Wide Turn Accidents in Colorado
Average Settlement: $350,000 – $1,200,000 | Statute of Limitations: 3 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.
Colorado Truck Accident Laws
Statute of Limitations
3 years from the date of the accident
Fault Rules
Modified comparative fault (50% bar) — you cannot recover if you are 50% or more at fault
Average Attorney Fee
33-40% contingency
Average Settlement Range
$450,000 – $1,300,000
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 Colorado
- ✓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
- ✓I-70 through the Rocky Mountains is one of the most dangerous truck routes in the nation
- ✓Colorado requires chain laws for commercial vehicles in winter
- ✓Runaway truck ramps are frequently used on mountain passes
Common Truck Accident Causes in Colorado
- →I-70 mountain corridor runaway trucks
- →Brake failures on steep grades
- →Winter weather chain-law violations
- →Denver metro congestion collisions
Injured in a Wide Turn Accident in Colorado?
Get a free case evaluation from a truck accident attorney experienced with Colorado law. Most attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win.
Calculate Your Settlement →Wide Turn Accidents in Other States
Other Truck Accident Types in Colorado
This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed personal injury attorney in Colorado for advice about your specific situation.