Wide turn truck accidents in Owensboro, Kentucky, involving large commercial trucks can have devastating consequences, both for the individuals involved and the surrounding community. These semi-trucks, often weighing tens of thousands of pounds, can cause severe damage and life-altering injuries in the event of a collision.

In many cases, the aftermath can affect multiple people and leave streets blocked for several hours as emergency crews respond and transportation officials investigate.

At Rhoads & Rhoads, we have the experience and resources to guide you through the legal complexities of your case. With the right help, you can improve your chances of obtaining maximum compensation for the damages sustained. Contact us at 888-709-9329.

Factors That Can Cause Wide Turn Accidents

Several factors contribute to wide turn truck accidents in Owensboro, Kentucky. These collisions often occur when a truck swings too wide during a turn, crossing into other lanes of traffic or striking nearby vehicles. Understanding these contributing factors is crucial to establishing liability. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Inexperienced Drivers: New or undertrained drivers may struggle with navigating turns, particularly in congested areas. Their lack of experience with large trucks and complex turns can lead to errors that increase the risk of collisions.
• Poor Road Conditions: Cracked pavement or potholes can make it harder for truck drivers to make precise turns. When a road is in poor condition, a truck can lose control or swing into the wrong lane, causing accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Inclement weather such as rain, fog, snow, or ice can significantly reduce a driver’s visibility and ability to handle turns safely. The additional risk of slippery roads makes it difficult for trucks to maintain control during a wide turn.
• Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic, particularly at intersections or on highways, can force trucks to make sudden maneuvers or wide turns that they might not be able to execute safely. When trucks have to navigate through tight spaces in heavy traffic, the risk of accidents increases.

By understanding all of these factors, victims can better comprehend how their accident occurred and how to build a stronger case for compensation.

Truck Size and Weight

The sheer size and weight of semi-trucks make collisions particularly dangerous. With large trailers often reaching lengths of up to 72 feet and weighing up to 80,000 pounds, these trucks can significantly affect nearby vehicles, especially in tight spaces or high-traffic areas. When making a turn, semi-trucks need ample space to maneuver, which can cause them to swing into other lanes or hit smaller vehicles.

When a wide-turn accident occurs, the size disparity between the truck and passenger vehicles often leads to catastrophic injuries, particularly for those in the smaller vehicles. The severity of the collision can be compounded by the truck’s momentum, making it difficult for a passenger car to avoid the crash or absorb the impact. The consequences of these accidents can be life-altering, resulting in long-term medical care, lost wages, and even wrongful death.

Driver Mistakes

Truck driver errors are often a contributing factor in wide-turn truck collisions. Even a small mistake can lead to catastrophic results. Some common errors include:

• Failure to check blind spots
• Improper use of turn signals
• Turning into the wrong lane

Driver mistakes can result in severe consequences, particularly when combined with the challenges of navigating busy intersections or congested roadways.

Trucking Company Mistakes

Trucking company negligence is often a significant factor in wide-turn truck accidents. These companies are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are well-trained, properly equipped, and provided with the resources necessary for safe operation on the road. Unfortunately, some companies fail to meet these responsibilities, leading to preventable accidents.

Inadequate training and lack of proper maintenance are common issues. Truck drivers must receive comprehensive training to safely handle large vehicles. Without the proper training, drivers may exhibit poor judgment or fail to follow essential safety protocols.

Additionally, if a semi-truck isn’t correctly maintained, mechanical issues such as worn-out brakes or tires can impair its ability to navigate turns safely, increasing the risk of accidents. Trucking companies have a duty to address both training and maintenance needs, and failure to do so can make them liable for accidents caused by their negligence.

How the Truck’s Inspection Report Can Help Your Accident Case

After a wide turn truck accident, the truck’s inspection report can provide crucial evidence that may help prove the liability of the truck driver or the trucking company. These reports often reveal mechanical failures that could have contributed to the accident, such as brake malfunctions, tire issues, or faulty steering mechanisms. A thorough review of these inspection reports is essential to determining whether mechanical failures played a role in the incident.

In many cases, the crash may have closed a portion of the highway for several hours, affecting traffic and putting more people at risk. Transportation officials often publish findings from accident investigations, which can support claims of negligence. These details, along with the truck’s inspection history, can improve your chances of building a strong case.

