Wide Turn Accidents

Cape Cod Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Motor Vehicle Collision Victims

The truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III represent individuals across Cape Cod who have been involved in all kinds of collisions, including those caused by negligent commercial drivers. These cases often involve complicated issues related to evidence and liability, matters that should be resolved by experienced legal professionals. Led by a recognized authority in auto accident litigation, our firm has more than 146 years of combined legal experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases. We also have a strong track record of successful results, as well as a solid reputation in the legal and local communities for providing capable services for the people whom we represent.

Negligence by Tractor-Trailer Drivers and Companies

Massachusetts law generally provides that a driver is responsible for any injuries caused as a result of his or her hazardous behavior behind the wheel. Specifically, people owe what is called a “duty of care” to others on the road that requires them to refrain from unsafe activities like speeding, failing to use turn signals, and using a smartphone while driving. A driver who fails to live up to this duty will probably be found negligent and held legally responsible for related harm. A person injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver is typically entitled to seek money damages to cover medical bills, missed wages due to time away from work, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

For truck drivers, the duty of care is elevated based on their professional experience and because of the distinct hazard that big rigs pose to other motorists and passengers. For example, commercial drivers often have to swing wide in order to make turns. That creates a number of blind spots that they have to make sure are clear before proceeding to turn. Those who fail to take the proper precautions are likely to be deemed negligent and liable for any ensuing harm.

A negligent trucker is not the only party that may be liable in the event of a crash. The driver’s employer, whether that is a manufacturer, a retailer, or a shipping company, could also be on the hook. If the driver is acting within the scope of his or her job duties at the time of a collision, such as by making a delivery, the employer is likely to be held vicariously liable for any resulting injuries. This is especially true in increasingly common situations where a trucking company pushes drivers to stay on the road and meet tight deadlines, even when the driver has exceeded legal limits on the number of hours that an individual in this industry can work per week. Federal law currently caps drivers’ weekly hours at 82 and mandates that they take at least a 34-hour break before getting back on the road the next week.

Seek Legal Guidance After a Truck Accident in Massachusetts

At the Law Offices of John C. Manoog III, we have been serving clients throughout the state in truck accident cases since 1994. We understand the issues that often arise in these matters, and we know how to build the strongest possible cases for the people that we represent. You do not need to just take our word for it. Look at the results. We have previously helped clients injured in auto crashes obtain a number of six- and seven-figure verdicts and settlements.

Our tractor-trailer crash attorneys offer free consultations throughout Massachusetts, for we are happy to travel to you if you are unable to come to our offices in Hyannis and Plymouth. We do not charge a fee in many cases unless we are successful. Call us at 888-262-6664 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Nós Falamos Português.