Who Is at Fault for a Wide Right-Turn Truck Accident in Tennessee?

There is a reason many large commercial trucks have stickers warning other drivers that the vehicle makes wide right turns. In certain circumstances, passenger vehicles can become trapped in a truck’s turning radius, potentially leading to a collision that can cause severe injuries to the car’s occupants.

But who is at fault for a wide right-turn accident? It depends on the specific circumstances, and the answer can impact whether you can seek compensation for your injuries.

What Are Wide Turn Truck Accidents?

Tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles need extra space when turning right because right turns are inherently tighter than left turns. Consequently, truck drivers often must swing wide as they make right turns, making it appear that there is more passing space on the truck’s right than there is. As a result, drivers might think they have enough room to pass a truck turning right, only to be crushed or trapped by the turning truck.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security recommends that truck drivers take right turns slowly and keep the rear of their vehicles as close to the curb as possible. Truck drivers should also avoid swinging left at the beginning of a right turn so they do not confuse other road users about which way they are turning.

How to Determine Liability for a Wide Right-Turn Truck Accident

When determining who is liable for injuries resulting from a wide right-turn truck accident, insurance adjusters and attorneys will consider how each involved party’s actions contributed to the collision and assign them a percentage of fault based on their findings.

Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence rule when determining fault in accidents holds that your share of liability must be less than 50 percent for you to pursue compensation. Remember that the compensation you may receive will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

However, truck drivers are not the only potentially liable party in a wide right-turn accident. The trucking company that employs the driver, the company that owns the truck, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, the team that loads the cargo, or the mechanics who maintain the truck could be liable for injuries if they contributed in some way to the accident.

What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Wide Right-Turn Truck Accident?

If you were injured in a wide right-turn truck accident, you should:

1. Call 911 right away to summon the police and emergency medical personnel.
2. See a doctor immediately to have your injuries treated and added to your medical record.
3. Use your phone to take pictures of your injuries and the damage to the vehicles involved in the crash.
4. Get the truck driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information.
5. Do not give any statements to insurance companies before talking to a lawyer.

Recovering Damages in a Wide-Turn Tractor-Trailer Accident

If you are injured in a wide-turn tractor-trailer accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Damaged personal property

Contact Our Experienced Tennessee Truck Accident Lawyer

The legal team at The Terry Law Firm can help you seek compensation after a wide right-turn truck accident. Contact our office to speak to an experienced Tennessee truck accident lawyer in a free consultation.