Were You Injured in a Left-Hand Turn Accident?
Most of us have driven through an intersection immediately following a car accident. This isn’t surprising, as intersections are notorious for being one of the most likely places to get in a car accident. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as many as 40 percent of car crashes take place in intersections. Many of those collisions involve left turning drivers, some of whom may have had the right-of-way and some of whom cause accidents through carelessness or violation of a traffic law.
Determining Fault in Left-Hand Turn Car Crashes
Drivers attempting to make left-hand turns at traffic lights must yield to oncoming traffic unless they are protected by a light with a green arrow and when doing so won’t impede the path of an oncoming driver. This means that determining fault for a left-hand turn accident will largely hinge on who had the right-of-way at the time of the accident and whether either driver:
- Made an illegal traffic maneuver;
- Was distracted or under the influence;
- Had an obstructed view; or
- Made another driving error.
The person who was primarily at fault for a left-hand accident can end up being held liable for the victim’s losses, which could include compensation for medical treatment, as well as reimbursement for lost wages and vehicle repair costs. In serious cases, an injured claimant could even be entitled to damages for pain and suffering.
Left-Hand Turn Injuries
The types of injuries that are sustained in a left-hand turn accident are dictated by the position of the vehicle at the time of the crash. A person who is struck on the side while turning left, for instance, is more likely to suffer head trauma from striking the window, as well as neck injuries, like whiplash. Passengers could also suffer from upper arm and clavicle injuries, especially shoulder dislocations. Some accident victims who strike their heads may even experience hearing loss. Drivers who strike a left-turning vehicle are more protected, so their injuries are often a bit less severe. They are, however, still at risk of suffering head injuries, broken bones, and lacerations. Treating even the most minor of these injuries can still be expensive, which is why accident victims should strongly consider seeking compensation for their medical bills and other losses after being injured in a left-hand turn accident.
Contact Boone & Davis for Legal Help
Left-hand turn accidents can have severe repercussions, resulting in significant property damage and serious injuries. This can leave accident victims in a tough spot financially, especially if they are unable to work while they recuperate. Fortunately, accident victims who can prove that their injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence could be entitled to compensation for their losses. At Boone & Davis, our experienced Florida car accident lawyers and dedicated support staff have been helping accident victims seek their rightful damages since 1981. Call us at 954-566-9919, so we can put our experience and resources to work in your own case.
Sources:
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811366
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/0316.123
