Wide Turns

Atlanta personal injury lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert has successfully represented truck accident victims for over 20 years. With offices in Atlanta and Decatur, Mr. Ozcomert and his highly-skilled staff are recognized for their dedication to clients across Georgia. Pedestrians and motorists count on us to prove negligence in truck accidents involving a variety of causes, including wide turns.

Smaller vehicles are at a distinct disadvantage in a collision with a big rig. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the driver and passengers of smaller vehicles sustain nearly 80% of fatalities in a crash. To reduce the risk of injury and death in a truck accident, drivers should avoid:

• Drunk driving
• Cutting in front
• Talking and texting
• Frequent lane changes
• Aggression or “road rage”
• Passing on two-lane highways
• Losing sight of a truck’s mirrors
• Stopping close behind on an incline
• Turning in between a truck and a curb
• Lingering in “No-Zones” or blind spots

Many truck accidents occur when drivers underestimate the wide berth required to turn a truck. Motorists often find themselves sandwiched between the truck and curb when turning right. Because the truck has to swing wide to the left before turning right, truckers cannot always see the vehicles directly beside them. Do not hesitate to contact Atlanta wide turn crash lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert if you have been in a big rig collision.

Cars trying to overtake buses and trucks turning right can be squeezed to the curb or cut off. Being caught between an 18-wheeler and the corner pavement is not the best place to be. Pedestrians and motorists pushed by the left thrust of the truck often suffer serious injuries, including:

• Whiplash
• Burns, scars
• Broken bones
• Loss of memory
• Closed head injury
• Respiratory distress
• Cognitive impairment
• Hemorrhage, blood loss
• Permanent disfigurement
• Brain, spinal cord damage

Permanent disability and wrongful death are common in truck accidents involving wide turns. When this kind of collision is caused by the negligence of the truck driver, various parties may be liable for the resulting injuries.

Georgia and federal law impose personal injury liability on businesses employing commercial vehicles. Even if the entities or owners were not operating the truck, they may still be responsible for the negligent acts of the driver. Victims injured in wide turn accidents may thus recover compensation from multiple entities and insurers, including coverage for:

• Lost income
• Property loss
• Medical costs
• Future earnings
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Surgery, medication
• Loss of companionship
• Wrongful death benefits

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act requires trucks and other commercial vehicles to be insured against judgment for bodily injury or wrongful death caused by negligent drivers. Financial and non-economic losses incurred as a result of the accident must be borne by the driver and any other parties responsible for the truck’s operation.

If you were injured in a wide turn accident, contact Atlanta truck accident attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert today. For over 20 years, we have helped numerous accident victims get their lives back on track. We have the understanding of federal and state laws necessary to handle multiple-party commercial liability and recover the compensation you deserve. Call (404) 370-1000 for a free consultation or contact us online.