Right-turn accident cases can often get complex as a result of visibility issues, intersection design, and misinterpretation of traffic laws. While in cases where only one party is clearly at fault, establishing liability is straightforward, it can get more challenging in other types of accidents with multiple liable parties. It is best to consult with an attorney to determine your best legal options to win a right-turn accident case. In this blog, we will explore essential tips, strategies, and expert advice for winning a right-turn car accident case.
Florida Right Turn Laws
The traffic laws in Florida allow you to take a right turn at a red light. However, you are required to bring your vehicle to a complete stop before making the right turn. Failing to do so can lead to a right turn car crash, especially if there is oncoming traffic. All road users are required to ensure they follow safe driving practices and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles that have the right of way. In the event of a car accident, issues such as determining fault and dealing with insurance companies can arise. Always use the turn signals to indicate that you are making a right turn. The indicator can help alert other road users around you that you are about to turn right, potentially avoiding a collision and protecting your rights to seek fair compensation if a crash occurs.
When making a right turn, you are required to use the rightmost lane or the other lane designated for turning right. If there is an intersection that has a “No Right Turn on Red,” then you are not allowed to turn right at such intersections.
Motorists in Florida are also required to be mindful of bicycle lanes, which also tend to be on the right side of the road. In most cases, bicyclists have the right of way, so drivers need to be careful when making a right turn.
While right-turn laws do not tend to change often, they can be subject to minor changes over time. In parts of the road that are under construction or maintenance, you should follow the signs and signals on the road.
Common Causes Of Right Turn Accidents
Several factors can contribute to right-turn accidents. Driver inattention or negligence is often the primary cause of such accidents. Here are some of the top causes of right-turn accidents in Florida:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Blind Spots
- Making an illegal right turn
- Reckless driving
- Poor visibility
- Poor road conditions
Understanding the Complexities of Right Turn Accidents
Right-turn car accidents are an everyday occurrence, especially at busy intersections where traffic signals, red lights, and oncoming vehicles add layers of complexity. A right-turn car crash can happen in a split second, whether due to a driver failing to yield to oncoming traffic, misunderstanding the right-of-way rules, or misjudging the speed of an oncoming car. When a right-turning driver collides with other vehicles, it’s not always easy to determine who’s at fault.
A turn car accident might involve disputes over green turn-only signals, yellow lights, or situations where one vehicle passes another improperly. These cases can also include failing to yield, improper use of turn signals, or a driver who fails to stop at a stop sign. Because these collisions often involve questions about traffic laws and right of way, working with an experienced car accident lawyer is crucial to prove fault and navigate the legal process.
Steps to Take After a Right Turn Accident
If you’re involved in a right turn accident, your actions at the accident scene can affect the outcome of your insurance claim or right turn accident claim. First, prioritize immediate medical treatment, even if injuries seem minor. Conditions like shoulder injuries, whiplash, or head trauma may not show symptoms right away.
Next, contact law enforcement and ensure a police report is filed. Inaccuracies in the police report can complicate your case, so provide as many details as possible about the vehicles involved, the drivers involved, and traffic conditions at the time of the crash. If you believe the police report is inaccurate, document your concerns immediately and discuss them with your car accident lawyer.
Take photos of the scene, property damage, skid marks, traffic lights, and road signage. This valuable evidence can later be supported by accident reconstruction reports or insights from accident reconstruction experts, especially in complex scenarios involving speeding oncoming cars or visibility issues.
Legal Representation and Claim Strategies
Understanding how to win a right-of-way accident case often starts with choosing the right legal support. CarAccidentAttorney.com connects injured drivers with an experienced car accident attorney who can handle all aspects of the legal process, from determining fault to helping you pursue fair compensation.
Your attorney will review accident reconstruction reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records to build a strong case. Whether you’re the right-turning driver or were struck by one, legal professionals can help prove fault and push back when insurance companies determine liability unfairly.
In addition, your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies to cover medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Many insurers offer lowball settlements that don’t reflect the true cost of injuries sustained. A strong legal advocate helps you fight for a fair settlement that accounts for both present and future needs.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, take advantage of a free consultation through CarAccidentAttorney.com. Whether you’ve been hit while making a right turn or were injured by a driver who failed to yield to oncoming traffic, legal support can make the difference between walking away empty-handed and securing the financial compensation you deserve.
Establishing Liability In Right Turn Accidents
Liability can often be shared in right-turn accidents. Florida used to follow a pure negligence system, however, the state now follows a comparative negligence system for auto accident cases.
According to the comparative negligence system, the injured party cannot recover compensation for the accident if they are more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. This makes the issue of establishing liability in right-turn accidents even more crucial to winning the case.
Several factors need to be considered to establish liability including traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and the actions of the parties involved in the accident. For example, a driver making the right turn has a duty of care toward other road users, and if this duty of care is breached and causes injuries to others, then the right-turning driver would be held liable for the accident. However, other parties can also share fault. If they do not follow traffic laws, they could be partially at fault for the collision.
Evidence is Key to Winning the Case
Winning any type of auto accident case requires evidence, especially cases that are complex. If you get into a right-turn accident, you must gather evidence to support your claim. This evidence could include footage from surveillance cameras, eyewitness testimony, photos or videos of property damage, medical records, and any other types of evidence that can support your claim. Some types of evidence are challenging to access, but with the help of an attorney, you can gather strong evidence for your right-turn accident case.
How Can an Attorney Help?
A personal injury attorney can help you in all legal aspects of a right-turn accident case, including establishing liability, gathering evidence, completing legal paperwork, and negotiating with auto insurance companies. If needed, they can also represent you in a court of law. If you like to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, we welcome you to get in touch with us at CarAccidentAttorney.com. Our experienced team can support you throughout the legal process.
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