Squeeze Play / Wide Turns

A commercial driver of an 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer or semi-truck may need to swing left before turning right, especially in urban areas. When a commercial driver makes a wide right turn, a vehicle on the left side of the truck may end up trapped in the “squeeze” between the truck and the curb. Our Lafayette truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of these crashes.

In a wide turn accident, the immense weight of a truck can cause serious and even fatal injuries. The average commercial truck can weigh up to 40 tons, about 15 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. Because squeeze play accidents typically take place at lower speeds, these accidents are the least fatal of all commercial truck accidents. Nevertheless, accident victims may still suffer catastrophic injuries.

The most common injuries in a wide turn accident include:

• Broken bones
• Amputation
• Back injury
• Spinal injury
• Deep cuts
• Head trauma
• Brain injury

After a wide turn accident, the truck company’s lawyers may attempt to inappropriately blame the accident victim for the accident. In most cases, squeeze play accidents occur when a commercial trucker negligently fails to see a vehicle in the left lane or misperceives the space available for a wide turn. The truck accident attorneys at our Lafayette firm recognize that driver inexperience and inadequate training may also be the underlying cause of the accident.

A truck driver is legally required to observe other vehicles on the road. Before making a wide turn, a commercial truck driver must signal to other drivers. A driver can then only turn if the wide turn can be completed safely. Do not accept a quick settlement without contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer to learn about your legal rights. If you were hurt in a squeeze play accident, a personal injury lawyer can investigate the cause of the accident and work to maximize your recovery under the law.

At Broussard, David & Moroux, our Lafayette truck accident attorneys have years of experience holding commercial trucking companies and their drivers legally responsible when they cause devastating, life-changing injuries. We are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the full and fair compensation they deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer in the Lafayette area, call Broussard, David & Moroux at 888-337-2323 (toll-free) or 337-233-2323 (local).