Wide Turn Truck Accident Lawyer in St. Louis
Have you been harmed in a wide turn truck accident in St. Louis? Dealing with the aftermath of such a crash can be overwhelming, especially if you’re faced with injuries and mounting expenses while you’re unable to work.
That is where a skilled wide turn truck accident lawyer in St. Louis can make a significant difference. At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we apply over 30 years of legal experience to helping victims of wide turn accidents. Truck crashes often cause serious injuries, which means serious expenses. Our accomplished legal team has the resources and knowledge to maximize the potential compensation you could receive.
Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC to learn more in a free consultation with a St. Louis wide turn truck accident lawyer.
How Our St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Truck accidents in St. Louis require a deep understanding of state and federal trucking regulations. Our experienced truck accident attorneys can identify violations of these rules, including exceeding service hours or ignoring training requirements, for example. We can also:
- Investigate the commercial truck accident site to determine its cause and establish fault.
- Collect and analyze evidence of the other driver’s negligence and document your injuries.
- Identify all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, a parts manufacturer, or a combination of parties.
- Assess the total value of your losses, including medical expenses, long-term care needs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and emotional pain and suffering.
- Negotiate a settlement and protect your rights throughout.
- Take your case to trial if that becomes the best option for maximizing your compensation.
How Wide-Turning Trucks Can Cause Accidents
Trucks making wide turns, whether left or right, pose significant risks due to the size and difficulty of maneuvering these large vehicles. Both types of turns carry inherent dangers that can lead to crashes if not executed properly. Factors related to turning truck crashes include:
- Collisions with oncoming traffic – Wide turns increase the risk of head-on collisions, especially at intersections without dedicated turn lanes.
- High center of gravity – Trucks have a higher center of gravity than other vehicles, and the risk of a rollover is greatest on sharp or poorly executed turns.
- Perception and timing – Impatient drivers might misjudge how long it takes for a 60-foot-long vehicle to safely complete a turn and try to squeeze past or alongside the truck.
During wide right turns, large commercial trucks swing left to align properly, potentially encroaching on adjacent lanes. That can catch other drivers off guard, as they may believe the truck is turning left or changing lanes, potentially leading to collisions or forcing vehicles into the truck’s blind spots. Pedestrians and cyclists may also be endangered as trucks pivot.
Right turns are usually tighter than left turns, requiring more precision. The truck’s rear may swing out on a broader arc than the front, which can intrude into other lanes or even onto sidewalks, posing a danger to vehicles and pedestrians. Similarly, wide left turns risk collisions with vehicles trying to pass or getting cut off by the truck’s swing.
Wide turn dangers are exacerbated in tight urban environments or congested intersections with limited space for vehicles to maneuver. Additionally, pedestrians may unknowingly step into the truck’s path during turns, heightening the risk of accidents. Awareness, caution, and proper signaling by truck drivers, coupled with vigilance from other road users, are vital in minimizing these dangers.
Who Can Be at Fault for a Wide Turn Truck Crash?
In wide turn truck crashes, the truck driver is often at fault due to misjudgment, lack of signaling, or failure to check mirrors and blind spots, for example. However, trucking companies can also be responsible, especially if they fail to provide proper training or push drivers to rush through their routes. In some cases, improper maintenance by third-party service providers or defective parts produced by manufacturers can contribute to the accident.
Our St. Louis wide turn truck accident attorneys can investigate the specifics of your situation to identify the potentially liable parties and seek compensation accordingly.
Potential Injuries and Losses from a Wide Turn Accident
Due to their tremendous mass, victims of truck wide turn accidents can suffer severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Joint damage
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Cuts and bruises
- Crush injuries
- Fatal injuries
The physical, emotional, and financial toll of these catastrophic injuries can be immense. Victims often face long recovery periods, lost wages, and the potential for permanent disability. Additionally, victims of wide turn truck accidents frequently experience long-term psychological problems as a result, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Compensation for Injuries in a Wide Turn Truck Wreck
Compensation in wide turn truck accidents can cover a range of losses, including:
- Past and ongoing medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Diminished quality of life
Role of a Wide Turn Truck Crash Lawyer
Our wide turn truck accident lawyers can play a crucial role in your personal injury claim. Some of our essential services include:
- Legal guidance and representation
- Assessment of your losses to seek appropriate compensation
- Communication and negotiation with the insurance company and other parties
- Compliance with all dates and requirements, including Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is typically five years from the accident date
Discuss Your Situation with Our St. Louis Truck Crash Attorneys Now
If you have injuries and losses from a wide turn truck accident in St. Louis, our award-winning law firm is ready to help. Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can handle all aspects of your case, giving you the time to continue medical treatment and concentrate on your recovery. Since 1999, we’ve fought for the rights of truck accident victims and have a proven performance record.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in St. Louis to learn more about your legal rights and options.