Large commercial trucks need extra room to make tight turns, and that can force drivers to swing wide into nearby lanes. In busy parts of Prince George’s County, wide turns can put passenger cars, cyclists and pedestrians at risk.
Primary causes of wide-turn collisions
Commercial drivers must be careful when turning on local roads. If a truck driver does not account for the truck’s size or nearby traffic, a crash can happen in several ways:
- The “squeeze play”: A semi truck may swing left before making a right turn. That can leave a gap on the right side. Another driver may think the truck is changing lanes and try to pass. When the truck turns back, it can trap the smaller vehicle.
- Blind spot traps: Trucks have large blind spots on the right side and near the rear. If a driver does not check their mirrors before turning, they may miss a car, bike or person in the truck’s path.
- Improper lane use during left turns: At busy intersections, a wide left turn can send a truck into oncoming lanes or block other traffic.
- Underride crashes: In some crashes, a wide-turning truck can make it hard for other drivers to see the trailer in time. That can raise the risk of a serious collision.
Staying aware of these common risks helps everyone share the road safely and avoid dangerous wide-turn accidents.
Legal considerations under Maryland law
To seek compensation after a wide-turn truck crash, you generally need evidence that the truck driver was careless, such as turning into the wrong lane or failing to check blind spots. Under Maryland’s contributory negligence rule, even a small share of fault can affect recovery. You also generally have a limited time to file a claim, and shorter notice deadlines may apply if a government vehicle was involved.
Why does early evidence matter?
Wide-turn truck crashes can cause serious damage and injuries on Maryland roads. If you are hurt in one of these crashes, gather evidence early and keep records that show what happened.