Let’s Talk Claims, Specifically, Wide Right Turns

Recently, we have noticed a spike in claims relating to wide right turns. As a driver, you may be very familiar with this situation. When a driver is preparing to make a wide right turn, other drivers often attempt to pass the commercial vehicle to beat them at the turn. This interaction has led to the uptick in claims due to the trailer hitting the vehicle trying to make a pass.

Across the board, we are seeing the resolution of this claim fall to the commercial driver’s liability. More times than not, this type of accident should be considered “Non-Preventable” for the commercial driver. Because of this, it is very important that you as the driver make yourself aware of your surroundings, double check your side mirrors and proceed with caution to ensure you are doing everything you can to prevent this type of collision. When making the wide turn, it is easy for a driver to switch over into the left lane to make the turn. In this case- the commercial driver would likely be at fault due to traffic laws regarding switching lanes without indication or crossing over double lines. This is why is it very important for the commercial driver to maintain their lane and double check the surroundings to avoid any scenarios where they could be placed at fault.

When the ruling is determined and liability falls to the commercial driver, there are a few options of how to get this decision overturned. First and foremost, if a dashcam is in the truck, this footage can help tremendously. Being able to see video right from the scene of the accident allows an insurance adjuster to see exactly what happened and often will help determine the commercial driver did everything in their power to prevent the accident. The most important piece of the puzzle used to determine liability is the police report. An adjuster will almost always use the police report to make their final determination in a claim. We encourage you as the driver to gather at least one witness to give a statement to be included on the police report if you can after an accident of this nature. We have seen time and time again an insurance adjuster call upon a witness to get more details of the accident, and often this will help determine the liability falls to the other party. Aside from dash cams and police reports, the last option would occur after the claim is paid out and closed. If the insurance company determines you as the commercial driver are at fault, but you feel you have substantial proof showing the other party should possess the liability, you can file a DataQ. We previously discussed how to file a DataQ in our 2023 2nd quarter newsletter, but if you need assistance or have any questions regarding the process, feel free to reach out to our office!

At the end of the day, you are responsible for yourself, your truck and how you react to the other drivers around you. It is always disappointing for us to see a wide right turn claim fall on the commercial driver’s loss run. Do your part, double check your surroundings and maintain your lane when making those tough turns. NASTC Insurance Services is always here to walk with you and guide you through the claims process when handling these sticky situations.

Buckle up and be safe this holiday season!