Wide-Turn Truck Accident Lawyers in Orlando - Paul Knopf Bigger

When it comes to truck accidents, few scenarios are as dangerous or misunderstood as wide-turn accidents. These incidents can have significant ramifications for anyone caught in the path of a large truck attempting a wide turn.

At Paul Knopf Bigger, our wide-turn truck accident attorneys in Orlando understand these crashes have far-reaching consequences. This drives us to fight aggressively to protect the legal rights of the injured and secure compensation that makes a difference in their lives. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a wide-turn truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Understanding the Mechanics of Wide-Turn Truck Accidents

Trucks, particularly those with long trailers, need extra space to turn because the rear wheels don’t follow the same path as the front ones. This is called off-tracking. To compensate for these circumstances, truck drivers often swing wide before turning to ensure the trailer clears any obstacles. While necessary for safety, this wide maneuver can catch other road users off guard. Smaller vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists may not expect the truck’s wide arc, leading to potentially dangerous situations.

Common Scenarios Leading to Wide-Turn Truck Crashes

Wide-turn truck accidents often occur in specific situations. Intersections are especially hazardous because of the high volume of traffic and the need for precise timing. A truck making a wide turn may accidentally sideswipe a vehicle in the adjacent lane or cut off a pedestrian in the crosswalk. On narrow streets, there is little room for error. A truck’s wide turn can cause the vehicle to enter into opposing lanes, leading to head-on or side-impact collisions.

Another common situation occurs when a truck attempts to navigate tight spaces, such as parking lots or urban streets. In these cases, others sharing the road may find themselves in the truck’s blind spot, unaware of the impending danger.

Risks for Other Road Users

Wide-turn truck accidents can be especially hazardous for those most vulnerable on the road, such as pedestrians and bicyclists. These individuals are often at a disadvantage due to their lack of protection from the full force of impact with a semi-truck and their small size, increasing the chances they fall within the truck’s large blind spots. A trucker who swings wide could easily collide with a neighboring cyclist if the driver fails to check carefully before turning. 

Common Causes of Wide-Turn Truck Accidents in Orlando

Wide-turn truck accidents can happen for several reasons, including:

• Driver error – This can stem from misjudging the space needed to make the turn, failing to check blind spots, or not fully understanding the truck’s turning radius.
• Fatigue or distraction – A tired or distracted driver is likelier to make mistakes that could have been avoided with proper attention.
• Lack of experience – Inexperienced drivers may struggle with the complexities of making wide turns, upping the risk of an accident.
• Environmental factors – Poor weather conditions, road construction, or poorly designed intersections can make wide turns even more challenging.

Determining Liability in Wide-Turn Truck Accidents in Orlando

It can be challenging to determine liability in a wide-turn truck collision. This is because several parties may have played a role in the crash. Potentially liable parties in a truck accident claim include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loading company
• The entity responsible for road design or maintenance

To determine liability, your wide-turn truck accident lawyer will investigate the circumstances leading up to the wreck, identify any potential negligence, and start the process of building a case against the at-fault party(s). 

What Evidence Can Help Prove Liability for a Wide-Turn Truck Crash?

Proving liability in a wide-turn truck accident requires thorough investigation and evidence collection. Key pieces of evidence may include:

• Surveillance footage – Cameras at intersections or from nearby businesses may have captured the accident and provide crucial details about the truck’s maneuver and the surrounding traffic conditions.
• Eyewitness testimony – Statements from those who saw the accident can help clarify what happened and who may be at fault.
• Accident reconstruction – Experts can analyze the accident scene to determine the truck’s speed, angle of the turn, and other factors that contributed to the crash.
• Driver logs – Examining the truck driver’s hours-of-serve logs can reveal whether fatigue played a role in the accident.
• Maintenance records – A review of the truck’s maintenance history can identify any mechanical issues contributing to the crash.

Our wide-turn truck accident attorneys in Florida will gather the necessary evidence for your case and demand justice for you.

Types of Compensation for Wide-Turn Truck Accident Victims

Victims of wide-turn truck accidents in Florida can recover compensation for various losses.  Potential compensation can include money for:

• Medical expenses
• Long-term medical costs
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

Your wide-turn truck accident lawyer will fight for maximum compensation for your past, current, and future losses. The goal is always to restore your financial security and personal well-being. 

Challenges in Wide-Turn Truck Accident Cases

Wide-turn truck accident cases come with challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is proving liability, especially when multiple parties are involved. Trucking companies and their insurers make every effort to deny claims. Additionally, the complex nature of truck accident cases often requires expert testimony and detailed evidence. 

Another challenge is dealing with the severe injuries often resulting from wide-turn wrecks. The size and weight of commercial trucks mean that collisions can cause catastrophic harm and lifelong disabilities, placing significant financial burdens on survivors and their families. The greater the harm, the higher the value of a personal injury claim. High-dollar claims are more likely to be disputed. For these reasons, victims need to have strong legal representation on their side.

How Paul Knopf Bigger Handles Wide-Turn Truck Accident Cases

The Florida wide-turn truck accident attorneys at Paul Knopf Bigger are dedicated to guiding injured people through the legal process with compassion and commitment. You can count on our law firm to manage your case from start to finish, giving you time to recuperate without worrying about legal deadlines or stressful calls from the insurance company.  

If you suffered injuries in a wide-turn truck accident in Orlando, contact Paul Knopf Bigger today for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing your story and outlining your legal options.