Wide-Turn Truck Accident Lawyers in Rochester, NY

Facing a Dangerous Risk on Streets

Rochester’s roads are busy, aren’t they? With trucks, cars, and pedestrians all vying for space, things can get a little chaotic—especially when a large truck makes a huge turn. And when these massive vehicles engage in awkward turning angles, it's a recipe for disaster.   

Getting caught in these terrifying moments is a lot to handle. Fear, frustration, and uncertainty—it's an uphill battle. But there's help available. Rochester truck accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, will take on the fight while you heal and move forward.   

Wide-Turn Truck Maneuvers and Massive Blind Zones   

When a big truck needs to turn, it’s not as simple as cranking the wheel and moving on.  

Wide-turn truck accidents happen when a driver swings their truck wide to the left before completing a right turn—or the opposite. Sounds complicated, right? It is. And when something goes wrong, it’s everyone else on the road who pays the price.

A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. It can’t stop on a dime, and it certainly doesn’t turn like a regular car. When these trucks swing wide, they create all kinds of dangers:   

• Cars and bikes can get stuck between the truck and the curb. When a truck swings to make a turn, it often leaves very little room for vehicles or cyclists on the inside lane. This can lead to devastating side-swipe collisions or entrapments.    
• Trailers can suddenly swing into another lane, catching drivers off guard. The back end of a truck’s trailer doesn’t follow the same path as the cab. This "off-tracking" can cause trailers to swing into adjacent lanes, sideswiping unsuspecting vehicles.    
• Pedestrians and cyclists can disappear into a truck’s blind spots. Trucks have massive blind zones, especially around the sides and rear of the vehicle. A pedestrian crossing the street or a cyclist riding near the curb can easily go unnoticed by the driver.    

Our roads don’t make things any easier. Tight intersections, like those near Monroe Avenue or the Rochester Public Market, only increase the risk. A single miscalculation can lead to life-altering consequences.   

Why Do These Crashes Happen?

Big rig accidents often happen because of avoidable mistakes, but figuring out exactly what went wrong can be complicated.  

• Driver Mistakes: Drivers can be tired, distracted, or just not paying attention. One poor decision—like misjudging the space needed for a turn—can lead to disaster.   
• Lack of Training: The law also sets regulations on training requirements for entry-level drivers. But some drivers simply aren’t trained well enough to manage huge turns safely. Without proper skills, they’re more likely to make risky moves that endanger others.  
• Blind Spots: Trucks have massive blind spots where cars, cyclists, and pedestrians can disappear. If a driver doesn’t check mirrors or adjust carefully for a turn, the results can be devastating.   
• Mechanical Issues: Problems like faulty brakes or worn-out tires can make an already dangerous turn even worse. If a truck loses control mid-turn, there’s often no stopping it.   
• Tight Roads and Intersections: Busy streets and crossing intersections push drivers into tricky situations. Add poor signage or obstructed views, and avoiding a collision becomes even harder.   

Injuries That Change Lives Forever

When massive trucks collide, they don’t just cause minor fender benders—they leave behind catastrophic destruction.  

• Head Injuries: The sheer force of a truck crash often leads to traumatic brain injuries. These can affect memory, motor skills, and even personality. Victims may require years of therapy, ongoing medical care, and emotional support to rebuild their lives.   
• Fractures and Broken Bones: High-impact collisions frequently result in severe, complicated fractures. Many victims face multiple surgeries, grueling physical therapy, and months—sometimes years—of recovery just to regain basic mobility.   
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal damage is one of the most life-altering outcomes of a truck accident. Paralysis, whether partial or complete, can turn everyday tasks like walking or hugging a loved one into heartbreaking challenges. For many, adapting to this new reality means a lifetime of specialized care and assistance.  

And the physical pain is just part of it. There’s the emotional trauma, the endless medical bills, and the fight to recover lost income. It’s not just your body that’s affected—it’s your entire world. 

Fighting Back: Proving Who’s to Blame

Trucking companies and their insurance teams don’t exactly roll over and admit blame. But we know how to fight back and build a strong case.  

• Driver Negligence: We’ll dig into whether the driver was distracted, fatigued, or simply careless. Cell phone records, hours-of-service logs, and eyewitness testimony can be critical here.    
• Trucking Regulations: Did the driver break any rules? Federal laws limit how long drivers can be on the road and require strict vehicle maintenance. Violations, like skipping inspections or driving over legal hours, can be a game-changer.     
• Physical Evidence: We’ll use every piece of evidence, from skid marks to dashcam footage, to show what really happened. Accident reconstruction experts can also help paint a clear picture of the crash

In New York, we also deal with something called comparative negligence. That means even if you’re partially at fault, you could still recover damages. Our Rochester attorneys are here to make sure the blame is placed where it belongs—on the responsible party.   

What You Should Do Right Now

After a vehicle collision, everything feels like a blur. But the steps you take next are critical for your case.  Here’s what you need to do:   

• Get Medical Help: Even if you feel okay, some injuries take time to show up. A doctor’s report not only ensures your safety but also creates a record of your injuries.     
• Document Everything: Taking clear photos, videos, witness information—capture as much as you can at the scene. Don’t forget to note the truck’s license plate and any company markings.    
• Talk to an Attorney: Trucking companies have their own teams of lawyers. But we can just as hard for you. We'll guide you through the complex legal process and ensure your rights are protected.    

Don't wait any longer to hire an experienced lawyer. The sooner you act, the better your chances of holding the right people accountable.   

Let's Make Things Right

Road mishaps involving massive vehicles leave victims with lasting physical and emotional scars.  

Our Rochester personal injury attorneys understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to support you through every step of the process.   

We’ve worked with people right here in the city, and we know the unique challenges of our local roads. You focus on healing—we’ll take care of the rest.   

Call Horn Wright, LLP, today for a FREE consultation with our truck accident lawyers. Get personalized guidance for your case from one of the best law firms in America.