Additionally, inspection reports can help demonstrate whether the truck was compliant with safety regulations at the time of the collision. If the truck received citations during its most recent inspection, it could suggest a pattern of neglect or carelessness that led to the accident. This can strengthen the case against the responsible parties, particularly if the trucking company fails to maintain their vehicles properly. These reports can be pivotal in holding the appropriate parties accountable.

Ways You Can Document the Scene of a Wide Turn Truck Accident

Proper documentation of the accident scene can be a powerful tool in supporting your case. If you’re physically able, here are some steps you can take to document the accident:

Take Photographs

Use your phone to capture as many images as possible, including photos of the entire scene, the vehicles involved, nearby landmarks, skid marks, and the condition of the road. Ensure you document any visible damages to the vehicles, especially the truck’s tire marks, damaged fenders, and dents. These images can be used to support your claims and protect your legal interests.

Collect Information

Record the truck driver’s contact details, including their name, phone number, and insurance information. Get the trucking company’s details, as well as the information for any witnesses to the accident.

Record Road Conditions

Note any dangerous road conditions that could have contributed to the accident, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or poor visibility. The street or highway design can play a significant role in wide-turn truck accidents, and documenting these factors will help establish liability.

Weather and Traffic Conditions

If possible, note the weather conditions at the time of the crash and any factors, such as road closures or traffic congestion, that may have influenced the accident. This information could be vital for showing that external factors played a role in the collision.

By collecting this information, you help ensure that you have the necessary evidence to support your claim and demonstrate the circumstances of the crash.

Wrongful Death Compensation the Family of a Wide Turn Truck Accident Victim Can Seek

If wide-turn truck accidents in Owensboro, Kentucky result in the death of a loved one, the surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks compensation for the financial and emotional impact of losing a loved one in a truck accident.

In the aftermath, many families spend hours trying to make sense of what happened, often relying on information broadcast by news outlets or redistributed by transportation officials. In some cases, key details are later rewritten as new evidence surfaces.

The damages that can be sought in a wrongful death case include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of income
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship

Often, the most painful part for families is not just the loss, but the lack of clear answers. Many are told only the basic facts, without access to the full scope of information that could explain what went wrong.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a wide-turn truck accident, the experienced attorneys at Rhoads & Rhoads can help guide you through the process of seeking justice and obtaining fair compensation for your loss.

Precautions Passenger Vehicle Drivers Can Take To Avoid Wide Turn Truck Accidents

While you can’t control the actions of a truck driver, there are precautions you can take to reduce the risk of being involved in a wide turn truck accident:

Stay Visible and Avoid Blind Spots

Large trucks, especially a fully loaded semi-truck, have substantial blind spots, particularly on the right side. When passing a truck, do so quickly but safely, ensuring that you are not lingering in their blind spots. Always pass on the left, where the driver can see you.

Give Trucks Extra Space

Trucks need more room to maneuver safely, especially when making turns. Keep a safe distance behind trucks, particularly when approaching intersections. Avoid cutting in front of trucks too quickly, as they require a longer stopping distance. Streets may be closed for hours after an accident involving a semi-truck, especially if hazardous material is involved—another reason to keep your distance and stay cautious.

Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions

Be aware of the truck driver’s signals, such as turn signals or brake lights, and adjust your driving accordingly. Avoid distractions such as texting or using your phone while driving.

Additionally, if weather conditions are poor, exercise extra caution and give yourself more space to react in case of sudden braking or turns. Making thoughtful plans for your route and staying focused can significantly improve your safety. These simple precautions can help reduce your risk of being involved in a wide-turn truck accident and potentially avoid a closed roadway altogether.

Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Wide Turn Truck Crash

Wide-turn truck accidents in Owensboro, Kentucky, can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and even wrongful death. These accidents are often caused by a combination of driver errors, semi-truck maintenance issues, and other external factors leaving streets blocked for hours. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a wide-turn truck accident, Rhoads & Rhoads is here to provide the legal support you need.

Our team of experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to investigate the circumstances of your case, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t face the aftermath of a wide-turn truck accident alone. Contact us today at 888-709-9329 for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal complexities of your case.