As you drive through Fort Lauderdale, you’re likely aware of the risks associated with left-turn accidents. However, determining fault in these incidents is not always a straightforward process. While the driver making the left turn is often liable for failing to yield, other factors can influence the assignment of blame.
To uncover the facts, a thorough investigation is important. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer at The Schiller Kessler Group examines the factors that influence fault in left-turn accidents and how to build a strong case.
We have over three decades of experience handling left-turn accidents. Read on to learn more about who is at fault in a left-turn accident.
Determining Liability in Left-Turn Accidents
When approaching an intersection, you expect other drivers to follow the rules of the road. Sometimes, they don’t, and a left-turn accident occurs. Reconstructing the accident is important for determining liability.
This involves analyzing evidence, such as witness statements, traffic cameras, and physical damage to the vehicles. You’ll also need to examine the left turn signals, including whether they were functioning properly and if the driver followed the signal’s instructions.
Accident reconstruction experts can help reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crash. By examining the physical evidence and witness testimony, they can determine who had the right of way and who was at fault in a left-turn accident.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Left-turn accidents often occur due to driver error or inattention, which can lead to devastating consequences. As a driver, you may be wondering what common mistakes lead to these accidents. Common causes include:
- Failure to yield: When you fail to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians, you increase the risk of a left-turn accident.
- Driver distraction: Taking your eyes off the road or being mentally distracted can cause you to misjudge traffic or pedestrians, leading to an accident.
- Inadequate left turn signaling: Failure to signal your intention to turn left can confuse other drivers and cause accidents.
- Misjudging traffic speed or distance: Miscalculating the speed or distance of oncoming traffic can result in a left-turn accident.
Understanding these common causes can help you take steps to avoid left-turn accidents and stay safe on the road.
The Role of Duty of Care in Assigning Fault
When determining fault in a left-turn accident, the driver’s duty of care, which includes exercising reasonable care to avoid harming others, must be considered.
Driver’s Reasonable Care
As you go through the challenges of assigning fault in a left-turn accident, understanding the role of duty of care becomes important. As a driver, you must exercise reasonable care to avoid harming others on the road. To determine if a driver breached their duty of care, consider the following:
- Were they speeding or driving recklessly?
- Did they fail to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians?
- Were they distracted or not paying attention to the road?
- Did they violate any traffic laws or regulations?
Traffic Laws Compliance
When making a left turn, you are expected to obey all applicable traffic laws and regulations. Failure to do so can lead to accidents and injuries. Traffic signal compliance is also important, as running a red light or failing to yield to oncoming traffic can result in severe consequences.
Additionally, lane change regulations must be followed to avoid cutting off other drivers or pedestrians. When investigating a left-turn accident, authorities will review compliance with these laws to determine fault.
If you’re found to have violated traffic laws, you may be held liable for any damages or injuries sustained. It’s important to understand and follow all traffic regulations to avoid accidents and guarantee your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Witness Statements Importance
In determining fault in a left-turn accident, witness statements play an important role in reconstructing the events leading up to the crash. You may wonder why witness statements are so important in assigning fault. The answer lies in their ability to provide an objective account of what happened, such as with factors like:
- Witness proximity: How close was the witness to the accident scene?
- Witness attention: Was the witness paying attention to the road and the vehicles involved?
- Witness bias: Does the witness have any reason to favor one party over the other?
- Statement consistency: Does the witness’s statement align with other evidence, such as video footage or physical evidence?
When the Left-Turning Driver Is Not Who Is at Fault
While driving in an intersection, other drivers’ actions can sometimes justify a left-turning driver’s move, making them not entirely at fault. You may be surprised to learn that, in certain left-turn scenarios, the fault determination doesn’t solely rest on the left-turning driver’s shoulders.
For instance, if another driver runs a red light or stops suddenly, causing you to make a hasty left turn, you may not be entirely responsible for the resulting accident.
Similarly, if a pedestrian or cyclist darts out into the intersection, forcing you to swerve or make an unexpected left turn, your liability may be reduced.
In such cases, other parties’ actions can contribute to the accident, making them partially or fully responsible. Therefore, it’s important to examine the entire situation to determine who is at fault in a left-turn accident accurately.
Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim in Fort Lauderdale
As you go through the aftermath of a left-turn accident, it’s important to prioritize building a strong case by collecting evidence that supports your claim. This evidence can be the deciding factor in determining fault and securing fair compensation for your damages. To gather evidence, consider the following steps:
- Document the scene: Take photo evidence of the accident site, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signs or signals.
- Obtain police reports: Request a copy of the police report, which may contain valuable information about the accident, including witness statements and officer observations.
- Gather witness statements: Collect contact information from witnesses and ask them to provide a written statement about what they saw.
- Preserve vehicle data: If your vehicle has a data recorder or “black box,” preserve the data to help reconstruct the accident.
Learn More About Who Is at Fault in a Left-Turn Accident
As you examine the circumstances of a left-turn accident in Fort Lauderdale, determining fault requires a thorough analysis. The Schiller Kessler Group will work with you to take an effective approach, helping you accurately assign fault and secure the compensation you need.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Injured? Call The Aggressive Attorneys Today
