Colorado Truck Accidents: Wide Turns

In 2021, 5,788 people were killed and 154,993 were injured because of large truck accidents. The statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are alarming, highlighting the significant dangers posed by large truck accidents. The figures emphasize the severe impact these types of accidents can have on public safety. Sadly, accidents involving large trucks can lead to devastating outcomes and inflict extensive and life-changing consequences. In this article, the Colorado truck accident lawyers at Bowman Law focus on the causes of Colorado wide-turn accidents.

Factors Behind Wide-Turn Accidents

Colorado wide-turn accidents occur when a large truck makes a turn that requires a wider path than smaller vehicles. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”), large trucks have a turning radius of about 55 feet. As a result, these commercial vehicles need more space to execute a turn. Wide-turn collisions accidents happen at intersections or during complex maneuvers when the truck swings into other lanes to complete the turn.

Wide-turn truck accidents are impacted by several factors that stem from the challenges of operating large commercial vehicles. The substantial size and turning radius of trucks require precise maneuvering and additional space to execute turns safely. Moreover, extensive blind spots cause visibility problems for drivers. Driver-related factors, including inexperience, failure to signal, fatigue, distraction, speeding, or impairment, can significantly influence wide turns. In fact, the FMCSA reported speeding was the most frequent driver-related factor for truck crashes. Meanwhile, environmental constraints such as inadequate turning space in narrow roads, urban intersections, or confined areas increase collision risks. 

Traffic and road conditions like heavy traffic flow, unexpected obstacles, or poor road maintenance can complicate turning maneuvers. The presence of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in blind spots, or failure to yield to these vulnerable road users can affect turning operations. Technical issues such as improper loading, and inadequate vehicle maintenance can also lead to wide-turn accidents.

Liability in Wide-Turn Accidents

In Colorado, wide-turn trucking accidents can involve multiple parties, each potentially liable for different aspects of the incident. The truck driver may be responsible if he/she failed to check blind spots or drove dangerously during the maneuver. The trucking company may also be responsible for operational failures, such as violations of hours-of-service, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and insufficient training.

Manufacturers may face liability if design flaws or manufacturing defects in the trucks contributed to the collisions. Additionally, the cargo loading company may share fault if there were improper loading or inadequate cargo securing methods used. Maintenance providers may also bear responsibility if mechanical issues due to poor service caused the accidents. Other motorists may be at fault if their aggressive driving behavior or failure to provide adequate space for the turning truck led to the crash. Additionally, government entities may be deemed negligent if inadequate road design or maintenance played a role in the accidents.

Colorado wide-turn truck accidents are variable, depending on the circumstances of the turn and the other road users involved. The following are the common crashes caused by wide turns:

• Squeeze or Pinch accidents: when a truck swings left to make a right turn and another road user enters the open space to the right of the truck. It can squeeze or pinch the other vehicle or person against the curb, a barrier, or another object.
• Off-tracking collisions: when the truck makes a turn, the rear trailer may not follow the same path as the front of the truck. It can cause the trailer to swing into adjacent lanes or sidewalks and hit nearby vehicles, pedestrians, or fixed objects.
• Sideswipe accidents: when making a wide turn, a truck may sideswipe a vehicle in an adjacent lane. It can happen when the truck crosses into other lanes while trying to complete a turn.
• Right-turn hook accidents: when a truck driver makes a right turn when another vehicle is in the blind spot. The truck hooks them, particularly if they are near the front right corner of the large vehicle.
• Pedestrian and bicycle collisions: A truck makes a wide turn, enters crosswalks or sidewalks, and hits pedestrians or cyclists.
• Head-on collisions: A wide-turning truck may swing into oncoming traffic lanes as it makes a turn. 
• Fixed object collisions: A trailer may crash into objects like utility poles, street signs, buildings, or parked cars. It happens when there are road obstacles or the driver misjudges the space needed to complete the turn.
• Rollover collisions: When a truck makes a turn too sharply or too quickly, the truck’s high center of gravity can cause a rollover. 
• Cargo spillage accidents: In cases where a truck is improperly loaded or its cargo is unsecured, the force of a wide turn can cause the cargo to spill onto the road. This can result in multi-vehicle crashes as other motorists try to avoid the spilled cargo.
• Jackknife accidents: These occur when the trailer of the truck swings out uncontrollably during a turn. Jackknife accidents can happen if the truck driver brakes too hard or executes turns too sharply.

Injuries in Colorado Truck Accidents

Accidents caused by wide turning trucks can result in a range of serious injuries. The most common types of injuries sustained in these crashes:

• Crush injuries;
• Traumatic brain injuries, or TBI;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Neck and whiplash injuries;
• Fractures or broken bones;
• Internal injuries or damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys;
• Lacerations and abrasions;
• Burns;
• Amputations;
• Chest injuries;
• Soft tissue injuries;
• Psychological trauma like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression;
• Pelvic and hip injuries;

Damages for Victims

The victims of wide-turning truck accidents can seek several forms of damages to cover their injuries and losses. Economic damages are compensation for measurable financial losses, including medical expenses and cost for medical equipment, like wheelchairs or prosthetics, as well as reimbursing lost wages. Property damage includes expenses for vehicle repairs or replacement, as well as the loss or damage to other personal belongings involved in the truck accident.

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, including pain and suffering and emotional distress caused by the accident. Victims may also recover compensation for their loss of enjoyment of life and reduced quality of life. Other forms of non-economic damages include disfigurement and scarring, loss of consortium, and the lasting effects of permanent disabilities.

In the tragic event of a death caused by a wide-turn truck accident, wrongful death damages can be pursued. These may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship and emotional support, and funeral and burial costs.

In addition to the foregoing, a court may award punitive damages if there was recklessness, intentional misconduct, or gross negligence. These damages are designed to punish any at-fault party for their egregious behavior and deter similar future actions. For more information on punitive damages, contact our Colorado truck accident lawyers today. 

Contact our Colorado Truck Accident Lawyers

At Bowman Law, we recognize the profound impact a personal injury can have on your life. Our Colorado truck accident lawyers understand the overwhelming challenges you may be facing. Do not go at it alone. Let us help. Our team of Colorado truck accident lawyers provide compassionate legal representation to help you navigate this challenging time.

Our client-first approach ensures your needs are at the forefront of everything we do. We pride ourselves on transparency, integrity, and clear communication, guiding you through each step of the legal process. From initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we will guide you through the process. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of legal proceedings so you can focus on your recovery. With a proven record of success, we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.

Do not face the challenges alone. Please send us a message or call us at 720-863-6904 to schedule a free case evaluation. Remember, you have one chance at attaining full and complete justice, and we are here to ensure you seize it. Let Colorado’s truck accident lawyers fight for your rights, protect your interests, and deliver the justice you deserve. We serve clients across Colorado’s Front Range and beyond, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora. Call us now and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.