Left-hand turns are the source of many traffic accidents in Miami, FL. Drivers who fail to yield because they are distracted, can’t see, or miscalculate timing, can cause serious T-bone collisions. Every motorist on the road owes others a duty of care. Those who recklessly endanger the lives of others should be held accountable for that pain and suffering.
At Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer, our Miami car accident lawyers help injured victims win the money they need to cover property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages. If you or a loved one were injured, call our Miami law offices to arrange a free consultation to learn more today.
How Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Miami Left-Hand Turn Accident
Despite the laws in place, car accidents in Miami can happen in an instant. You may not have time to see what caused it. Many accident victims find themselves confused and wondering:
-
Was the arrow green when you made your turn?
-
Was the oncoming car traveling above the speed limit when you turned left?
-
Did the driver turning in front of your car fail to notice you because they were distracted?
When in doubt, Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer can help. Before you talk to the insurance company, speak to our Miami personal injury lawyers. Insurance companies will do everything they can to pay you less than you deserve, which is why we fight aggressively on your behalf.
Our car accident lawyers in Miami prepare for every case as if it were going to court. Some common steps we take include:
-
Locating traffic-cam and other video footage of the accident
-
Requesting phone records to determine if the at-fault driver was distracted by their device
-
Obtaining witness testimony
-
Obtaining breathalyzer results to determine if the other driver was intoxicated
-
Investigating the scene of the accident
-
Analyzing data such as tire skid marks, debris, and more
-
Working with reconstructionists to determine what or who caused the accident
Don’t face the battle of seeking fair compensation after a left turn accident alone. Let our legal team at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer fight the insurance company on your behalf. We put time and energy into building a strong case to win you the full value of your claim.
Most people would rather avoid going to court. It may, however, be your only option when pursuing compensation for serious injuries. Our Florida left turn accident lawyers are ready for every possibility and will keep you informed as the case moves forward.
Collisions and Florida Traffic Laws
Under state law, Florida drivers intending to turn left must move to the farthest left-hand lane. Upon entering the intersection, they should leave the intersection clear for vehicles moving in both directions on the roadway they enter.
Bicyclists making a left turn may have full use of the correct lane, but are expected to approach the turn from left of center when possible. Any cyclist or driver who does not abide by these rules is penalized with a ticket and/or fine.
However, things aren’t always that simple. Florida residents are also governed by common law put in place by the judicial system. Any motorist causing an accident with an improper left-hand turn can be held liable by negligence or common law in addition to statutory traffic laws put in place through Florida Statute 316.122.
While these laws make it possible for car accident victims to recover fair compensation for their injuries, they also reduce the amount you’re entitled to if you are partially liable. Our personal injury lawyers at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer can help you determine the facts of your case. If you’re unsure if you’re eligible to collect damages, call us for your free consultation.
Causes of Left-Hand Turn Collisions
Left-hand turns are more risky than right. The dangers of oncoming traffic lead to more collisions. Some of the most common causes are:
-
A driver rushes the turn instead of waiting for traffic to pass
-
A distracted driver pulls in front of traffic
-
A lost driver makes a needed turn at the last minute
-
An obstruction blocks the driver’s view and they fail to see vehicles approaching
-
A driver takes a risky action due to road rage
-
Drivers making left turns while speeding
Sometimes, however, the driver going straight is to blame for the accident. For example, if a driver fails to yield at a stop sign or stop at a red light, they might be found liable.
Common Injuries Caused by Left-Hand Turn Accidents
Left-hand turn accidents often involve side-impact collisions, where the nose of one car slams into the side of another. These T-bone impacts can cause serious injuries such as concussions, broken bones, or spine damage.
Side-impact crashes are especially dangerous because most vehicles only have airbags directly facing occupants. Passengers get thrown around with nothing to cushion the blow. Instead, they collide with the door, dashboard, or even other passengers.
Wearing a seatbelt can help reduce injuries. Make sure you buckle up, and always secure children in a safety or booster seat.
Florida Statutes of Limitations for Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
The sunshine state has different statutes of limitations that apply when taking legal action for car accident injuries. Which one you follow depends on who you intend to sue for damages and the facts of your case. Four types of injury claims that you’ll typically see after a motor vehicle accident and their applicable statutes of limitations are:
Car Accident Lawsuits
State law allows most accident victims four years from the date of their injuries to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Once those four years have passed, it’s unlikely that a court will hear your case.
Florida Government Entity Claims
If poorly maintained roads contributed to your accident, you can file a lawsuit against the government entity in charge of road maintenance within three years. Examples of harmful road conditions include malfunctioning traffic lights, dangerous construction zones, fallen stop signs, uncleared debris, sinkholes, and potholes.
Product Liability Claims
Accident victims have the right to file a product liability lawsuit if a defective vehicle or defective car parts contributed to the crash. Examples would be faulty brake pads or tires. You have four years to seek damages related to your injuries unless you are a surviving family member of someone who died in an accident. We’ll cover this next.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you lost a loved one on the road because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation for related damages.
Florida law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death action for damages such as funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering within two years of the accident.
The Florida legal code provides explicit limitations for most criminal and civil legal actions. There are, however, certain rare circumstances when the court will make an exception. Some scenarios which might bring the clock to a halt are:
-
Not knowing the defendant’s location – Defendants must be served with a court summons and other documents. If they leave the state or dodge being served, it can delay the process. In these cases, our Miami car accident lawyers can help you petition for an extension of the statute of limitations.
-
Not knowing the liable party’s true identity – Sometimes disingenuine people might provide a false identity to avoid lawsuits, warrants, or criminal charges. In these cases, you can apply for an extension until the police or investigator can verify who they really are.
-
Catastrophic injuries – Extreme injuries that leave a victim with severe burns or in a permanent vegetative state or coma may be grounds for a seven-year extension on the statute of limitations from the date of the accident.
-
Delayed discovery of injuries – Not all injuries show up immediately after an accident, and some can cause long-term complications. Florida law states that a statute of limitations doesn’t begin until a victim discovers the injury. This is most common for head injuries or injuries to young children.
-
Young accident victims – Teenage drivers or child passenger victims are sometimes allowed to seek compensation for damages once they reach age 18. If you suspect your child qualifies, our legal team can help you apply for an exception under Florida law.
With so many rules in place, left-turn accident victims may not understand how to proceed. Your best course of action is to speak with Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer. Our experienced team members are always up to date on the nuances of Florida law.
Damages You Can Claim in a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida
You may believe you have a strong case against an at-fault driver, but what damages are you eligible to claim? Left-turn accident compensation falls into two categories – economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are any monetary expenses directly resulting from the crash that will fall within this category, whether already incurred or anticipated for the future. Evidence used to determine these awarded damages includes medical records and bills.
Accident victims suffering from mental distress that affects their quality of life have a right to collect for non-economic damages. Some qualifying conditions are significant or permanent loss of body function or permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Contact a Miami, FL Car Wreck Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured, the Miami left-turn accident lawyers at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer can help. We offer a free consultation to go over the details of your case and discuss your options. We take pride in assisting Miami area residents in seeking justice for their injuries. Let us help you fight for the payout you deserve.
Our legal team is available for advice at (305) 257-9464. Call our Miami law firm today for help getting back on your feet.
Other Car Accident Cases We Cover
- Hit and run crashes
- Head-on crashes
- Lane change accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Parking lot accidents
Address
Phone