Left Turn Car Accidents

Some kinds of car accidents, like rear-end and left turn crashes, may seem cut and dried. If someone crashes into you from behind or makes an illegal left turn and hits you, it seems they should be at fault. However, this is not always the case. In many car accident cases, there may be “gray areas” of fault. Was the left turn at a green, yellow, or red light? Did the driver have a left turn arrow? Did the oncoming driver run a red light?

If you have been involved in a left turn car accident, it’s important to consult with an experienced Sarasota car accident attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. An experienced attorney will investigate every aspect of your case to make sure you receive just compensation for your injuries.

The state of Florida follows a standard of pure comparative negligence when assigning fault in car accident cases. First, it must be determined which driver was negligent, or at fault, in the accident. In some cases, both drivers may be partially at fault. Here is where the rule of comparative negligence comes into play. If one driver made an illegal left turn, but the other driver was speeding, they may both be found partially at fault. If both parties are found at fault, potential damages will be reduced by the amount of fault. Let’s say that Driver A is set to be awarded $20,000 for their injuries, but is found to be 10% at fault for the accident. Driver A’s award will then be reduced by that 10%.

Typically, the driver making the left turn is at fault for the accident. In order to make a left turn, the driver must yield to oncoming traffic and only turn when the road is clear. However, there are situations where this is not so black and white. One or both drivers may be speeding, and the driver turning left may miscalculate the time they have to turn.

Left turn accidents can be particularly dangerous when involving commercial trucks or motorcycles. A driver may misjudge the speed a motorcycle is traveling at and make a left hand turn that results in an accident. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to serious head, neck, and spinal injuries when involved in an accident. Commercial trucks have a larger turn radius, and often do not turn as quickly as smaller vehicles. Left turn car accidents involving commercial trucks can also result in serious injuries for both parties.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important that you contact an attorney to ensure you are compensated for your injuries. Contacting an aggressive Sarasota car accident attorney can help you determine who was at fault, and how much money you are entitled to. At Pallegar Law, P.A., our first priority is your health and safety. While you receive medical treatment, we investigate the accident and handle all the insurance claims.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Call a skilled Sarasota car accident attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A. today. Call 941-893-5816 for your free consultation.