It’s common knowledge that certain driving behaviors and maneuvers will increase the likelihood of an accident occurring. But what about left-hand turns? Are they dangerous? Are they the cause of a lot of accidents?
You might assume that it’s always the left-turning driver’s fault if a crash occurs, but this isn’t always the case in Florida. Read on to learn how liability for these accidents can impact your personal injury case.
Situations Where the Driver is Liable in a Florida Left Turn Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a crash and are unsure who is at fault, here are four scenarios where a left-turning driver would be liable:
State law dictates that drivers must yield to approaching traffic when making a left at a solid green light. This means they don’t have the right of way and are at fault if they turn in front of or into an approaching vehicle going straight.
Florida Statute § 316.075 also holds left-turning drivers liable for striking pedestrians and cars that are in an intersection they are turning across. They are supposed to wait until the area has cleared before proceeding.
In cases where traffic is congested, and a driver strikes you while turning left while you are still lawfully in the intersection, they are at fault even if they have the green arrow. Drivers going left should always clear the intersection before making their turns.
And, finally, with few exceptions, it’s illegal for a driver to turn left at a red light.
How Could I Be At-Fault if the Left-Turning Driver Hit Me?
Earlier, this article mentioned circumstances where the struck vehicle could hold partial liability for left-turning car accidents. Usually, this involves breaking traffic laws, and the negligence of doing so caused the crash:
You were speeding in the intersection.
You ran a red light, and they had a green arrow.
You tried to beat a yellow light.
You weren’t in the designated straight lane to go through the intersection (you used a turn lane to go straight, for example)
You violated other traffic laws.
What if They Turned Left on a Red Light? Aren’t They Liable?
Because turning left on a red light in Orlando, or anywhere, is unusual, many assume it’s illegal. But, surprisingly, there is a situation where it’s perfectly legal to do so under Florida law.
Turning onto a one-way from a one-way street
The light doesn’t display a “no turn on red” notice.
They came to a complete stop.
They yielded to all traffic and pedestrians before turning left in an intersection.
How to Create a Sold Personal Injury Claim for a Left-Turn Accident
One of the most important aspects of any injury compensation case is to show evidence of the other driver’s negligent left turn causing you harm. To do this, you will need to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Orlando to review and gather evidence to establish fault.
Below are types of proof that can help strengthen your case:
Crash scene, damage, and injury photos
Video surveillance that caught the accident
Police reports
Testimony from bystanders who saw the crash
Skid marks on the street
Using accident reconstructionists
Because left-turn accident cases aren’t always straightforward, you can expect your lawyer to evaluate the circumstances of your car accident thoroughly. However, it would help if you acted quickly to begin gathering evidence since information gets destroyed, witnesses may lose contact, and insurers will be trying to minimize your damages.
By working with a skilled car accident attorney, you can also ensure that you are not held partially at fault for the accident. Florida operates under a comparative negligence standard for injury claims. This means that if you have any responsibility for causing your injuries, your settlement or jury award could be reduced by the percentage you are at fault. Insurers are keenly aware of this fact and will try to deflect blame onto you whenever possible.
Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your Emotional Distress Claim
If you or a loved one were recently involved in a left-turn crash in the Orlando area, be sure to contact Jordan Law right away. We will not only assist you in establishing the other driver’s total fault for causing your injuries but will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation possible for your claim. You shouldn’t have to bear the costs of an accident that isn’t your fault.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about what rights you have to compensation.