Wide Turns are Essential
If you’ve ever driven on Arizona highways or navigated a busy Scottsdale or Lake Havasu intersection, you’ve likely seen a semi-truck take a wide left turn—sometimes swinging into other lanes. While this might appear excessive or unsafe, it’s a necessary maneuver dictated by the physics of large commercial vehicles. Understanding why wide turns are essential can help reduce collisions and keep all road users safe.
The Physics Behind Semi-Truck Turns
Semi-trucks, particularly tractor-trailers, are among the largest vehicles on Arizona roads—measuring up to 70 feet long and weighing as much as 80,000 pounds fully loaded. Unlike passenger vehicles, semis have an articulated joint between the cab and trailer. This pivot point causes the trailer to cut the corner more sharply than the cab when turning.
To compensate, truck drivers initiate wide turns to avoid:
- Clipping curbs, medians, or street signs
- Sideswiping parked or moving vehicles
- Hitting pedestrians, cyclists, or obstacles on tight turns
A tight left turn without proper clearance could result in serious damage—or worse, a collision.
Are Wide Turns Dangerous?
While wide turns are necessary, they do pose risks—especially when surrounding drivers don’t understand them. Attempting to pass a turning truck on the left or right can put you squarely in the driver’s blind spot. These zones are known contributors to serious side-impact or underride crashes.
According to Arizona accident data, collisions involving trucks during turns are often severe due to the vehicles’ massive size and momentum. It’s crucial to give large trucks space and never assume you’re visible to the driver.
Who Is at Fault in a Wide Turn Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck turn accident isn’t always straightforward. Factors that influence fault may include:
- Whether the truck driver used a turn signal and maintained lane discipline
- If proper signage or warnings were provided
- Whether other drivers ignored traffic signals or attempted unsafe maneuvers
Under Arizona’s comparative negligence laws, injury victims may still recover damages even if they’re partially at fault. This makes having a qualified Arizona truck accident attorney essential to protecting your rights and building a strong case.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Arizona
If you or a loved one is involved in a wide turn accident with a commercial vehicle, take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention—even for minor injuries.
- Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with the truck driver or insurance companies.
- Document everything—take photos, collect witness contact info, and get the trucking company’s name.
- Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer in Arizona to preserve evidence and begin legal action.
Rideout Law Group: Your Arizona Truck Accident Lawyers
At Rideout Law Group, we represent clients injured in truck and commercial vehicle accidents across Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, and throughout Arizona. Our personal injury attorneys combine courtroom skill with deep knowledge of Arizona transportation laws to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.
If you’ve been injured in a truck-related accident, we’ll fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation
Contact Us for a Free Case Review
- Scottsdale Office: (480) 584-3328
- Lake Havasu Office: (928) 854-8181
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact a licensed attorney at Rideout Law Group.