Tractor Trailer Right Hand Turns: Is The FMCSA Blaming Truck Accident Victims?

The old adage is that it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. In this case, the trucking industry is claiming “limited maneuverability” of trucks is the cause of serious tractor trailer right hand turn accidents — instead of the truck drivers who fail to check their “no zones” for other drivers, pedestrians or motorcyclists.

See for yourself… I recently came across this FMSCA webpage on “limited maneuverability,” which makes these claims about tractor trailer right hand turns:

• “Trucks and buses can’t make sharp turns or maneuver as easily as cars due to their longer length and larger size.”
• “Extra care is needed in places where trucks or buses are dealing with space restrictions, such as in work zones, truck stops, and service stations.”
• “Pay particular attention when trucks are turning right so you don’t get caught in the “right turn squeeze.” A large truck cannot easily turn right from the right lane. A truck initially moves left to create enough turning space. A crash may result if a vehicle tries to pass the truck on the right.”

It’s well and good to warn motorists of the dangers of trucks, and as an accident attorney I’m all for it. I  have certainly shared a healthy amount of safety tips with readers of this blog, as we’ve made it part of our mission to work to prevent deadly commercial motor carrier crashes. Awareness is always a part of the solution.

But it’s one thing for motorists to be aware of truck drivers who share the road and to give truckers room for a tractor trailer right hand turn. It’s another thing entirely to put the responsibility on drivers of cars for reckless truck drivers who choose to make tractor trailer right hand turns that seriously hurt and kill people by ignoring what they’ve been taught and tested on when securing a commercial drivers license.

Any attorney who has experience with truck accident litigation is familiar with the concept of a truck drivers’ “no zone.’ It’s a frequent cause of crashes, injuries and deaths. And as attorneys who litigate these types of trucking accidents nationwide, a key to any of these cases is to know that truck drivers are taught in truck school that “there’s no such thing as a blind spot if the driver is looking ahead to where the truck will be moving.” Similar language appears in the safety materials from JJ Keller, and many other courses.

But when a truck driver does not know his “no zone” because he fails to look to what will be falling into his blind spot, a crash is more likely to occur with a tractor trailer right hand turn. A truck driver must look ahead as there can be a large and potentially deadly blind spot directly in front of and to the immediate left and right of the cab. The danger is removed by just looking ahead.

Our attorneys believe the FMCSA web page is misleading. Actually, it may be more accurate to say I suspect this is a trucking industry public relations tactic. It may be well-intentioned (on the part of the FMCSA, not the trucking lobbying groups) but it shifts responsibility for preventable wide tractor trailer right hand turns to the accident victims instead of placing it where it belongs: On the truck driver who fails to look when executing a maneuver they know and are taught is very dangerous.

They even have a catchy name for it: The “right turn squeeze.”

Basic defensive driving principles provide that when you know your practices are potentially dangerous, you must take steps to avoid the danger. In this case, the danger is alleviated by just looking ahead, as they are trained and tested to do.

So why isn’t the trucking industry doing everything it can to prevent crashes in that no-zone – instead of attempting to push some fault on the people who are hurt?

A Solution To Prevent Tractor Trailer Right Hand Turn Accidents

One very simple, inexpensive solution that can help to prevent many tractor trailer right hand turn accidents is crossover mirrors.

As to the “no zone,” we adopt what the truck schools teach drivers – there is no such thing as a “no-zone.” Instead, there is a “know zone,” meaning that truck drivers know and are aware of what may become obscured by looking ahead to where the truck will be.

Consider my own case involving a tragic truck accident wrongful death case where my client, a bicyclist, was killed in a crosswalk by a large commercial truck in Macomb County, Michigan. The truck driver maintained that he never saw the victim (an 83-year-old man) because he was presumably in the truck’s blind spot. But the trucker never looked ahead to see who would be falling into this blind spot as he was approaching the traffic signal on a busy street bordering residential neighborhoods where there are often children (there was a children’s day care on the corner), pedestrians and people riding bikes.

When my client entered the crosswalk on a white walk signal, the truck driver proceeded to make a blind right turn on the red light, running over, dragging and killing the man.

His death would have been prevented if the truck driver only looked.

What to do after a tractor trailer accident while it was making a right hand turn in Michigan

In Michigan, after a tractor trailer accident that occurred during a right hand turn, you should first call 911 and seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries are not obvious, and ensure a police report is filed documenting that the truck was turning. If you are able, photograph the scene, vehicle positions, lane markings, and damage, and collect the truck driver’s information, DOT number, and witness contacts. Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to the trucking company or its insurer. Follow up with a doctor, keep all medical and expense records, and consult an experienced truck accident lawyer promptly so critical evidence like onboard camera footage, electronic logs, and maintenance records can be preserved before it is lost.

Can I sue if injured in a tractor trailer accident while it was making a right hand turn in Michigan?

In Michigan, you can sue if you are injured in a tractor trailer accident during a right hand turn if the truck driver or trucking company was negligent — such as by making an unsafe wide turn, failing to yield, or not checking blind spots — and your injuries meet our state’s legal threshold for a third-party injury lawsuit (typically a “serious impairment of body function,” permanent serious disfigurement, or death).

You may also be entitled to No-Fault benefits for medical bills and wage loss regardless of fault, but a lawsuit against the at-fault trucking company is how you recover pain and suffering and excess economic damages beyond No-Fault coverage.

