Who Is At Fault in a Left-Turn Collision in Florida?

Left-turn accidents are extremely common in Florida. When drivers turn left, state law requires them to yield to oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, not all drivers follow this rule. If a driver turns left and hits another vehicle, the left-turning driver is often – though not always – at fault. 

Left-turn collisions can cause severe injuries and property damage, leading to expensive medical bills and other preventable losses. If you have suffered injuries in a left-turn crash in Florida, you could be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver. Understanding fault in left-hand turn scenarios can help you know what to expect when filing your claim.

Is the Left-Turn Driver Always At Fault in an Accident?

It’s a common misconception that the driver making the left-hand turn is always at fault in a left-turn accident. While this is often the case, it isn’t always true. We must examine the circumstances of each collision to determine who is liable for a left-hand turn wreck.

For example, if a driver making a left-hand turn fails to yield to oncoming traffic, they are likely at fault for a following accident. However, determining fault might be more difficult if another driver was speeding or running a red light when the accident occurred.

This is why working with an experienced car accident lawyer is essential after a left-turn accident in Florida. Your attorney can demand a fair recovery on your behalf by investigating the crash and developing evidence of liability.

Is a Driver Making a Left-Hand Turn Required to Yield to Traffic?

Florida law requires drivers to yield to oncoming traffic when making left-hand turns. This means drivers must always wait until it’s safe to make left-hand turns, even if they have green lights. Failure to yield to oncoming traffic is a common cause of left-turn collisions. It’s also a traffic violation that can result in a ticket and points against your driver’s license.

What Makes Left-Hand Turns More Dangerous?

Left-hand turns are more dangerous than other types of turns for several reasons:

1. Drivers making left-hand turns must often cross multiple lanes of traffic, meaning there are more opportunities for collisions with oncoming motorists.
2. Left-turning motorists must look for gaps in traffic before turning, so they might not pay enough attention to hazards such as oncoming pedestrians or cyclists.
3. Left-hand turns often require drivers to make split-second decisions, which can be especially difficult for inexperienced, drowsy, or impaired drivers.

What Are Some Common Injuries from a Left-Turn Crash?

Left-turn collisions can cause various injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening trauma. Some of the most common injuries from left-turn crashes include:

• Whiplash – Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents that happens when the force of the impact suddenly jerks the head back and forth. This condition commonly causes neck pain, headaches, and other debilitating symptoms.
• Broken bones – The force of a car accident can easily break bones upon impact, leading to painful fractures that sometimes require surgery to heal.
• Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries can cause life-altering partial or total paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage with long-term effects on a person’s cognitive and physical abilities.

If you got hurt in a left-turn collision in Florida, you should seek medical attention immediately – even if you do not feel seriously injured. Injuries like whiplash might not immediately show symptoms. But they can still be severe, so it’s best to seek prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Is There a Proper Way to Make a Left Turn?

When making a left-hand turn, you should follow these steps to reduce your risk of being involved in a left-turn collision:

• Signal your intention to turn – Use your turn signal to let other drivers know you plan to turn left well before the maneuver.
• Move into the left-turn lane – If there is a designated left-turn lane, move into it to prepare to make your turn. If there is no left-turn lane, move as close to the centerline as possible and wait for a gap in traffic.
• Check for oncoming traffic – Before turning, check for oncoming traffic from all directions.
• Yield to oncoming traffic – If you see oncoming traffic with the right of way, wait until it is safe to make your turn. Never try to rush your turn or cut in front of oncoming road users.
• Complete your turn – Once you know it is safe, execute the left-hand turn and merge into the appropriate lane of traffic.

Following these steps reduces your risk of being involved in a left-turn collision accident. However, accidents can still happen. If you suffer injuries in a left-turn crash, contact a Florida car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

What Happens If I Am Partially Responsible for the Accident?

In Florida, you could still file a car accident claim against another party if you were partially responsible for a left-turn accident. However, the amount of money you can get for your claim will vary depending on the percentage of fault you contributed to the accident. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you avoid losing money due to partial fault for an accident by uncovering useful evidence and crafting a strong legal strategy for your claim.

Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffer injuries in a left-turn collision in Florida, you need help from an experienced car accident lawyer who can pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

The Tampa injury lawyers at Zervos & Calta, PLLC have extensive experience representing clients in car accident cases, including those that involve left-turn collisions. We understand the challenges you are facing, and we’re here to demand the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how a Florida car accident lawyer with our firm can help you.

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About the Author

Angela Zervos
Angela has spent more than 20 years of her legal career fighting for personal injury victims – and against big insurance companies. As a true trial lawyer, she takes on a wide variety of personal injury claims, including those involving motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, medical malpractice, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. Prior to starting her own law practice, Angela secured more than $80 million in settlements and jury verdicts for her clients – a 90 percent success rate since 2002. Her efforts on behalf of her clients have resulted in numerous accolades. For example, Angela maintains a “Superb” 10.0 rating from AVVO, an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and she is ranked among the Top 100 civil trial lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Zervos & Calta, PLLC serves the entire Tampa Bay area – including Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hernando County, and Hillsborough County – from offices in Tarpon Springs, Spring Hill, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg.