When a truck makes a wide turn, the consequences can be devastating, particularly when it involves a collision with smaller vehicles or pedestrians. Wide turn accidents are one of the more common types of truck accidents in urban and suburban areas, especially around intersections or sharp turns. If you’ve been involved in a wide turn accident in Salt Lake City, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.
This comprehensive guide will explain what you should know about wide turn accidents, the role of a wide turn accident attorney, and how Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help you with your legal needs.
What Is a Wide Turn Accident?
A wide-turn accident occurs when a truck or other large vehicle fails to make a safe and legal turn within its lane, often encroaching into adjacent lanes or striking other cars. Large commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers, have a wide turning radius, making them more prone to such accidents, especially in urban settings with tight intersections or multiple lanes.
Wide turns can cause severe damage to smaller vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and property. These accidents often result from negligent truck drivers, poorly maintained cars, or improper road design. No matter the cause, if you’ve been injured in a wide turn accident, having the right Salt Lake City wide turn accident lawyer is crucial to securing fair compensation.
What Are the Leading Causes of Wide Turn Accidents in Salt Lake City?
Various factors can cause wide turn accidents; in many cases, more than one factor contributes. Below are some of the most common causes:
Improper Driver Behavior: Truck drivers may engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding, failure to signal, or not paying full attention to their surroundings, increasing the risk of making a wide turn. When drivers fail to signal their intentions or take the proper precautions before turning, they may cause an accident.
Driver Fatigue: Fatigued drivers may be unable to judge the distance and timing required to make a safe turn. This could lead to wide turns that cause them to veer into other lanes or hit nearby vehicles.
Distracted Driving: A driver distracted by a mobile phone, GPS, or other factors may miss critical signs, road markings, or traffic conditions, resulting in an unsafe wide turn.
Lack of Training: Inexperienced or improperly trained drivers may fail to recognize the complexities of tight turns, especially in busy city streets. Their lack of understanding of the vehicle’s turning radius can lead to accidents.
Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Sometimes, an accident may not be due to the driver’s fault but an issue with the truck, such as poor braking performance, worn-out tires, or other mechanical failures that affect the truck’s ability to make sharp turns.
Road Conditions: Poorly designed or maintained roads can exacerbate the problem. Narrow lanes, sharp curves, or inadequate signage can increase the risk of wide turn accidents.
What are the common injuries resulting from Wide Turn Accidents in Salt Lake City
Head and Neck Injuries: Whiplash, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common after wide-turn accidents.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can cause paralysis or permanent disability, making ongoing medical care and support essential.
Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a collision during a wide turn can break limbs, ribs, or even cause internal injuries.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and ligament tears are common after a wide turn accident, causing pain and requiring rehabilitation.
Psychological Impact: Beyond physical injuries, victims may suffer emotional distress, PTSD, and anxiety, which can be factored into compensation.
How to Prove Liability in a Wide Turn Accident in Salt Lake City
Determining liability in a wide turn accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be at fault. Truck drivers, trucking companies, road maintenance crews, and vehicle manufacturers may share responsibility.
A Salt Lake City-wide turn accident lawyer can help investigate all potential causes of the crash. By gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and even black box data from trucks, your attorney will determine the party or parties responsible for your injuries and losses.
Why Is It Crucial to Hire Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys in Salt Lake City?
Truck accident cases involve strict regulations that require knowledge.
A skilled lawyer will fight for fair compensation and protect your legal rights.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Wide Turn Accident in Salt Lake City?
Taking specific steps to protect your legal rights is essential if you’ve been involved in a wide turn accident. Here’s what you should do:
Ensure Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the scene.
Call 911: Always call 911 after an accident, even if the damage seems minor. The police will document the scene and generate an accident report, which will be crucial for your case.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, seeking medical attention after a wide turn accident is essential. Injuries such as whiplash or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent, but they can worsen over time.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
Contact a Salt Lake City Wide Turn Accident Attorney: Reach out to an experienced wide turn accident attorney as soon as possible. They will guide you through the legal process, help you gather evidence, and protect your rights.
What You Need to Know About Salt Lake City’s Wide Turn Accident Statutes of Limitation
Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit: Utah law provides a four-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. You must file within this time to preserve your right to seek compensation.
Exceptions to the Rule: In some instances, such as accidents involving government entities, the statute of limitations may be shorter. A lawyer can ensure you meet all deadlines.
Missed Deadlines Can Cost You: Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in your case being dismissed, leaving you unable to recover damages.
Prompt Legal Action: Contacting a wide turn accident lawyer in Salt Lake City immediately after the accident ensures that you don’t miss any deadlines and strengthens your case.
Why Choose Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys?
If you’ve been injured in a wide turn accident in Salt Lake City, Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys can help. With years of experience handling truck accident cases, we understand the intricacies of these accidents and the challenges you may face in securing compensation.
Our dedicated team of wide turn accident attorneys will work tirelessly to investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We are committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal services for each client.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been involved in a wide turn accident in Utah, don’t hesitate to contact our Salt Lake City Personal Injury Attorneys at Waddoups Law for a free consultation. Our team of experienced wide turn accident lawyers is ready to help you through the complexities of your case. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call 801-212-9992 today or contact us online for a free case evaluation with a trusted Salt Lake City wide-turn accident attorney.
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$1.6 million
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