Large trucks need a lot of room to turn. A long trailer swings wide, and the rear wheels track inside the path of the cab. That can trap a car, cyclist or pedestrian on the right side. Truck turning accident liability turns on whether the driver turned with care, and whether others had a fair chance to avoid the truck.
This article reviews the turning rules, the blind spot problem and the evidence that helps sort out fault. It stays general, because each corner and each truck is different.
How Big Trucks Turn
A tractor trailer bends at the hitch. So the trailer cuts a tighter arc than the cab. To make a right turn on a narrow street, a driver may swing left first. Drivers often call this a wide turn or a swing turn.
That move can confuse other drivers. A car behind may think the truck plans a left turn or a lane change. Then it moves into the gap on the right, just as the truck turns back across it.
The Basic Turning Rules
Vehicle Code section 22100 sets the general rule for right turns. In most cases, a driver should make the approach and the turn as close as practical to the right curb or edge. The rule allows for vehicles that cannot do so safely. However, the driver still needs to turn with care and signal clearly.
Signals and lane rules also apply. A truck driver should signal before turning and should not leave a lane until it is safe. In addition, cars should not pass a turning truck on the right when doing so is unsafe.
Blind Spots and Truck Turning Accident Liability
Trucks have large blind spots, sometimes called No Zones. They sit along both sides, right behind the trailer and right in front of the cab. The right side blind spot is often the largest.
Truck drivers should use their mirrors and check the right side before a turn. A driver who turns without checking may carry much of the blame. Still, a car that pulls alongside a signaling truck may share fault.
The FMCSA explains the No Zone areas in its tips for driving around large trucks.
Shared Fault and Truck Turning Accident Liability
California uses comparative fault. That means each party’s share of fault can reduce what they recover. In turning crashes, insurers often argue about who moved first and who had the better view.
For example, a car may have been in the right lane before the truck began its swing. In that case, the truck driver may have needed to wait. On the other hand, a car that rushed into the gap after the truck signaled may share fault.
Cyclists and Pedestrians at Truck Turns
People on bikes and on foot face serious risk at truck turns. A cyclist in a bike lane may sit right in the truck’s blind spot. Also, the hood can hide a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. They also must use care around bike lanes. So a right turn across a bike lane needs extra attention. The Sacramento truck accidents hub links to related articles on these crashes.
Evidence That Shows How the Turn Happened
Turning crashes often depend on small details. Useful evidence includes:
- Video from traffic cameras, buses, businesses or dashcams.
- The truck’s own cameras and electronic data, when available.
- Photos of tire marks, curb damage and final positions.
- Witness accounts from drivers and people on foot.
- The width of the street and the position of lane lines.
Many carriers equip trucks with cameras. Because cameras may record over footage, ask early for a saved copy.
Company Policies and Training
Carriers often train drivers on turning and mirror use. Training records and company rules can show what the driver was taught. Also, route planning may matter when a carrier sends a long truck through tight streets.
The article on who besides a truck driver may be responsible covers carrier duties in more detail.
Truck Turning Accident Liability in Sacramento Streets
Downtown Sacramento has many narrow one way streets and busy corners. Delivery trucks also stop and turn in tight spaces. In these settings, truck turning accident liability often comes down to timing and visibility.
Note the exact corner, the lane you were in and the truck’s signal. Then photograph the corner if you can do so safely.
Delivery Stops and Double Parking
Delivery trucks often stop in traffic lanes or near corners. Then they pull out or turn with little room. Cars that try to pass a stopped truck can end up in its path when it moves.
In these cases, both drivers’ choices matter. For instance, a truck driver should signal and check mirrors before pulling out. Likewise, a passing driver should leave space and watch for signals. Photos of where the truck stopped can help show what each driver could see.
What to Do After a Turning Crash
First, get medical care, since side impacts can cause hidden injuries. Then collect the carrier name, truck number and report number. Also save any video you can.
The guide on California trucking regulations covers driver and carrier rules. When a turning crash leads to serious injury, consider speaking with a qualified California personal injury attorney.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws and deadlines change and every case is different. Talk with a licensed California attorney about your situation.