Squeeze Play Truck Accident

Large commercial trucks, including semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, can weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars. Naturally, truckers must account for the length and size of these vehicles, and therefore require much more space for maneuvers. Even a simple change in direction can be a challenge.

Other motorists must be aware of the various movements semi-trucks make on the roadways to reduce the risk of a tragic accident. For instance, to make a safe right-hand turn, and avoid a potential rollover, trucks normally swing slightly to the left before turning right. Because of this motion, other drivers on the road may think the truck is traveling to the left. This can lead to a dangerous circumstance known as “squeeze play,” which can result in serious, life-threatening injuries.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a truck accident, contact William Mattar law offices today. Our personal injury attorneys have years of experience helping injured accident victims. We know what a case like this entails, and how to move forward with the claim. Don’t wait—call (844) 444-4444 today to get started with your claim.

What is a Squeeze Play Truck Accident?

Squeeze play truck collisions (also sometimes referred to as “wide turn accidents”) occur when a motor vehicle attempts to pass or drive alongside a truck while it’s making a right turn. As the truck moves to the left, the rear motorist may attempt to go past the truck, thinking that they are simply changing lanes. As a result, when the trailer swings back to the right, the passenger car may be crushed or “squeezed” between the trailer of the truck and the curb. This frightening scenario is a squeeze play accident.

In this scenario, cars can also be caught between the truck and a wall, guardrail, or other obstacles. Large trucks, such as 18-wheelers, can cause enormous damage to smaller vehicles, as well as inflict severe injury on occupants. Cars that are stuck in this position have no way to move away from the truck or object. For this reason, even trucks traveling at a relatively low speed can cause serious harm.

Inattentiveness is a common factor in this type of collision.  In some squeeze play crashes, a trucker may fail to signal or sufficiently assess their surroundings before a turn. Likewise, a driver that travels past a truck mistakenly may not be paying attention at the time of the crash.

Injuries Caused by Squeeze Play Truck Accidents

Because of their sheer size and weight, any accident involving a semi-truck can result in severe injuries. Victims of a squeeze play truck accident can sustain:

• Spinal cord injuries;
• Lacerations;
• Broken bones;
• Neck or back injuries; and
• Traumatic brain injuries.

Truck accident injuries can interrupt a person’s life in a significant way. Depending on the extent of the injury, the effects can be long-lasting or even permanent, and ensuing medical bills and expenses can overwhelm an injured driver. If this is your situation, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. A truck accident attorney can look at the details of your case and help determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Truck Blind Spots

Many dangerous motor vehicle collisions can occur as a result of the issue of blind spots, and a squeeze play accident is no exception. The blind spots of a truck can play a role in this type of accident, because when a vehicle is traveling in a truck’s blind spot, it may not be visible to the truck driver at all. The truck driver may attempt a right-hand turn without knowing there are vehicles in the proximity

Truck blind spots are also commonly referred to as “no zones.” While passenger cars may only have two blind spots, trucks often have one on all four sides.  The no zone extends on both sides of – and in front and behind – a truck. It can stretch as far back as 30 feet behind the trailer of a truck, and approximately 20 feet in front of the cab of the truck. In general, it’s a good idea to keep your distance from a tractor-trailer to give them enough space to maneuver and potentially avoid getting caught in the trucker’s no zone.

Liability in a Squeeze Play Accident

Determining liability in a squeeze play truck crash is important if you want to bring a personal injury claim. It can also be difficult to establish in certain cases.

Drivers of commercial trucks are required to obtain a special license to operate a vehicle of that size. In training, truckers learn certain skills, including ways to execute a safe turn. A truck driver who fails to check for surrounding cars before attempting a maneuver may be held accountable for his or her negligence if it hurts someone.

If you’ve been injured because of the negligent actions of a truck driver, consider contacting a truck accident lawyer. Your accident attorney can help determine who is liable for the accident and assist you through the legal process.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

Have you been seriously injured in a squeeze play truck accident? If so, you may need the help of a dedicated truck accident attorney. At William Mattar, we have experience in many areas of motor vehicle collisions. Our personal injury lawyers have knowledge of applicable laws, and will fight tirelessly to protect your legal rights. To schedule a free case consultation today, call (844) 444-4444 or fill out our online form.