Wide Turn Accidents in California

Average Settlement: $350,000 – $1,200,000 | Statute of Limitations: 2 years from the date of the accident

Wide Turn Accidents Overview

Wide turn accidents, also known as squeeze play or swinging turn accidents, occur when a truck makes a right turn and swings wide to the left first to accommodate its large turning radius. Vehicles in adjacent lanes or at intersections can become trapped between the turning truck and the curb, or struck by the swinging trailer. These accidents frequently occur in urban areas where trucks must navigate intersections not designed for large commercial vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists are also at high risk during wide turn maneuvers.

California Truck Accident Laws

Statute of Limitations

2 years from the date of the accident

Fault Rules

Pure comparative fault — damages reduced by your percentage of fault

Average Attorney Fee

33-40% contingency

Average Settlement Range

$600,000 – $2,000,000

Common Injuries in Wide Turn Accidents

  • Crushing injuries from being pinned
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Spinal cord compression
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Severe soft tissue damage
  • Pedestrian and cyclist impact injuries

Key Facts About Wide Turn Accidents in California

  • Trucks need up to 55 feet of space to complete a right turn
  • Wide turn accidents are most common in urban and suburban intersections
  • Truck drivers have significant blind spots during turning maneuvers
  • Many cities have designated truck routes to reduce wide turn accidents
  • Side mirrors and camera systems can reduce but not eliminate wide turn risks
  • California has the highest truck traffic volume of any state
  • The Ports of LA and Long Beach generate massive truck freight traffic
  • California has no cap on personal injury damages
  • CARB emissions regulations affect trucking operations statewide

Common Truck Accident Causes in California

  • I-5 corridor congestion crashes
  • Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach freight trucks
  • Grapevine mountain grade brake failures
  • Agricultural truck accidents in the Central Valley

Injured in a Wide Turn Accident in California?

Get a free case evaluation from a truck accident attorney experienced with California law. Most attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win.

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Wide Turn Accidents in Other States

Other Truck Accident Types in California

This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed personal injury attorney in California for advice about your specific situation.