June 22, 2021

What Is a Right Turn Squeeze?

Tractor-trailers and other large trucks require more space to make wide turns than smaller vehicles. When making a sharp turn to the right, for example, large trucks must first swing to the left in order to get enough clearance before executing a safe right turn. This type of turn often results in a traffic collision.

Large truck operators need to know the dangers involved with these turns and ensure the safety of other vehicles and pedestrians who may be affected before making a turn. If a trucker’s negligence causes or contributes to a collision with a vehicle or non-motorist, the driver and the trucking company may be held liable for the subsequent damages.

The truck accident attorneys at Studinski Law, LLC have substantial experience in a wide range of trucking accident cases. We can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve for your physical, emotional, and financial losses after a wreck.

Why Is a Right Turn Squeeze Dangerous?

When a trucker must make a tight right turn, he or she may prepare for the turn by initially swinging to the left before beginning to turn right. These turns can pose a threat to vehicles on both sides of the truck.

The initial swing to the left can place the cab in the left lane even though the turn signal is indicating a right turn. This can potentially result in side-impact collisions with other vehicles. Additionally, when the driver of a passenger vehicle sees the truck swing to the left, he or she may assume the truck is changing lanes and mistakenly think the right lane is open to proceed. This can place the vehicle between the tractor-trailer and the right curb, and directly in the path of the truck’s right turn.

Truck accidents are dangerous for everyone involved, but they are disproportionately dangerous for the occupants of the smaller vehicles in the wreck. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, the injuries sustained in these crashes are often catastrophic and even fatal.

Common injuries in truck accidents include:

Who Is at Fault for a Wide Turn Truck Accident?

Truck drivers are required to act safely and carefully when behind the wheel. In addition to the basic requirements of all drivers, truckers must adhere to specific state and national laws regarding their industry.

Unlike collisions involving only passenger vehicles, in which fault typically lies with either (or both) of the two drivers, trucking accidents may involve the negligence of several parties. For example, in addition to a truck operator failing to safely make a right-hand turn, the trucking company may share responsibility for the wreck by failing to ensure its drivers were adequately trained before sending them out on the road.

Establishing liability in truck accident cases is often very complex and dependent on the facts surrounding the crash. The trucking accident lawyers at Studinski Law, LLC understand the intricacies of these claims and know how to effectively pursue justice on behalf of our clients. 

We are leaders in truck accident litigation. Law firms across Wisconsin frequently refer difficult cases to us based on our history of success and professionalism. We leverage our extensive knowledge and aggressive litigation and negotiation skills to every case we handle. We fight diligently in pursuit of the maximum compensation to which our clients are entitled under the law.

Safety Tips for Driving Near Large Trucks

Drivers of passenger vehicles should exercise caution whenever driving near a large commercial truck. It is important to pay attention to truck signals and provide rigs with plenty of room to maneuver. While a truck’s turn signals can inform other motorists of the trucker’s intentions, truck drivers sometimes fail to use their turn signals or use them too late.

If you are driving near a tractor-trailer or other large truck, consider the following safety tips:

  • Anticipate turns. Stay alert and vigilant when you notice an 18-wheeler beginning to slow down, especially near an intersection. If you see the truck begin to veer to the left near an intersection, the driver may be setting up for a right turn. In these situations, do not pull alongside or move into the right lane. 
  • Avoid passing a truck on the right.
  • Maintain a safe distance when following behind a big rig. Leave at least five car lengths between your vehicle and the truck. Only pass when there is enough room to safely do so.
  • Whenever possible, stay out of the tractor-trailer’s blind spots. These “no zones” include the areas on either side of the truck and directly behind and in front of the rig.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer In Wisconsin Today

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident caused by a negligent driver, call a truck accident attorney at Studinski Law, LLC promptly. Truck accidents are often very complex, and require the knowledge, skill, and resources of an experienced attorney.

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Contact Studinski Law, LLC today at (715) 343-2850 for a free case review. Our truck accident lawyers serve Plover, Marshfield, and other areas throughout Wisconsin.

Jason Studinski Injury Attorney
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