Left Turn Car Accidents in Tampa

Left turn car accidents are more common than just about any type of traffic accident. They tend to be serious as well, frequently causing a wrongful death claim. You could get t-boned while turning left, for example. T-bone accidents can easily kill occupants without side-impact air bags, which many cars lack. Courts, police and insurance companies tend to blame the left turning driver, but not all of the time.

The left-turn arrow

Most of the time a driver turning left faces a red light, a yellow light, or a green light. At some intersections, however, a green arrow pointing left is available. This relieves the left-turning driver of the legal responsibility of yielding to oncoming traffic. Most left-turn intersections, however, do not offer left-turning drivers a green arrow.

Florida left turn law: The presumption of fault

Florida has a statute requiring left-turning drivers to yield to oncoming traffic. In practice, this law typically creates the presumption that the left-turning driver is at fault. If the turning driver did not yield to the oncoming driver, it would be nearly impossible for the turning driver to escape liability unless they were responding to a left-turn arrow.

Why left turn accidents are so common

Here is a list of some of the most common reasons for left-turn accidents:

• The left-turning driver’s view is obstructed so that they cannot see an oncoming car.
• One driver misjudges the speed of the other driver.
• A driver suddenly changes their speed.
• Miscalculation of the distance across the intersection or the distance to the oncoming vehicle.
• Failure to use turn signals at least 100 feet before turning.
• Failure to yield the right-of-way–typically by the turning driver, but sometimes by the oncoming driver.
• Poor weather or lighting conditions that reduce visibility and increase stopping distances.
• Inattentiveness or distraction (e.g., using a cell phone while driving).
• Running a yellow light.
• Confusion at intersections without clear signage or lane markings.
• Pressure from impatient drivers behind the turning vehicle, leading to rushed decisions.

These factors combine to make left turns one of the most dangerous and misunderstood maneuvers on the road.

How to make a safe left turn

Obviously you don’t want to have a left-turn accident even if it isn’t your fault. Here are some tips for making safe left-hand turns:

• Never make an illegal left turn or illegal U-turn. These left turns are prohibited for a reason, and that reason is not always obvious.
• Use your turn signal well in advance of your turn. A rear-end collision could push your car into the path of oncoming traffic, so give everyone notice of your intentions.
• ALWAYS yield to oncoming traffic unless you have a green arrow. Even then, keep an eye on the oncoming driver and exercise caution.
• Keep a watch on the oncoming driver even if you have a left-turn arrow.
• Do not rush through breaks in traffic. If you have to rush, the break is not long enough.
• Exercise additional caution if your view is obstructed—or turn left from another location altogether.

Taking a few extra seconds to turn safely is far better than taking unnecessary risks that could lead to a serious accident.

Special case: No-fault car accidents

Under Florida car accident law, unless an accident is ‘serious’, drivers’ own no-fault insurance policies pay certain losses like medical care or wage losses. These policies are mandatory for Florida drivers. If the accident is serious, the injured party can go ahead and file a third-party insurance claim or a lawsuit against the at-fault. At that point fault becomes more relevant.

Defenses to liability for left-turning drivers

Some of these defenses are only partial defenses. In other words, they will absolve the left-turning driver of only some of their liability, not all of it.

• The oncoming driver was speeding, resulting in insufficient time for the left-turning driver to cross the intersection.
• The oncoming driver was distracted–talking on their cell phone for example. The left-turning driver will need to prove a causal relationship between distracted driving and the accident.
• Not using headlights at night. A driver is not likely to yield to an oncoming driver that they can’t see.
• Illegal passing of another vehicle. This could put the overtaking vehicle in the path of the left-turning driver much sooner than anticipated.
• The oncoming driver failed to yield while the left-turning driver had a green arrow
• The oncoming driver ran a red light or a stop sign, thereby entering the intersection unlawfully.
• Sudden mechanical failure or emergency maneuver by the left-turning driver in response to an unexpected hazard.

Even with these defenses, left-turning drivers must present strong evidence to overcome the general presumption of fault in intersection collisions.

Gathering evidence

If you believe you have a legitimate claim arising from a left-turn accident, seek the following evidence:

• Photographs of the scene of the accident. Make sure to photograph the position of the cars on the road, injuries, property damage, license plates, identification information, and anything else that might be relevant.
• The police report. Police reports are generally inadmissible in court but useful in settlement negotiations.
• Witness statements. These are also generally inadmissible in court but useful in settlement negotiations.
• Expert witness reports and testimony. You may or may not need an accident reconstruction specialist to prove your case.
• Traffic camera and dashcam footage, if they contain valuable footage.
• “Black box” (event data recorder) data–speed at the time of the crash, etc.

This list is just the tip of the iceberg. Your lawyer should be aware of how to locate and package admissible evidence.

Do you need a Tampa car accident lawyer?

Unfortunately, Florida roads see more than their fair share of accidents compared to the rest of the United States. Tampa roads are no exception. Not only do Tampa roads see a lot of accidents, but these accidents tend to be serious, with high compensation demands. The higher your demand for compensation, the harder the defendant will fight to avoid paying them.

That’s OK, because MattLaw Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers knows how to handle evasive defendants and stingy insurance companies. Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation.