Each year, Florida witnesses nearly 400,000 traffic accidents, making it crucial for drivers to navigate its roads with utmost caution. This rings especially true in bustling cities like Fort Lauderdale, where intersections serve as potential hotspots for collisions. Among the top concerns for Florida drivers are the failure to signal turns and a need for more attention to changing traffic signals.
Left-turn car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, in particular, present significant risks on the road. A 2016 study highlighting Florida’s dubious distinction of having some of the nation’s most hazardous drivers sheds light on the dangers of improper maneuvers during left turns.
At Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys understand the intricacies of Florida’s traffic laws. If you’ve been involved in a left-turn car accident in Fort Lauderdale, our team is here to provide you with the expert legal counsel and representation you need.
Left-turn accidents are a significant concern on the busy streets of Fort Lauderdale, contributing to a notable portion of roadway collisions. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 25% of all crashes at intersections are attributed to left-turn accidents.
Causes to Consider:
A common cause in Fort Lauderdale’s left-turn accidents is the failure to yield. This happens when a driver turning left does not give way to oncoming traffic, often at intersections controlled by traffic signals or signs. Distractions, unfamiliarity with right-of-way rules, or misjudgments about traffic flow can lead to this dangerous scenario.
Another prevalent type of left-turn accident is the “T-bone” collision, occurring when one vehicle’s front crashes into the middle of another. This often results from a left-turning vehicle being struck by a vehicle proceeding straight through the intersection, leading to severe side-impact collisions and injuries.
In unfortunate instances, a left-turning vehicle may be hit by a car attempting to pass from the left. This reckless behavior poses significant dangers, especially when the left-turning driver has signaled their intent and slowed down.
Assigning fault in left-turn accidents involves examining the circumstances preceding the collision. Typically, the driver making the left turn is considered at fault if they fail to yield to oncoming traffic with the right of way.
For instance, if a driver with a green light turns left and collides with a vehicle moving straight through the intersection, they are usually held responsible. Florida law mandates that left-turning drivers yield unless traffic signals or signs indicate otherwise.
However, situations of shared fault can arise, especially on rural roads lacking signals or designated lanes. In such cases, a passing driver may fail to recognize the intention of a left-turning vehicle, leading to a collision.
In the bustling streets of Fort Lauderdale, understanding the significance of yielding the right of way during left turns is crucial. When cruising down a Fort Lauderdale road, the sun casting a warm glow over the asphalt, a left turn collision on a green light can leave you disoriented, wondering, “Who is at fault?”
Left turns on green lights are permitted, but assuming the automatic right of way can lead to dangerous assumptions. In many cases, the left-turning driver bears responsibility for these accidents. Always signal your intent to turn left and practice defensive driving by anticipating the actions of others.
While left-turning drivers are often at fault, exceptions exist. An oncoming driver speeding or running a red light can shift liability. Comparative negligence laws in Florida add nuance to fault determination.
Understanding the nuanced laws governing left turns is pivotal. A green light means proceed with caution, yielding to oncoming traffic, while a green arrow provides a protected left turn. Remember, a green light does not equate to automatic right of way for left turns.
Misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles is a common cause of left-turn accidents. Caution is vital, especially when crossing multiple lanes of traffic. Defensive driving and clear signaling of intentions can prevent accidents.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the rules governing left turn accidents are outlined in Chapter 316 of the Florida Statutes, commonly referred to as “The Rules of the Road.” Specifically, Section 316.122 of the statutes addresses the responsibilities of drivers intending to make a left-hand turn.
According to Section 316.122, Florida Statutes, a motor vehicle driver planning to turn left into a road or driveway must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. In essence, this means that the driver attempting a left turn should give way to approaching vehicles.
Unfortunately, many drivers in Fort Lauderdale are either in a rush or simply careless in their vehicle operation on the city’s roads, streets, and highways. When a driver fails to yield while making a left turn, the consequences can be severe, often resulting in car accidents with personal injuries.
In Florida, if a driver violates a traffic regulation such as Section 316.122, the law tends to favor the injured party. Even if the driver receives a traffic citation for the violation, the disposition of the citation does not necessarily determine fault in a civil case or claim.
Florida operates as a comparative fault state, meaning fault can be divided among multiple drivers involved in an accident. This system allows for fault to be apportioned fairly based on the circumstances of the collision.
When a driver intends to turn left, they must adhere to Florida Statute 316.122 by signaling their intent and yielding the right of way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. Failure to yield in such situations can result in a moving violation, and the driver may be at fault for any resulting collisions, especially in left-turn car accidents in Fort Lauderdale.
At intersections with stop signs, drivers must come to a complete stop according to Florida Statute 316.123. The vehicle that arrives first at a four-way stop has the right of way. If vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver to the right is given priority. Similarly, drivers must yield to vehicles and pedestrians at yield signs, and failing to do so can lead to significant fines.
Florida Statute §316.083 dictates that drivers must yield to overtaking vehicles, except when passing on the right is legally permitted. Overtaking vehicles may signal audibly or use their headlights at night. Drivers being overtaken should not increase their speed until the passing vehicle has safely completed the maneuver.
According to Florida Statute 316.121, drivers must yield when crossing or entering a highway, whether paved or unpaved. This is particularly important as vehicles on highways may be traveling at high speeds. In such situations, yielding to passing vehicles is crucial for preventing accidents.
Florida Statute 316.126 mandates that all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians must yield to emergency vehicles such as ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks. Drivers should immediately clear intersections and move to the nearest curb when emergency vehicles are approaching.
This statute governs the right of way at intersections and provides guidelines for situations where drivers are turning left or right. Florida Statute § 316.075 ensures safe and orderly traffic flow by specifying rules for yielding in various scenarios.
This statute specifically addresses the responsibilities of drivers making left turns, emphasizing the need to yield to oncoming traffic. Florida Statute § 316.122 provides the legal framework for determining fault in left-turn accidents, particularly in Fort Lauderdale.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, left-turn car accidents can raise questions about liability and fault. While the driver making a left turn is often presumed responsible, there are scenarios where other drivers’ negligence plays a significant role.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the general presumption is that the driver making a left turn is responsible for any resulting accident. However, there are important exceptions to this rule that could impact liability in left-turn car accidents.
For instance, if a left-turn driver is found 40% at fault and the oncoming driver is determined to be 60% at fault for a $100,000 damage case, the left-turn driver would be entitled to 60% of their damages.
Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers are the trusted advocates for car accident victims in Fort Lauderdale. Our experienced legal team understands Florida’s traffic laws, including left-turn accidents. We fight for our clients’ rights, securing rightful compensation for their injuries.
If you’ve been injured, contact our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers for a free consultation. We provide dedicated legal representation to guide you towards recovery and justice.
Areas near Fort Lauderdale our experienced legal team serves include Hialeah, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and more.
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1700 NW 64th St Suite 460
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 712-8877
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Hialeah, FL 33016
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