Wide turn truck accidents often raise a critical question: who has the right-of-way when a collision occurs? When commercial trucks execute wide right turns, they swing into adjacent lanes, creating dangerous situations for smaller vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Truck accidents involving wide turns frequently result in catastrophic injuries because the sheer size and weight of these vehicles leaves little room for error.
For 40 years, Callahan & Blaine, PC has handled complex truck accident cases throughout California. Our 30 senior trial attorneys bring a minimum of eight years of litigation experience each to every case, and we have achieved a $28 million settlement in a trucking accident case.
California Right-of-Way Laws for Turning Vehicles
California Vehicle Code requires truck drivers to signal at least 100 feet before turning and position their vehicle as close to the right-hand curb as practicable. However, commercial trucks often cannot complete tight right turns from this position due to their size and turning radius. This physical limitation does not grant trucks automatic right-of-way over other vehicles.
Drivers in adjacent lanes still have the right to proceed straight through an intersection if they have a green light or the legal right-of-way. The truck driver bears the responsibility of yielding to other traffic and ensuring the turn can be completed safely. Pedestrians in crosswalks always have the right-of-way over turning vehicles, including trucks.
Common Causes of Wide Turn Truck Accidents
Wide turn accidents typically occur when truck drivers fail to properly assess their surroundings before initiating a turn. One frequent scenario involves a truck driver swinging left to prepare for a right turn, creating a gap that appears to invite other vehicles to pass on the right side. When the truck then turns right, it collides with the vehicle attempting to pass.
Commercial trucks have significant blind spots, particularly on the right side where smaller vehicles can disappear entirely from view. When drivers fail to use mirrors properly or neglect to signal their intentions clearly and early, they create situations where other motorists cannot anticipate the truck’s movements. Driver inexperience, inadequate training, fatigue, or distraction also contribute to these accidents.
Determining Liability in Wide Turn Collisions
Establishing liability in wide-turn truck accidents requires careful analysis of whether the truck driver followed proper procedures: signaling appropriately, checking blind spots, yielding to vehicles with the right-of-way, and ensuring sufficient space to complete the turn safely. Video evidence from traffic cameras, dash cameras, or nearby businesses often provides crucial documentation.
Proving negligence may involve examining the truck driver’s logbooks, training records, and employment history. If the driver had insufficient training or was operating while fatigued due to hours of service violations, this strengthens the liability claim. The trucking company itself may bear responsibility if they failed to properly screen, train, or supervise their drivers.
Steps to Take After a Wide Turn Truck Accident
If you are involved in a wide turn truck accident, get medical attention immediately even if you feel uninjured. Call 911 to report the accident and ensure law enforcement documents the scene. Gather evidence if you are physically able: take photographs of vehicle positions, skid marks, and damage. Get contact information from witnesses and note the truck’s company name, license plate, and DOT number.
Do not admit fault or make detailed statements to insurance adjusters before consulting with an attorney. Trucking companies and their insurers have significant resources and immediately begin protecting their interests after an accident occurs.
How Callahan & Blaine, PC Can Help With Your Truck Accident Case
With 40 years of litigation experience and a proven track record in complex truck accident cases, we have the knowledge and resources to take on trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Our firm has achieved numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, including the $934 million jury verdict, which stands as the largest in Orange County history.
We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a wide turn truck accident, contact Callahan & Blaine, PC to discuss your case. Call us today to schedule a consultation with our team.
