After getting into a car accident, various factors must be considered before one can determine who needs to be held responsible for what happened on the road. Those that are making left-hand turns are often responsible for the accidents that occur. Before the accident happens, the driver is usually on a straight path and then makes the decision to turn to the left while the other driver is on a straight path, too. While drivers making left-hand turns are often at fault, there have been times when other drivers were held responsible for the accidents.
In cases where the driver that made the left-hand turn is not at fault, it is usually because that driver had more than enough evidence to prove that the other driver was in the wrong, whether that driver was distracted, speeding, or not following specific rules while riding down the road. Having good evidence is the best way to prove your innocence when you are accused of causing a left-hand turn accident. The best way to gather that evidence is through surveillance footage and witness statements. It is also necessary to get a lawyer involved in the case.
Collisions Caused by Left-Hand Turns
There are rules of the road that clearly state that any driver trying to make a left-hand turn should make sure that there is no oncoming traffic before making that turn to avoid a collision. If there are no other cars on the road and nothing else is coming close, the driver may then proceed with making the turn. Determining who is at fault means figuring out which driver was not following the rules. If an individual makes a left turn, he or she is often held accountable because that driver is supposed to yield and wait for all oncoming traffic to pass before attempting to move. Some drivers attempt to make the turn quickly because they think they will make it before the oncoming car reaches the intersection and then they end up in a serious accident.
It is often a challenge to get the driver that made a left-hand turn any compensation for the collision because it requires a lot of effort to prove that the other driver was also in the wrong. The person might get lucky if there are a lot of surveillance cameras in the intersection that has captured exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the accident.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Some exceptions are available for those that have made left-hand turns and have been in accidents. For example, the driver that was going straight and not turning may have sped up to make the light and could have been going way over the speed limit when the accident occurred. The driver might have even gone through a red light, thus slamming right into the other driver that was making the turn. An investigation would need to take place and expert witnesses would likely get called in to provide their insight.
How to Handle the Situation
If you get into an accident caused when you were making a left-hand turn, you should consult with a lawyer for advice. An experienced personal injury lawyer to build a defense for you based on the circumstances of the situation.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a left-hand turn accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of a car crashes in Pembroke Pines, Tamarac, West Park, and throughout Florida. Call 954-5252345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.