Chicago Wide Turn Truck Accident Lawyer

Holding Negligent Truck Drivers and Companies Accountable for Wide Turn Crashes

Trucks are a common sight on the streets and highways around Chicago. Unfortunately, these large vehicles can be involved in dangerous accidents when turning. If you are hurt in this scenario, you could pursue compensation with the help of a wide turn truck accident lawyer.

Chicago Injury Center will guide you through the claims process to hold the truck driver or other negligent party accountable. We have experience handling trucking litigation throughout Illinois.

Truck Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$8.98 million – While riding his motorcycle through the West Loop, Eric was struck and killed by a delivery truck making an improper left turn. The crash was captured on nearby security cameras. The loss of Eric, a 38-year-old union electrician and father of two, drove the substantial recovery for his family.

$5.8 million – In Little Village, Patricia and her teenage daughter, Valeria, were driving home when an 18-wheeler made an illegal turn into their path. The violent impact caused multiple fractures to Patricia and a traumatic brain injury to Valeria. The severity of their injuries was key to the settlement.

$805,500 – While biking along Milwaukee Avenue, Anthony was hit by a truck making a sudden right turn into his bike lane. The collision caused a compound clavicle fracture and severe rotator cuff damage. Anthony (PE teacher) missed a full school year of income, and the lasting physical limitations significantly influenced the settlement.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers are recognized among the top 5% of attorneys by Super Lawyers. The firm also maintains an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Wide Turn Truck Accidents in Chicago?

The FMCSA states that large trucks have a turn radius of 55 feet, making them very dangerous to other vehicles on the road. Let’s discuss some common causes of wide turn accidents.

Aggressive Driving

• Swinging out before turning
• Failing to obey traffic signals

Driver Error and Inexperience

• Inadequate training or experience
• Misjudging vehicle size and clearance

Distracted or Impaired Driving

• Using a phone, GPS, or other in-cab distractions
• Fatigued driving
• Driving under the influence

Mechanical and Load-Related Factors

• Poorly maintained trucks
• Improperly loaded cargo

Passenger Car Actions

• Entering a truck’s blind spot
• Passenger cars attempting to pass a turning truck on the inside

What Injuries Are Common in Wide Turn Truck Accidents?

Even at lower speeds, a truck crash can have a devastating impact on the victims. Here are some of the most common injuries caused by truck drivers:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Crush injuries
• Severe lacerations
• Wrongful death

What Damages Can Wide Turn Truck Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

The purpose of a personal injury claim is to recover compensation for multiple legal damages caused by negligence. Here are the primary losses you could claim:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Diminished earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

• For reckless or egregious conduct (typically rare)

What Is the Average Payout for a Wide Turn Truck Accident?

Wide turns have led to many personal injury cases in the United States. The average payout for a wide-turn collision is $1.48 million, with a range of $129 to $17 million.

Multiple factors will affect your settlement amount, such as the severity of your injuries, the long-term impact, insurance company policies, and liability.

Example Wide Turn Truck Accident Cases

Jeffrey was riding his motorcycle up a hill when he noticed that a truck coming from the opposite direction had moved into his lane to make a wide right turn. Unable to stop in time, he laid down his motorcycle and ended up having his arm crushed by the truck’s tire. Jeffrey sued the driver and employer for negligence and was awarded $3 million.

Lidio was driving his car in the right lane on a highway when a semi-truck traveling in the same direction made a right turn from the lane to the left of Lidio. The collision caused multiple serious injuries, including two bone fractures and numerous lacerations. Lidio sued the driver and their employer. The defendants paid $1.2 million in the settlement.

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

An experienced truck accident attorney can make all the difference in winning your claim, especially due to these complex issues:

• Trucking companies often deny liability, blaming passenger vehicles
• FMCSA regulations apply, which can cause a complex discovery process
• Cooperation with local authorities, such as the local State Police and Chicago PD, may be necessary

How Common Are Truck Accidents in Chicago?

Out of over 203,000 vehicle crashes in Chicago in 2023, 6,432 of them involved semi-trucks, commercial trucks, or tractors. Although only nine of these semi-truck accidents resulted in fatalities, many caused severe injuries.

Where Do Wide Turn Truck Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Semi-truck drivers tend to be involved in accidents in certain locations around Chicago, such as:

• Busy intersections with heavy truck traffic (Canal Street and Ashland Avenue)
• Near distribution centers and freight yards
• Highway exit and entrance ramps
• Industrial corridors (Stevenson Expressway [I-55] and Dan Ryan Expressway [I-90/I-94])

What Laws Govern Wide Turn Truck Accident Claims in Chicago?

625 ILCS 5/11-801 – Turns must be made as close as is practical to the curb or lane boundary

625 ILCS 5/11-804 – All vehicles must signal their turns

Municipal code 9-16 – Drivers must follow city turning restrictions

735 ILCS 5/2-1116 – Your percentage of fault will reduce your potential payout

How Long Do I Have to File a Wide Turn Truck Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

The statute of limitations for victims of personal injuries (735 ILCS 5/13-202) and surviving family members for wrongful deaths (740 ILCS 180/) is two years (from the date of the injury or death).

Who Is Legally Liable for Wide Turn Truck Accidents in Chicago?

Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck driver.
• Trucking company
• Freight/load broker
• Maintenance provider
• Vehicle or parts manufacturer

Common Defenses in Wide Turn Semi Truck Accident Cases

A defendant’s lawyer or insurance company may make several claims to undermine your case, including:

• You were in the truck’s blind spot
• You illegally entered the intersection
• A sudden emergency caused the turn

We can counter these defenses with accident reconstruction, traffic camera footage, and driver log analysis.

How to Strengthen Your Wide Turn Truck Accident Claim in Chicago

Follow these steps immediately after the accident to build a strong case:

• Seek medical attention
• File a police report and preserve footage
• Document the accident scene
• Collect witness statements
• Contact our top attorneys before speaking to insurers

How a Chicago Wide Turn Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Our truck accident attorneys can provide critical legal services to help you prove the truck driver’s negligence, including:

• Investigating FMCSA compliance
• Obtaining black box/ELD data
• Negotiating with trucking insurers
• Litigating aggressively if the offer is inadequate

FAQs

What is a squeeze play trucking accident?

This refers to a smaller vehicle being squeezed between a large truck and another object, such as a curb or guardrail, when turning.

How much does a Chicago wide turn accident attorney cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win.

Can multiple parties be at fault in a wide turn truck accident?

Fault can be allocated among multiple negligent parties under state law 740 ILCS 100/.

Do wide turn accidents always make the truck driver at fault?

The semi-truck driver is often presumed to be at fault, but negligence could be allocated among multiple parties for your serious injuries.

Book a Free Consultation

Chicago Injury Center can represent clients in Cook County and across the state. Our firm charges no fees upfront, so you only pay if we win.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation if you have been injured by a turning commercial truck.