Large commercial trucks can present incredible dangers for those riding in traditional passenger vehicles. One type of accident that commonly occurs is a “broad turn accident.” These accidents are also known as “wide turn accidents.” The Philadelphia truck accident attorneys at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. want to discuss these incidents as well as what victims can do to recover compensation.
Unfortunately, broad turn (wide turn) truck accidents are common. Why is that the case? When a large commercial truck needs to make a right-hand turn, they need to create extra space for them to do so. Tractor-trailers are much larger than traditional passenger vehicles, and when they turn, they often swing into other lanes of traffic to do so. When a trucker is turning right, they will first swing the truck to the left in order to get enough clearance to make the right turn.
When a trucker does not navigate these turns properly or operates the truck in a reckless manner, they can strike vehicles in the adjacent lane, sometimes crushing the vehicle between the truck and the curb. This is commonly called a “squeeze play.”
Another danger of wide turn truck crashes in an override or underride crash in which a smaller vehicle is caught underneath the truck. Some of the most common reasons these accidents occur include:
Injuries from broad or wide turn truck accidents can be severe. It is not uncommon for our truck accident lawyers in Philadelphia to help clients who have sustained the following:
As a passenger vehicle driver, you can take steps to avoid these collisions. Do your best to anticipate that a truck may turn. Watch out for a truck’s turn signals, and if you see them light up, be ready to stay clear of their pathway. Always stay out of a trucker’s blind spots. If you cannot see the trucker in their mirrors, the trucker cannot see you.
If you or somebody you know has been injured in a broad turn accident with a large truck, you may need to seek legal assistance. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., our knowledgeable and experienced team is going to investigate your claim and work to ensure that you are fully compensated. This can include coverage for:
When you need a truck accident attorney in Philadelphia, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 866-597-8572.