Left Turn Accidents

The aftermath of a left turn car accident can prove tragic, resulting in lifelong injuries and serious property damage. Throughout South Florida, drivers cause “T-Bone collisions” when they crash into oncoming vehicles while attempting a left turn. Unfortunately, these collisions are often caused by driver negligence, including distracted driving such as texting while operating a vehicle. The Miami car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are here to help you or a loved one understand your options following an automobile collision. We proudly serve clients throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as across South Florida, and offer dedicated, personal representation that helps individuals pursue the compensation to which they are entitled.

Florida law requires that drivers turning left in an intersection or alley yield the right-of-way to vehicles approaching from the other direction. According to Florida Statute § 316.122, drivers turning left must also yield to approaching vehicles at private roads, driveways, and entrances to businesses. The reality is that drivers turning left in a careless or reckless manner may cause “T-bone collisions,” resulting in serious physical harm to other drivers and passengers, including head trauma, shoulder injuries, and neck and back pain.

In many cases, drivers turning left may not see the approaching vehicle, due to distracted driving or carelessness behind the wheel. Some drivers run red lights, exposing themselves to dangers posed by oncoming traffic before they turn left. Additionally, some drivers turning left misjudge the speed of oncoming vehicles, ultimately resulting in a crash.

In certain situations, third parties may be held accountable for harm resulting from a left-turn collision. For example, manufacturers of defective automobile parts may be partially liable for contributing to an accident. In another scenario, if the driver turning left was working at the time of the collision, and within the scope of his employment, his employer may be liable.

By pursuing a personal injury claim against a driver who caused a left turn collision, the victim may recover damages resulting from the collision. The types of compensation that may be recovered include both economic and non-economic damages. For example, economic damages refer to medical and hospital bills, lost wages from work due to injuries, and property damage. Future medical expenses may also be recovered for ongoing care and treatment. Non-economic harm includes emotional pain and suffering, and a reduced quality of life.

The first step in a personal injury claim seeking damages is to establish fault for the accident. In most left turn collision cases, the driver turning left will be deemed liable, or legally at fault, for the crash. The victim would assert that their negligence caused the accident. Negligence is the failure to exhibit reasonable care, which in this situation would involve properly yielding to other drivers and safely executing the left turn. This sort of negligence must be the direct cause of the accident, and must have led to resulting harm. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you prove causation depending on the facts of your case.

Conduct commonly considered negligent when driving includes speeding, texting while operating a vehicle, and misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic before turning. Negligence does not require intent, and it is not a defense for the driver to argue that he did not intend harm. Since a reasonable driver would refrain from careless or negligent conduct, the law holds negligent drivers accountable when they cause a crash and resulting injuries.

Finally, as the victim pursuing a personal injury claim, the injured individual must show that the defendant driver’s conduct directly led to the crash. As a defense, the other driver may claim that the victim was speeding, or contributed to the crash. Florida law provides for the injured defendant to recover compensation, even if they are partly at fault for the accident. For example, if you were speeding at the time of the collision, you will still be able to recover damages for your harm resulting from the left turn accident. The court determines the amount of fault each party holds, and the victim recovers a percentage of the total compensation minus a percentage corresponding to their own degree of fault.

The law provides a method to hold careless drivers accountable when their negligent conduct causes harm. When another driver causes you or a loved one injuries, the car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are here to diligently represent your right to monetary damages resulting from the crash. We understand the financial and emotional repercussions of a car accident, and are dedicated to helping people throughout Miami, and West Palm Beach pursue damages. To set up a free consultation, contact us today by calling 877.499.4878 or contact us online.