Attorneys for Truck Accidents Caused by Improper Turning or Passing
Improper turning or passing can cause catastrophic accidents. To file a lawsuit, you must prove liability. Our experienced truck accident law firm can help you achieve justice when you’ve been wronged by truck driver negligence. Contact Wilshire Law Firm to pursue the compensation you deserve. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients.
Call us 24/7 at (800) 501-3011 to schedule a free evaluation of your case.
- Overview of Improper Passing and Turning Accidents
- Filing a Lawsuit for Truck Improper Turns and Passing
- Statute of Limitations in California for Truck Accident Claims
- Choose Legal Help Wisely When Injured in a Truck Accident
- Truck Wide Left Turn Accidents and Common Collisions
- Improper Passing by a Truck Driver
- Penalties for Improper Turns and Passing
- Free Case Review with an Experienced Law Firm for Improper Passing Truck Crashes
- FAQS
- More Resources
Overview of Improper Passing and Turning Accidents
Improper turning and passing are two of the most common causes of accidents on California roads. These unsafe driving practices can result in collisions, injuries, and even fatalities.
Improper turning occurs when a driver fails to make a safe and legal turn. This maneuver can include:
- turning from the wrong lane
- failing to signal the turn
- traveling at an unsafe speed
These actions can lead to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians, causing traffic backups and delays.
Similarly, improper passing occurs when a driver fails to overtake another vehicle safely. These actions can include passing on the right, in a no-passing zone, or when unsafe. These actions can also lead to collisions, as well as causing frustration and anger among other drivers.
The consequences of improper turning and passing can be severe.[1] The risk of injury or death is very real and drivers who engage in such unsafe practices can face fines, points on their licenses, and even the loss of their driving privileges.
Filing a Lawsuit for Truck Improper Turns and Passing
You may be able to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for any damages or injuries you sustained due to the accident. To file a lawsuit for improper turns and passing, consult our experienced personal injury attorneys who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Our skilled truck accident attorneys can:
- review the facts of your case
- gather evidence to support your claim
- work to negotiate a fair settlement with the trucking company or their insurance provider
If negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit in civil court. In such cases, you must prove that the truck driver was negligent and that their actions caused the accident and your injuries. This proof may require expert witness testimony, accident reconstruction, and other forms of evidence.
Compensation in Truck Accident Lawsuits
The damages you may be able to recover in a lawsuit for improper turns and passing can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. In cases where the truck driver’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, you may also be able to recover punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Statute of Limitations in California for Truck Accident Claims
It is essential to note that the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against a trucker or trucking company in California is two years. The deadline is when you may file before the chance to take the negligent party to court passes. Therefore, it is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Choose Legal Help Wisely When Injured in a Truck Accident
Improper turning and passing are grievous trucker errors that often lead to catastrophic accidents. There is no reason for injured victims to pay physically and financially when involved in a truck accident due to negligence.
Numerous clients turn to the award-winning legal team at Wilshire Law Firm for compassionate, diligent and tenacious service. Our lawyers invest in your case and your future. Call us at (800) 501-3011 or contact us online to schedule a free case review. Our experienced lawyers will answer your questions and discuss options moving forward.
Truck Wide Left Turn Accidents and Common Collisions
Improper turns by a trucker can be hazardous due to the size and weight of the truck. Some of the most dangerous wrong turns made by a trucker include: [2]
- Wide turns: Trucks require more space to make turns due to their size and length. When a trucker fails to consider this and makes a wide turn, it can collide with other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Wide turns can also cause the truck to cross into other lanes of traffic or onto the sidewalk.
- Sharp turns: Sharp turns can be tricky for trucks due to the potential for the trailer to swing out and collide with other vehicles or objects. If the truck travels at high speed when making a sharp turn, it can lead to tipping over.
- Failure to yield while turning: When a trucker fails to yield the right of way, it can result in collisions with other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. This failure can be hazardous if the truck turns onto a busy street or through an intersection with heavy foot and bicycle traffic.
- Illegal turns: When a trucker makes an illegal turn, such as turning from the wrong lane or a no-turn zone, it can result in collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. Illegal turns can also cause confusion and frustration for other drivers.
Truckers must receive proper training on safely making turns and following all traffic laws and regulations to prevent accidents. Other drivers should also be aware of truckers’ challenges when making turns and exercise caution when driving near trucks. Finally, local authorities can improve intersection and road safety by installing traffic signals or signage to better guide drivers and reduce speed limits in high-risk areas.
Improper Passing by a Truck Driver
Improper passing by a truck driver is dangerous and illegal and can have serious consequences. When truck drivers fail to pass another vehicle safely and legally, they put themselves and other motorists at risk of a potential collision. [3]
Improper passing can occur in many ways. For example, a truck driver may attempt to pass another vehicle on a single-lane road without sufficient visibility or space to do so safely.
Alternatively, a truck driver may try to pass another motorist on a multi-lane highway without signaling or checking blind spots, putting other drivers at risk.
The consequences of improper passing by a truck can be severe. A collision caused by improper passing can result in serious injuries or even fatalities for those involved. In addition, truck drivers may face legal consequences, including fines and the revocation of their licenses.
Truck drivers need to receive proper training and education on safe driving practices. This training includes understanding when it is safe to pass and how to do so without endangering other drivers on the road. In addition, enforcing strict penalties for those who engage in improper passing can help deter this dangerous behavior.
Penalties for Improper Turns and Passing
The penalties for improper turns and passing for truckers are generally more severe than for other drivers due to the increased risk of accidents and damage caused by large commercial vehicles.[4] In addition to fines and points on their driving record, truck drivers who make improper turns or engage in unsafe passing maneuvers may face additional penalties.
For example, truck drivers who cause accidents due to improper turns or passing may be liable for damages and injuries caused to other drivers, passengers, or property. Such damages can be expensive, resulting in higher insurance premiums or even loss of employment.
In addition, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established specific rules and regulations governing the operation of commercial vehicles.[5] Violating these regulations can result in fines, suspension or revocation of a commercial driver’s license, or even criminal charges.
Truck drivers who engage in improper turns or passing may also be subject to more rigorous inspection and enforcement procedures. Law enforcement officials may inspect the driver’s logbook, medical certification, and other essential documents to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations.
Free Case Review with an Experienced Law Firm for Improper Passing Truck Crashes
If a truck crash caused your injuries, we can help. At Wilshire Law Firm, we have a team of over 400 legal professionals ready to serve our injured clients and their loved ones.
Our trucking attorneys have experience handling cases involving improper passing and turning by truck drivers. We understand these cases’ unique challenges and complexities and know how to build a strong and effective legal strategy to protect your rights and interests.
We fight for our clients’ rights and hold negligent truck drivers and companies accountable for their actions. We understand the devastating impact of truck accidents on victims and their families, and we work tirelessly to help our clients recover the compensation they need to move forward.
You pay no fees unless you win. Call us 24/7 at (800) 501-3011 anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Turns and Passing
What is it called when a truck makes a wide turn?
This maneuver is called an “offset turn” or a “truck swing.” It is necessary to make these wider turns to stay clear of buildings, signs, and other obstacles that may be present near the road. Failure to make the proper turn can result in property damage, personal injury, and possible legal action taken against the truck driver.
What types of compensation may be available after an improper passing accident?
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, injured parties in an improper passing accident by a semi-truck may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses associated with the injury, lost wages due to missed work, and pain and suffering damages. Punitive damages against the truck driver or trucking company may also be available if negligence is found. The truck accident lawyers at Wilshire Law Firm can provide guidance on what types of compensation may be available in a particular case.
More Helpful Resources
