Wide-Turn Truck Accident Attorneys in Albany, NY 

Wide Turns, Tight Spaces, Big Risks: Why Albany’s Streets Can Feel Like Danger Zones 

If you’ve ever driven through Albany, you know how crowded the streets can get. Add massive trucks making wide turns, and it’s a recipe for heart-stopping moments. These wide turns, often linked to truck accidents, happen when trucks swing out left before turning right—or vice versa—so their huge trailers don’t clip curbs or objects. 

Sounds reasonable, right? But wide turns create blind spots, block lanes, and put everyone nearby at risk. It’s scary—and sadly, it happens more often than you’d think in Albany’s tight, busy streets. Hiring an Albany truck accident lawyer after you’ve been injured as a result of a wide turn crash is the best decision you can make from the start.

Truck Accidents Are Everywhere, and the Numbers Don’t Lie 

When you’re sharing the road with trucks, you might not realize just how dangerous they can be. Let’s break it down with some hard numbers: 

• Thousands of accidents statewide: In 2023, over 11,000 truck crashes were reported in New York. 
• Urban hotspots like Albany: High-traffic areas, tight intersections, and narrow roads make Albany a prime spot for truck-related accidents. 
• Tragic consequences: Truck crashes caused more than 100 fatalities across New York in 2022 alone.

And those are just the stats. Behind each number is someone whose life was turned upside down. 

What Causes Wide Turn Truck Accidents? The Truth Might Surprise You 

It’s easy to think truck accidents just happen—but there’s always a reason. A truck driver might misjudge how much space they need for a turn, or worse, they’re distracted by a phone or GPS. Those blind spots on big rigs? They’re massive, especially on the right side, making it almost impossible for a trucker to see smaller cars, pedestrians, or cyclists. Why do these accidents happen so often? Here are some common causes: 

• Driver mistakes: Some truck drivers misjudge how much space they need—or they’re distracted and don’t notice the cars around them. 
• Huge blind spots: Truckers can’t always see what’s happening in the lanes beside them, especially on the right. 
• Bad loading jobs: If the cargo inside a truck shifts, or isn’t secured properly, it can throw the whole vehicle off balance. 
• Weather hazards: Albany winters bring icy roads, which make wide turns even riskier. 

These aren’t minor issues. When a truck this size makes a mistake, the consequences are anything but small.  Remember, it’s never too late to hire a lawyer after a crash.  

After a Truck Accident, Every Move Matters: Protect Yourself 

You’re probably shaken, your car’s damaged, and you might be in pain. What should you do next? 

• Call 911 right away: Getting the police and paramedics on the scene is critical. A police report can also help your case later. 
• Get checked out: Even if you feel fine, you might have injuries that aren’t obvious right away. 
• Take pictures of everything: Document the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your car. 
• Swap info with the truck driver: You’ll need their name, employer, and insurance details. 
• Stay calm and stick to the facts: Don’t apologize or admit fault, even if you’re feeling rattled. 

These steps can make a world of difference when you’re trying to hold the trucking company accountable. 

Who’s to Blame for a Wide Turn Disaster? It’s Not Always Clear 

After a crash, it’s easy to point fingers at the truck driver—and they’re often at fault. Maybe they were distracted or failed to follow proper procedures. But trucking companies can also be held accountable. Did they properly train the driver? Was the truck maintained, or was it overdue for repairs? 

Sometimes, it’s not even the truck itself. A poorly designed road, missing signage, or even another reckless driver can contribute to the accident. New York’s comparative negligence laws mean you can still recover compensation, even if you share some blame. But proving who’s responsible? That’s where things get tricky. 

Compensation: What Can You Actually Recover After a Truck Accident? 

After a truck accident, you’re likely dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, and a whole lot of stress. Here’s what you could recover: 

• Medical expenses: From emergency care to long-term treatment, these costs add up fast. You need to make sure to complete all necessary paperwork to obtain New York No-Fault benefits to pay for your bills. 
• Lost wages: If you’re missing work because of your injuries, you deserve to be compensated. An experienced attorney will know how to get your lost wages paid. 
• Pain and suffering: It’s not just about physical injuries—your emotional toll matters too. 
• Car repairs or replacement: Trucks don’t just bump into cars; they crush them. 

Whether you’re pursuing compensation for personal injuries after a truck crash or answers about a commercial vehicle accident claim, having the right support ensures you’re not left footing the bill for someone else’s mistake. 

Time Is Running Out: Don’t Miss Your Chance to File a Lawsuit 

New York has a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, and it’s not as generous as you’d think. You’ve got three years from the date of the accident to take action. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. Acting quickly is a must. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and trucking companies aren’t exactly eager to cooperate. 

In some cases, like if the truck belonged to a government agency, the deadline is even shorter to file other documents like a Notice of Claim under New York’s General Municipal Law Section 50-e.  

Trucking Companies Play Dirty—Here’s How They Try to Beat You 

Dealing with trucking companies isn’t just frustrating—it’s a full-on battle. These companies have teams of lawyers, insurance adjusters, and experts whose job is to protect their bottom line. Here’s what you’re up against: 

• Denial of fault: They’ll claim their driver did everything right, no matter the evidence. 
• Lowball offers: Expect them to dangle a quick (and unfair) settlement in front of you. 
• Delays, delays, delays: The longer they drag things out, the harder it becomes for you to fight back. 

If you’re filing a big rig collision lawsuit or fighting a trucking company negligence case, you’ll need strong legal representation to take on their deep pockets and aggressive tactics. 

Horn Wright, LLP: Let Us Fight for the Justice You Deserve 

When you hire Horn Wright, LLP, you’re hiring one of the best law firms in America. We know how devastating truck accidents can be. Our Albany-based team is here to take the stress off your shoulders and fight for the compensation you need. Whether you’re looking for 18-wheeler crash legal advice or just trying to understand your options, we’ve got your back.  

Don’t let the trucking companies push you around. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.