Is a Left-Turning Car Always at Fault for a Florida Accident?

Is a Left-Turning Car Always at Fault for a Florida Accident? Car accidents can be tricky when it comes to determining fault. There are many reasons as to how accidents occur, and if you have been involved in an accident with someone making a left turn, you could be the driver that is not at fault.  You can incur several damages from car accidents, including vehicle damage and hospital bills that can pile up. The experts at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers are here to help. Here’s everything you should know about car accidents involving people who have made left turns. 

Why Are Left Turns So Dangerous?

If you have made a left turn in a vehicle, then you are aware of the potential hazards that can arise. Making a left turn can be a dangerous decision because it can put drivers in unknown situations. To make a left turn, a driver must cross through multiple lanes of traffic. They are required to look both ways before crossing and there can be hidden hazards due to blind spots in the vehicle or unseen objects.  Depending on where you are making the left turn, you could risk your safety, as well as the safety of other drivers on the road. This is especially risky if it’s on a congested road, such as a four-way stop or high traffic area. Even in areas that have light traffic, accidents can still occur because people can run red lights or not know when it’s their time to proceed forward. Left turns can put drivers in susceptible conditions that lead to accidents because of oncoming traffic. This is why it’s important for every driver to always remain vigilant while driving. 

Who’s At Fault for Accidents Involving Left Turns?

The driver who made the left turn is almost always at fault for the accident since they are supposed to yield to traffic and take additional precautions to only turn when the coast is clear. The only time someone can be at-fault is if the other driver was:

• Speeding or distracted
• Did not stop when expected (at a red light or stop sign)
• Erratic and caused the left turn driver to stop in mid-turn

Drivers making left turns must stop and look both ways to make sure no one is running a stoplight or stop sign. They must also check all of their blind spots before proceeding.

How to Seek Help After a Car Accident

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, you can seek help in Florida through your insurance or a lawsuit if an agreement cannot be reached. Florida operates with a no-fault system. Instead of automatically resorting to lawsuits, all drivers involved in an accident must seek help from their insurance companies first. Because of this, it’s a requirement for all drivers to carry at least $10,000 in PIP.  Your PIP coverage will help with any medical bills and lost wages from time off work, but it will not cover car damages. If you want to have coverage for vehicle damages, you will need to add collision coverage. There are times when car accident victims can step out of the no-fault system to file a lawsuit with the help of a Boca Raton, Florida, attorney. Their case must meet one or both of the following requirements:

• Medical bills exceeding a certain amount
• They suffered from a severe injury

The severe injury must be one or more of the following:

• Death
• Scarring
• Dismemberment
• Life-altering changes
• On-going medical care

If your case qualifies to step out of the no-fault system, you can use your lawsuit in conjunction with your insurance settlement. 

How An Attorney Can Help

Some people try to avoid hiring an attorney for car accidents because of the potential expenses but hiring an attorney does not have to be the last resort. Contacting an attorney will actually be very beneficial for sound legal advice and should be one of the first things you do.  Attorneys can greatly increase your chances at seeking compensation. Because Florida’s car laws require victims to seek help from their insurance first, you can use a Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer to negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf to make sure that questions are answered adequately so that your claim has a better chance of not being denied or reduced. If a first offer is inadequate to cover your damages, your attorney can use their legal skills to negotiate.  A car accident attorney can also help you with your lawsuit if your case qualifies to step out of the no-fault system. There are certain instances in Florida where a car accident victim has the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver. If you qualify, you can benefit with the help of an experienced attorney.  When you file a claim, you can use this as another avenue for financial assistance. You will either reach a settlement agreement with the other driver, or you can take your case to court. To know what you can expect from a lawsuit, ask your Lighthouse Point car accident lawyer. 

Talk To Experienced Lawyers Today

Do you have questions regarding your recent car accident? Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers as soon as you can. We have the experience and knowledge you need to help you seek a favorable outcome. We can speak to your insurance adjuster to negotiate an optimal settlement and review the evidence to see if there’s further legal action you can take. Your attorney will be on your side and advise you throughout the entire process to make sure all of your questions are promptly answered. You can ask your questions during our free consultation that we offer. To schedule, call (561) 800-8000 or leave your information in our online case evaluation form. We will reach out to schedule a consultation at a time that’s convenient for you.  Florida law allows car accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a claim. Claims that are filed earlier have a better chance of a successful outcome because unless your case falls under an exception, it will be denied if it is filed after the allotted time. Allow legal experts to guide you through the legal process by calling Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers.