer can explore other sources of compensation, including uninsured/underinsured coverage or a lawsuit against the negligent party.

Legal Representation

Hiring experienced truck accident attorneys typically results in settlements several times higher than unrepresented claims. A truck accident lawyer understands federal trucking regulations and knows how to obtain evidence, such as black box data.

They can also identify all liable parties, including drivers, trucking companies, and maintenance providers. Therefore, an injured victim working with an experienced truck accident attorney may receive more than those negotiating independently.

Duration of Recovery Period

An extended recovery period typically warrants a higher settlement than a quick recovery. Victims requiring six months of physical therapy recover considerably more than those healed within weeks.

Similarly, cases involving years of ongoing treatment, multiple surgeries, and permanent rehabilitation deserve higher settlement values. The higher settlement value corresponds to a long-term or lifelong impact.

Severity of Injury

The severity of injury can determine how much you’ll receive for your losses. A victim suffering broken bones that heal within months might recover a modest settlement covering medical bills and lost income.

Conversely, someone who sustains spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis will receive settlements many times higher. Similarly, an injury that causes permanent disability warrants a higher settlement value to account for lifetime medical care, home modifications, lost earning capacity, and a diminished quality of life.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim?

The timeline for settling a wide right turn truck accident claim can vary depending on the circumstances of the crash. While some cases are resolved within a few months, others can take a year or more to reach a fair settlement.

Here are factors that can influence how quickly or slowly your case progresses.

Severity of Injuries

Serious or catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, often require extended medical treatment. A truck accident lawyer will not initiate settlement negotiations until your condition stabilizes.

You’re likely to leave money on the table if you initiate settlement negotiations without understanding your current and future medical expenses. While the delay may disorient an injured victim, it allows for an understanding of future medical needs and losses.

Disputed Liability

Wide right turn accidents can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, or even another motorist. When the fault is unclear, insurers may delay settlement while investigating or disputing who caused the crash.

Proving negligence may delay the process, as a truck accident lawyer gathers evidence, such as dashcam footage or witness testimony. The investigation process may delay the process, but it will enhance your negotiation position.

Insurance Company Tactics

Trucking insurers often use delay tactics to pressure victims into accepting lower settlements. They may request excessive documentation, dispute damages, or deny fault. A truck accident attorney can expedite the process through timely communication, strong evidence presentation, and protection from bad-faith practices.

Complexity of Damages

Truck accidents result in financial losses, like medical expenses and lost income. The more complex your damages, the longer it may take to calculate a fair settlement value that reflects your total losses.

Settlement Negotiations or Litigation

If both parties agree on liability and damages, settlement can occur quickly. However, if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, a truck accident attorney can file a lawsuit. Litigation introduces additional steps such as discovery, mediation, or a full trial, which can extend the case timeline.

Get Justice After a Wide-Right-Turn Truck Accident

A wide-right-turn truck accident can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation costs. Unfortunately, insurance companies often downplay your losses or dispute liability to minimize payouts.

At Slingshot Law, our skilled Grand Junction personal injury lawyers know how to counter these tactics. We can utilize compelling evidence to negotiate with insurers or present your case in court, thereby maximizing your settlement value or award.

Contact us at (866)647-1311 to schedule an initial consultation.

Wide Right Turn Accident Frequently Asked Questions

How to Win a Right Turn Accident?

A truck accident attorney enhances your chances of success by gathering supporting evidence that proves the truck driver’s negligence. They understand federal trucking regulations and identify all liable parties, including trucking companies.

They can also counter insurance tactics and present compelling cases demonstrating the driver failed to execute the turn safely, maximizing your compensation.

Who Is at Fault When Turning Right?

The truck driver is typically at fault if they failed to signal, check blind spots, yield to traffic, or execute the turn safely. Liability depends on whether the driver exercised reasonable care and caution. Trucks must swing wide but cannot endanger others occupying adjacent lanes or crosswalks.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

A truck accident lawyer can advise you on your rights, gather supporting evidence, and help meet all legal deadlines. Their guidance enables you to avoid costly mistakes and handle insurer negotiations.

You can also focus on healing while they pursue the compensation you deserve with professionalism and peace of mind.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation