Left Turn Truck Accident Lawyer in Greeneville

Overturned truck on the side of the road

Left turns are among the most difficult maneuvers for any truck driver to navigate. Truckers must safely cross lanes of oncoming traffic when turning left, which is challenging in a slower and heavy vehicle. And while any left-turn accident can have severe consequences, these crashes can be particularly harmful when they involve commercial motor vehicles. 

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a left-hand turn truck accident in Greeneville, get The Terry Law Firm on your side. Our law firm combines a small-firm focus with big-city know-how, a philosophy that has led to winning results for injured people since 1960. We offer a friendly and compassionate atmosphere so you can feel comfortable and confident that we are pursuing maximum compensation and justice for you. 

The Terry Law Firm has the knowledge and resources to handle the most complex truck accident cases. Let us help you demand it. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a  

Greeneville left-turn truck accidents lawyer.

Why Are Left-Hand Turns Dangerous for Trucks?

Left turns are particularly dangerous because we drive on the right side of the road in the United States. Any vehicle turning left at an intersection must pass through oncoming traffic first. Truckers attempting to make a left turn against traffic must judge the speed of oncoming cars and any vehicles in the lanes they wish to enter correctly. When they fail to yield the right of way or make another error, they risk causing a collision.

When fully loaded, semi-trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds — about 20 times the size of the average full-size family SUV. They’re also about seven times as long, meaning they take longer to clear the intersection and present a much larger (and more difficult to avoid) obstacle. All that size and weight also make trucks far less maneuverable, requiring more than 500 feet to come to a stop from highway speeds.

Common Causes of Left-Turn Truck Accidents

Leading causes of left-hand turn truck accidents include:

  • Improper turns
  • Ignoring “no left turn” signs 
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Disregarding other traffic controls
  • Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic
  • Right-of-way violations
  • Failure to use turns signals or to check mirrors
  • Fatigued driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Distracted driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Driver inexperience
  • Poor truck maintenance, including failure to maintain tires or brakes
  • Defective truck parts
  • Unsafe cargo loading, which can affect handling and stopping distance

Other factors that cause or contribute to left-turn truck accidents include visual obstructions, poor road conditions, and unsafe road or intersection design. 

Who is at Fault for a Left-Turn Collision?

In most left-turn accidents, the responsible party is the driver who failed to yield the right of way or follow the rules of the road. However, truck accidents differ from car accidents because numerous other parties could also be at fault, including:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company that employs the truck driver
  • The truck’s owner
  • The freight broker/cargo company responsible for loading the truck or trailer
  • The truck’s manufacturer
  • A third-party manufacturer of truck parts, if a design or manufacturing flaw triggers the collision
  • Mechanics and repair shops
  • Other drivers

Identifying who is liable for a truck crash is crucial to recover compensation. In complex truck accident claims, you may be able to pursue money from multiple parties. Our truck accident lawyers can identify who is responsible for the crash and seek money from all possible sources. 

Pursuing Compensation After Left-Turn Truck Accidents in Greeneville

If you’ve been hurt in a left-turn truck accident in Greeneville, you can seek financial compensation for any expenses or losses you incurred as a result, including:

  • Past, current, and future medical bills
  • Rehabilitation 
  • Lost wages 
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost enjoyment of life 
  • Scarring and disfigurement 
  • Vehicle repairs or replacement

Most truck accident compensation comes through settlements with the at-fault parties’ insurance company(s). But insurers are notorious for delaying and minimizing personal injury claims, especially truck accident cases that tend to have a higher dollar value. A skilled lawyer can represent you during settlement negotiations to prevent your claim from being undervalued. 

How Our Greeneville Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

The Terry Law Firm can handle every aspect of your left-turn truck accident claim so you can focus on healing. We will: 

  • Conduct an independent investigation of the crash
  • Recover compelling evidence to show what happened and who should be held responsible
  • Identify all available insurance coverages and other sources of compensation for you
  • Gather documentation to prove the full extent of your injuries and losses 
  • Discuss your needs and goals to prepare a customized case strategy, rather than relying on a “cookie-cutter” legal approach
  • File all legal paperwork on your behalf
  • Represent you during settlement negotiations with the insurance company
  • Take your case to trial, if that’s what it takes to pursue full and fair compensation in your case

Contact Us for a Free Consultation Now

Were you hurt in an accident with a trucker who made an unsafe or illegal left turn? You deserve representation from strong personal injury lawyers who will fight for the money you deserve. Call or contact a Greeneville truck accident lawyer at The Terry Firm for a free case review today.  

Truck Accidents

How Much Is My Truck Accident Worth?

When you file a truck accident claim, you may be able to recover compensation for various expenses and losses you incurred due to the crash. Your case may provide you with financial recovery for your:

  • Medical and rehabilitation expenses
  • Lost income
  • Lost future earning potential and job benefits
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost enjoyment or quality of life
  • Vehicle repairs or reimbursement of your car’s value

Should I Call the Police After My Truck Accident?

Yes, it’s crucial to call the police at the scene of a truck accident. The police can investigate the crash scene, gather information from the truck driver and other motorists and eyewitnesses, and prepare an accident report. Police crash reports often provide critical information for truck accident claims. 

What Else Should I Do at the Scene of a Truck Accident?

Other steps you should take at the crash scene include:

  • Check on everyone involved in the accident to see if anyone requires immediate medical attention.
  • Move your vehicle out of the path of traffic if possible, or walk to the side of the road if your car has been disabled.
  • Get the truck driver’s employer and insurance information and insurance information from any other drivers involved in the crash.
  • Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, visible injuries you suffered, skid marks on the road, and traffic controls at the scene.
  • Talk to eyewitnesses to obtain a brief statement of what they saw and their contact information.

Who Will Pay for My Truck Accident?

In most cases, the insurer of the at-fault truck driver or the trucking company that employed the driver will pay you compensation for your truck accident claim if they are found liable. Other parties may also have liability for the accident, including:

  • The truck’s owner 
  • The cargo company
  • The truck and trailer manufacturer
  • Manufacturers of parts used on the truck
  • Third-party auto shops that serviced the truck

Do I Need a Lawyer to Help After a Truck Accident?

You should contact a truck accident attorney immediately after a truck accident. A lawyer will know what it takes to thoroughly investigate the accident and prepare a compelling, persuasive legal claim. A lawyer can also document your injuries and losses and estimate future expenses to ensure you seek total compensation. Your attorney can also deal with trucking company representatives, insurance adjusters, defense lawyers, or bill collectors on your behalf so you can focus on healing.

Are There Special Laws That Apply in Truck Accident Cases?

Although liability for the truck accident is determined under traditional state negligence laws, other laws – such as state and federal trucking industry regulations – may affect the outcome of your case. For example, a truck driver’s violation of the federal or state hours-of-service regulations may serve as evidence that they were too tired to drive safely. Speak with your attorney to learn more about the laws that apply in your case.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases More Complex?

Here are some factors that make truck accident cases more complicated than other kinds of auto accident claims:

  • Truck accident victims often suffer more severe injuries that require longer, more expensive medical care.
  • Truck accidents can injure more people than other types of crashes.
  • Truck accidents may have multiple liable parties who will fight with each other to shift financial responsibility among themselves.
  • Truck accident claims may involve lots of complex evidence.
  • Trucking companies may have complicated corporate structures or layered insurance policies that make it difficult to determine the extent of financial assets available to the company.