Getting hit by a wide-turning truck can shake anyone. One moment you’re moving through traffic, and the next you’re squeezed, pushed, or forced off your lane because the truck swung out way farther than you ever expected. It feels unfair, and it is. These crashes leave people with serious injuries, wrecked cars, and a long list of questions. So let’s talk about the steps that matter after one of these crashes. I’ll keep things simple, direct, and real—almost like we’re sorting this out over coffee on a humid Houston morning.
Why Wide-Turning Trucks Cause Such Bad Crashes
Big trucks need room to turn. Everyone knows this. But some trucks take too much room, and some drivers misjudge the swing. In Houston’s tight intersections—like near the Galleria or on the East End—one sloppy wide turn can sweep into a smaller car with huge force. It feels strange, right? You think you’re clear, then the truck’s trailer swings toward you like a metal wall. Many drivers say they didn’t even have time to honk.
Wide-turn crashes often happen because:
- The truck driver didn’t check their mirrors
- The trailer cut across lanes
- The driver took a right turn but pulled far left first
- Cars got trapped in a blind spot
And yes, sometimes the trucking company pushed that driver to stay on a tight schedule, even when the driver was tired or stressed.
Right After the Crash: What You Should Do Without Overthinking
Let’s keep this part straight and simple. When you’re hit by a wide-turning truck, your next moves matter. A lot. And you don’t need fancy strategies—just calm steps.
1. Call 911
Don’t assume the trucker will call. You need an official record. Police reports carry weight later.
2. Get medical care
Even if you feel “mostly fine,” go anyway. Truck crashes cause injuries that hide, like neck strain or small fractures. Houston doctors see this all the time. Pain often shows up days later.
3. Take photos and videos
Snap the truck’s position, skid marks, the turn angle, your damage—everything. A few photos can save your entire claim.
4. Grab contact info
Get the driver’s name, the company name, and any witness info. People tend to leave quickly, so act fast if you can.
5. Don’t argue with the truck driver
Some drivers blame the injured person right away. Let them talk. Don’t respond. Anything you say can be twisted later.
6. Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurance
Their adjuster may act friendly, but they work for the company. And you know what? They often record your calls.
Who’s Really at Fault When a Truck Makes a Wide Turn?
This part throws many people off. Fault isn’t always about who hit who. With wide-turn crashes, blame often sits with:
- The truck driver (misjudged turn, rushed, distracted)
- The trucking company (poor training, pushing unrealistic schedules)
- Maintenance crews (brake or steering issues)
- Loaders (poorly balanced loads that cause trailer swing)
It’s surprising how many hands touch one truck before it even reaches the road. When something goes wrong, responsibility can spread across several parties. And yes—this is where having a lawyer becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity. These companies fight hard to protect their image and their money.
Starting Your Claim: The Legal Steps That Actually Matter
Step 1: Get a lawyer who knows truck cases
Truck cases aren’t like car cases. They involve federal rules, logs, black box data, maintenance records, trip sheets, and more. You need someone who knows how to get that info before it “goes missing.” Call Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys right away.
Step 2: Preserve evidence
Your lawyer will send a letter that forces the company to keep key evidence—driver logs, dash cam footage, GPS data, and inspection reports.
Without that letter, some of that info has a funny way of disappearing.
Step 3: Investigate the scene
Law firms often bring in crash experts to reconstruct the turn. It’s almost like rewinding the moment using math, skid marks, angles, and truck specs.
Step 4: Calculate your damages
This includes:
- Medical bills
- Lost work time
- Car repairs
- Long-term medical needs
- Pain and the stress the crash caused
- The loss of normal life (even if temporary)
People often forget the last two. But they matter.
Step 5: Deal with the insurance company
An experienced Houston truck accident lawyer handles this. These companies push low offers early, hoping you need quick cash. It’s tempting, especially when your car is gone and the bills start coming. But quick offers usually hide higher long-term costs.
Step 6: File a lawsuit if needed
Most cases settle, but sometimes you need to file. And in truck cases, filing can actually speed things up because it forces the company to produce evidence.
What Makes Wide-Turn Truck Claims Harder?
You’d think a simple “the truck hit me” would be enough. But trucking claims come with hurdles:
- The company may blame you for staying in their blind spot
- They may claim you tried to pass them
- They may argue the turn was “reasonable”
- They may say the trailer swing was unavoidable
It’s frustrating to hear excuses when you were the one stuck in the crash. But this is exactly why evidence is so key. Houston streets also add issues—tight corners, busy intersections, and quick lane shifts. Trucking companies sometimes use this to shift blame.
What You Can Claim After a Wide-Turn Truck Accident
Here’s the thing many people don’t know: truck crash claims often cover more than car crash claims. That’s because the damage is usually greater and the injuries last longer.
You can claim:
- Emergency care costs
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced work ability
- Pain and discomfort
- Mental stress, including fear of driving again
- Property damage
- Loss of daily routine
Some folks try to “tough it out,” especially with neck and back pain, but that can hurt your claim later. Speak up about every symptom.
One Thing People Forget: Trucking Companies Move Fast
Here’s a small digression, but it matters. While you’re still dealing with shock, the trucking company is already working behind the scenes. They often send investigators to the scene within hours. They aim to build a story that helps them—not you. That’s why early legal help isn’t about being “aggressive.” It’s about leveling the field.
How a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Helps You
A truck accident lawyer:
- Gets black box data before it resets
- Finds out if the driver skipped breaks
- Checks if the company pushed unsafe schedules
- Reviews inspection logs
- Talks to witnesses
- Works with crash experts
- Builds a claim that reflects full damages
And honestly, it also helps to have someone in your corner when you’re dealing with pain, stress, and insurance calls.
FAQs About Wide-Turn Truck Accident Claims
1. Can I file a claim if the truck didn’t hit my car but forced me off the road?
Yes. If the truck’s wide turn made you crash or swerve, you can file a claim.
2. What if the driver says I was in their blind spot?
That’s a common excuse. Blind spots don’t erase a driver’s duty to check before turning.
3. Do I need to call a lawyer right away?
Early help protects evidence. Trucking companies move fast, so quick legal steps matter.
4. What if the truck driver was from another state?
You can still file your claim here. Many Houston truck cases involve out-of-state drivers.
5. How long do I have to file?
Texas law gives most people two years, but waiting can hurt your case because evidence fades.
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