Wide Turn Accidents in Florida
Average Settlement: $350,000 – $1,200,000 | Statute of Limitations: 2 years from the date of the accident (reduced from 4 years in 2023)
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.
Florida Truck Accident Laws
Statute of Limitations
2 years from the date of the accident (reduced from 4 years in 2023)
Fault Rules
Modified comparative fault (51% bar) — you cannot recover if you are 51% or more at fault (changed from pure comparative in 2023)
Average Attorney Fee
33-40% contingency
Average Settlement Range
$550,000 – $1,800,000
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 Florida
- ✓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
- ✓Florida recently shortened its statute of limitations to 2 years
- ✓Florida changed to modified comparative fault in 2023, making fault assessment more critical
- ✓Florida has among the highest truck accident fatality rates in the nation
- ✓Port traffic from Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami generates heavy truck volumes
Common Truck Accident Causes in Florida
- →I-95 and I-75 long-haul crashes
- →Turnpike high-speed collisions
- →Port of Jacksonville freight traffic
- →Tourist-area delivery truck accidents
Injured in a Wide Turn Accident in Florida?
Get a free case evaluation from a truck accident attorney experienced with Florida 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 Florida
This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed personal injury attorney in Florida for advice about your specific situation.