Do I need a lawyer?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but it is strongly recommended if you were injured in a tractor trailer accident while it was making a right hand turn in Michigan because these cases involve complex trucking regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and large commercial insurance carriers that actively work to limit payouts. A lawyer can preserve critical evidence such as onboard camera footage and electronic logs, determine whether the truck driver or company violated safety rules, help you obtain No-Fault benefits, and file a third party lawsuit if your injuries meet the “serious impairment of body function” threshold, ensuring you do not miss deadlines or accept less compensation than you are entitled to.

What types of compensation is available?

If you are injured in a right hand turn tractor trailer accident in Michigan, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including No-Fault benefits for medical expenses, rehabilitation, attendant care, mileage, and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault; a third-party injury lawsuit against the at-fault trucking company for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and excess economic losses beyond No-Fault limits if your injuries meet the “serious impairment of body function” threshold; and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of consortium. Additional compensation may be available if multiple parties are responsible, such as the trucking company, a broker, or a maintenance provider, depending on how the crash occurred.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a right hand turn tractor trailer accident in Michigan?

In Michigan, most personal injury lawsuits — including those arising from a tractor trailer accident while it was making a right hand turn — must be filed within three years from the date of the injury or accident, or you risk losing your ability to sue for compensation in court. This three-year period is the statute of limitations for negligence-based injury claims unless a specific exception applies (MCL 600.5805(1) and (2)). There are separate, shorter deadlines for first-party No-Fault (PIP) benefit lawsuits (typically one year unless proper written notice is given (MCL 500.3145(1))), and special rules for claims against government entities or for other specific causes of action, but the general rule for a personal injury truck accident lawsuit against the at-fault party is three years from the injury date. You should consult an attorney early to ensure all deadlines are properly met.

What happens when someone dies in a right hand turn tractor trailer accident in Michigan?

If a person dies in a right hand turn tractor trailer accident in Michigan, the victim’s family or estate may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault driver and trucking company. State law allows recovery for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of services, and loss of companionship or society. Additionally, surviving family members may be able to claim economic and non-economic damages depending on the circumstances of the crash. Even though our state has a No-Fault system for injuries, wrongful death claims are considered third-party claims, meaning the family can pursue compensation beyond the No-Fault benefits. Consulting an experienced truck accident lawyer promptly is critical to preserve evidence, identify all liable parties (such as the driver, trucking company, or maintenance contractors), and ensure the claim meets all legal deadlines.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit?

In Michigan, a wrongful death lawsuit must generally be filed within three years from the date of the decedent’s death. This is the statute of limitations for most negligence-based claims, including deaths caused by a right hand turn tractor trailer accident. It is important to note that the claim must be brought by certain eligible parties, typically the surviving spouse, children, or the personal representative of the estate. Because trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, or contractors, consulting an experienced truck accident attorney promptly is essential to preserve evidence and ensure the lawsuit is filed correctly and on time.

How long does a settlement take?

The timeline for a settlement after a right hand turn tractor trailer accident in Michigan varies based on injury severity, evidence, and liability. Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while complex cases with serious injuries or multiple liable parties can take 12–24 months or longer. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer helps preserve evidence, document damages, and ensure fair compensation.

What factors influence the timeline of a settlement?

Several factors influence the timeline of a right hand turn tractor trailer accident case in Michigan. These include the severity of injuries and need for ongoing medical treatment, the complexity of liability (such as multiple parties like the driver, trucking company, or contractors), the availability and preservation of evidence (including police reports, onboard cameras, and electronic logs), insurance company response and negotiation, and whether the case requires litigation or goes to trial. Each of these factors can lengthen or shorten the time it takes to reach a fair settlement or verdict.

What factors influence the amount awarded in a settlement?

The amount awarded in a settlement depends on several key factors. These include the severity and permanency of injuries, medical expenses (past and future), lost wages or loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering or emotional distress, and the degree of fault of the truck driver or trucking company. Other considerations include the availability of evidence (such as accident reports, onboard cameras, and electronic logs), whether multiple parties share liability, and insurance policy limits. Cases involving serious, long-term, or permanent injuries typically result in higher settlements, while clear liability and strong documentation can also increase the recovery.

Why choose the lawyers at Michigan Auto Law for my right hand turn tractor trailer accident case?

Choosing the lawyers at Michigan Auto Law for your right hand turn tractor trailer accident case gives you a distinct advantage in experience, credentials, and results. Our team has decades of experience handling complex truck crashes, including wide-turn and commercial vehicle incidents. We are the only law firm in the state with board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy, giving you unmatched expertise in maximizing recovery. Steven M. Gursten has been named to the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group “Hall of Fame”, one of only three lawyers in the country to receive this honor, ensuring top-level representation for your case.

Every trucking company, insurance adjuster, and defense attorney in the state knows we don’t settle for less than the full value of a case and are prepared to go to trial when necessary. Our reputation in the courtroom often results in higher settlements and faster resolutions. Beyond results, we are known for our ethics, compassion, and client care, with prompt communication and more than 3,000 five-star reviews. Our attorneys are consistently recognized as some of the most awarded in the state, including “Best Lawyers,” “Best Law Firms,” “Super Lawyers,” and two listed among our state’s top 50 out of over 60,000 lawyers statewide.

When choosing us to represent you, you gain a dedicated, highly credentialed team committed to protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery after a right hand turn tractor trailer accident.

Injured or lost a loved on in a crash where a tractor trailer was making a right hand and turn? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation!

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash with a tractor trailer while it was making a right hand turn, call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.

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More importantly, this client-focused approach leads to better and faster settlements for our clients. We have recovered more million-dollar settlements and trial verdicts for motor vehicle accidents than any other lawyer or law firm in the state. We’ve also recovered the highest ever reported truck accident and car accident settlement in the state.

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