Tractor-trailers can range between 70 and 80 feet long. Unlike smaller vehicles – which typically run between 14 and 18 feet long – they require a lot of room when they need to turn. Turns are awkward and, often, require the tractor to take up a lot of real estate to execute the maneuver safely.
This is especially true for right-hand turns, in which a truck driver has to swing the front end of the truck out wide and to the left before making a sharp turn to the right to ensure that the trailer doesn’t clip the corner or strike fixed objects during the maneuver.
Typically, the tractor makes the turn easily while the trailer just squeezes past. Unfortunately, there are times when vehicles get trapped between a trailer and the curb, a fixed object, or another vehicle as a truck makes a right-hand turn.
These are known as squeeze play, or wide turn, truck accidents, and they can happen quite often on the narrow roads and tight intersections across New York City.
What Causes Wide Turn Truck Accidents?
Squeeze play truck accidents can happen when truck drivers don’t execute the turn safely.
Often, this is because the truck driver:
- Underestimates how much space is required to clear the corner
- Fails to check vehicle blind spots before attempting to turn the rig
- Makes the turn too quickly
- Fails to signal before turning
- Is in the wrong lane of traffic before turning
- Lacks the foundational knowledge and understanding of how to make a right-hand turn at an intersection
- Miscalculates turn angles or proximity to other vehicles
- Is distracted, impaired, or overtired
Wide turn truck accidents also happen when other motorists act rashly and believe they can “squeeze” past the truck before it makes its turn. The driver attempts to pass the vehicle on the right but ends up getting crushed by the trailer as it turns, instead.
How Can I Avoid a Squeeze Play Truck Accident in New York City?
The best thing you can do is to give a tractor-trailer or another type of large truck a lot of room when it’s turning. Slow down, make sure the truck driver can see your vehicle, and don’t get impatient and try to speed past to get ahead.
Squeeze play accidents happen when someone makes a mistake. If you’re alert, aware, and recognize what’s happening around you, you can significantly reduce the chances of getting caught between a large truck and the side of the road at an intersection.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured in a NYC Squeeze Play Truck Accident?
First, it’s important to call 911 and report the truck accident to the NYPD. You’ll want this documented in an accident report, which can preserve crucial details about the crash.
The police report can include information about the time, date, and location of the wide turn truck accident; sketches and diagrams of the accident; preliminary assessments of fault; traffic citations issued to involved parties; weather and traffic conditions; and more.
Next, take pictures of the accident – including damage to your car and/or the position of the vehicles – if you are physically able to do so. The more you can document for your attorney, the better.
Then, seek prompt medical care at the closest emergency room if you’re not transported from the scene by ambulance. In squeeze play accidents, the vehicle that’s trapped between the truck and another object can get crushed and dragged. Occupants tend to suffer serious injuries, including internal bleeding, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputated limbs, and other catastrophic trauma. You’ll want to mitigate your injuries by undergoing a thorough medical assessment as soon as you can.
Finally, don’t assume the trucking company has your best interests at heart and direct all requests for information or conversation to your New York City truck accident attorney. Hiring an attorney levels the playing field, forces the trucking service and its insurance company to negotiate fairly, and ensures that your rights as a victim are protected.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers in NYC After a Squeeze Play Accident
At The Platta Law Firm, our New York truck accident attorneys know the injuries from a squeeze play accident can change your life in an instant. We also recognize that these types of truck accident cases can be quite complicated, and that it’ll be important for you to benefit from experience, resources, and knowledge of investigative practices and safety regulations that you don’t have.
We can provide the exceptional legal representation you need during this difficult time.
We offer a free consultation, so contact our New York City law office at (212) 514-5100 – serving all five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, and surrounding metro areas – for assistance today.