Swinging Turns

Atlanta truck accident attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert offers comprehensive legal representation in personal injury law. With offices in Decatur and Atlanta, Mr. Ozcomert puts over 20 years of legal experience behind every case, working to obtain full compensation and benefits for injured victims. The law office of Stephen M. Ozcomert handles complex truck accident cases involving negligence related to multiple causes, including swinging turns.

In order to successfully make a right turn, trucks must swing first to the left. Accidents often happen during these swinging turns when cars try to pass on the right. With little visibility to the rear or side, trucks can “squeeze” other vehicles between the trailer and curb, causing extensive damage and injury. Collisions caused by swinging turns often involve:

• Blind spots
• Lane changes
• Driver fatigue
• Tractor-trailers
• Failure to signal
• Distracted driving
• “Off-track” position
• Rear wheel instability
• “Rolling out,” skidding
• Driving while intoxicated

Commercial drivers have a legal duty to exercise care when making turns. They know that the rear wheels of semi-trailers and combination units follow a shorter path than the front wheels, requiring sufficient clearance for swinging turns. Collisions with passing vehicles during these turns may indicate an act of negligence for which drivers are liable and for which Atlanta swinging turn accident attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert has the knowledge and experience to pursue full compensation if you or someone you love was involved in an accident due to this negligence.

Georgia law provides civil damages for victims injured by negligence. For purposes of personal injury, negligence simply means a “breach” of legal duty. A legal violation occurs when truck drivers cause accidents through careless conduct. Even when unintentional, mistakes causing harm due to swinging turns can constitute negligence. Traffic violations, and potential acts of negligence, specific to commercial drivers include:

• Turning wide from curb
• Crossing into opposing lane
• Signaling at less than 100 feet
• Failure to stop for passing traffic
• Driving over on-duty service hours
• Failure to inspect, repair vehicle or parts
• Failure to yield right-of-way at intersection
• Braking during turn, causing rollover/jackknife
• Trailers lacking required brakes, lights, reflectors
• Wide swing during exit rather than upon entering lane
• Driving with any measurable amount of alcohol or drug

The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) punishes commercial drivers by suspending or revoking their license for serious offenses, including reckless driving. Traffic violations are accumulated on a “point” system that can lead to withdrawal of commercial driving privileges and lifetime “disqualification.” OCGA violations may be useful in proving negligence.

In addition to potential criminal sanctions, negligent parties must financially compensate victims injured by truck driving negligence. Under Georgia law, these include owners and operators employing the trucks. Businesses transporting goods within or outside the state are liable for the negligent acts of their drivers. Accidents involving buses, trucks, and limousines may therefore implicate multiple parties and their insurance companies. These parties must compensate personal injury victims for lost income, medical expenses, wrongful death damages, and other benefits after an accident.

If you were injured in a truck accident involving swinging turns or any other cause, call a qualified Atlanta personal injury lawyer to obtain the compensation you need. Stephen M. Ozcomert has over 20 years of experience recovering substantial verdicts and settlements for personal injury victims throughout Georgia. When a careless mistake results in mounting debt or the devastating loss of someone you love, the guidance of a knowledgeable legal professional is critical to the success of your claim. Call (404) 370-1000 today for a free consultation or contact us online.