Florida Left-Turn Accidents
Car accidents can and do occur just about anywhere. There are areas, however, that are known for being particularly dangerous for motorists. For instance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than 40 percent of all car accidents occur at intersections. Many of these collisions occur when drivers attempt to make a left-hand turn, but fail to use the required degree of care when doing so. Unfortunately, these kinds of crashes can lead to serious injuries for the parties involved, many of whom are pedestrians and cyclists and so are even more at risk of sustaining a potentially fatal injury.
Driver Error at Intersections
Intersections can be dangerous, simply because so many vehicles are moving in so many different directions. Add to this the many pedestrians and cyclists that use intersections and you have an even more perilous situation. Most collisions at these locations occur because of driver error when attempting to make a left-hand turn, such as:
- Making illegal traffic maneuvers;
- Driving while distracted;
- Driving while under the influence;
- Driving through an intersection with an obstructed view; and
- Making incorrect assumptions about other motorists, such as their speed or intent to turn.
These kinds of mistakes are always dangerous, but are especially so when a motorist is making a left turn.
Why Left-Hand Turn Accidents are Dangerous
There are a lot of reasons why left-hand turns are so hazardous at intersections, one of which is that drivers who are turning left are often required to cross a complete lane of traffic, while also watching for other vehicles from both directions. Making this maneuver requires swift movement and clear judgment, which could be absent for a driver who is distracted or otherwise not paying enough attention to the road. Left-hand turn collisions also tend to result in serious injuries, due to the fact that oncoming traffic is almost always traveling faster than the vehicle making the turn. The force of a collision between two vehicles, especially when at least one is moving faster, can cause serious injuries to all of the parties involved.
It’s also important to note that the sides of a vehicle are one of the least protected parts of the car, with only a thin sheet of metal between the occupants and the impact from the other vehicle. As a result, the occupants of vehicles that are struck when turning left often suffer particularly severe injuries, including everything from crushed and broken bones and lacerations to head trauma and internal injuries.
Were You Involved in a Left-Turn Accident?
The dedicated Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at Boone & Davis have been serving our community and helping accident victims seek compensation for their losses since 1981. We are eager to put our experience and resources to work helping you recover after your own accident. For an assessment of your legal options, or for help with a specific personal injury-related question, call us at 954-566-9919, or send us an online message today.
Sources:
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811366
highways.dot.gov/research/research-programs/safety/intersection-safety
