Swinging Turns

An unsafe maneuver by a massive vehicle can cause significant harm to others on the road. The truck accidents at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you pursue a legal claim if you have been struck near Miami by a big rig making a negligent swinging turn. Our attorneys, offering representation to those in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, assist victims of a crash in pursuing the compensation they deserve from any parties responsible.

Because of a truck’s size and weight, a driver must take extra precautions when making a turn. Swinging turns are when a commercial vehicle needs to use an additional lane on the road in order to execute the maneuver. For example, if a driver is sharply turning right, the truck will need to swing into the left lane as it turns. The risks of these maneuvers, if improperly performed, include causing the vehicle to tip over or swing into oncoming traffic, bike lanes, or pedestrians, which could cause serious injuries.

In order to avoid these types of accidents, truck drivers are required to participate in specific training regarding how to make safe turns. Sometimes, however, drivers of these massive vehicles do not receive proper instruction from their employers. A lack of knowledge and skill can lead to devastating collisions, especially when truck operators are not aware of sizable blind spots and other hazards unique to a big rig’s size, weight, and shape.

In Florida, all drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel. Truckers must take even more precautions due to the size of the vehicles they operate, especially when it comes to turning. If a truck driver fails to make a swinging turn properly, he or she can be held liable for any injuries that result from this negligent action. To prove negligence, the victim, or plaintiff, must show that:

• The driver had a duty of reasonable care;
• The driver breached that duty by some careless conduct, such as by making a dangerous swinging turn;
• The breach resulted in injuries to the plaintiff; and
• The plaintiff sustained actual damages as a result.

Once a victim shows that a trucker breached his or her duty of care, he or she can be held responsible for any harm or property damage that occurred due to the collision. The trucking company may also be held vicariously liable if it is shown the driver was acting within the scope of employment when the accident occurred. In addition, if the employer failed to provide adequate training, or violated a state trucking regulation, it could be held directly liable for its own negligence. Due to the complex nature of these cases, it is important to consult a knowledgeable attorney so that you can properly sort through the facts of your situation.

A truck that has overturned after an improper swinging turn or otherwise caused a crash can lead to severe injuries that may require long-term medical treatment. People hurt in a collision with a big rig may be entitled to damages for past and future medical expenses, property damage, and loss of income or earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering.

The knowledgeable tractor-trailer crash attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are experienced in representing accident victims from Miami and other cities throughout Florida. These cases often require special attention to detail and investigation into who may be responsible, and we are dedicated to devoting our full energy to help our clients assert their rights to fair compensation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation regarding your case. Please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.