Failing to Use Turn Signals Is One of the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in the United States
A driver not using a turn signal can lead to car accidents for other drivers on the road. Turn signals are important to tell the drivers you share the road with where your vehicle is going. If you make a sudden turn or spontaneous lane change without alerting your fellow drivers, they won't be able to adjust their vehicles accordingly, and disaster can strike. You can file a personal injury claim in the hope of being compensated for your injuries if they were caused by a driver not using turn signals. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim, assess liability for your damages, collect evidence, interview witnesses, negotiate a settlement, or represent you in court.Why is Using Your Turn Signals So Important?
Turn signals are so important because they signal to the other drivers on the road where your car is going. If you were to need to switch from the right lane to the left lane, the only way to indicate that to drivers in the left lane would be with a turn signal. Turn signals can also be helpful to pedestrians. Using a turn signal at an intersection or in a parking lot will tell pedestrians what direction you're turning, which can prevent them from walking straight into your car. This can also help prevent unnecessary pedestrian accidents.When Should Drivers Use Their Turn Signals?
According to Florida Statute 316.155, a turn or lateral move on the highway is not allowed to be made unless indicated by a turn signal. This signal must be used continuously for at least one hundred feet before the move is made. This allows the drivers around the vehicle to adjust their speed accordingly, so a safe turn or lane change can be made. The following are some of the situations where a turn signal needs to be used:- Turning at an intersection
- Changing lanes
- Turning to enter or exit the highway
- When turning into a parking space
Accidents Caused By Turning Without Using a Turn Signal
Turn signals are essential for the safe maneuvering of all who share the road. Unless in a turning lane, the turning car will have to stop at the end of the lane and wait for traffic to clear before executing their turn. If there is no indication that this stop is coming, it's likely the car behind won't be able to stop in time, which can lead to a rear-end collision. Turning out of any side street can be very dangerous. Not every driver on the road may be expecting a turning car. A blinking turning signal provides an indication that a turn is coming so other drivers can maneuver accordingly. Making a turn without a clear signal can lead to a car accident.Not Using Your Turn Signals When Changing Lanes Can Lead to Car Accidents
Changing lanes is an important part. It allows drivers to maneuver traffic more efficiently and is necessary to move to turn lanes. Without signaling before changing lanes, the drivers already occupying that lane will have no indication of the driver's plan to drift over. They won't be able to stop in time, forcing a spontaneous move that could lead to a multi-car accident.Failure to Use Turn Signals in a Crowded Parking Lot Can Result in a Collision.
In a location as cramped as a parking lot, using a turn signal is essential for both other drivers and pedestrians walking to their cars. If a turn signal is not used before pulling into a spot, a crash can happen between two cars aiming for the same spot. This can also lead to a pedestrian accident, with a pedestrian walking into a spot while a car pulls in.Filing a Car Accident Claim
If you suffered serious injuries in a car accident caused by a motorist not using their turn signals, you could be entitled to compensation via a car accident lawsuit. The best way to increase your chances of success when filing a car accident lawsuit or claim is by hiring an experienced car accident lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to walk you through what your options are for filing a claim. You should only hire a lawyer to assist with a personal injury claim if the cost of your injuries exceeds the $10,000 that can be paid out with personal injury protection. As a no-fault state, Florida requires every motorist to have this type of insurance in case of a car accident. If the damages exceed the amount payable by your insurance coverage, a car accident lawyer will be able to assist you through the process of filing a personal injury claim. Some of the damages you could receive from a successful personal injury lawsuit include, but are not limited to, lost wages, lost earning potential, property damage, and pain and suffering.Liability for a Car Accident Caused by a Driver Not Using Their Turn Signals
Before you can receive compensation for your damages, you and your lawyer need to be able to prove the at-fault party's negligence. For a car accident liability claim to move forward, you need to prove that the other driver's negligence in not using a turn signal was at fault for the accident that led to the injuries and damages you are claiming. Each driver owes the other drivers on the road a duty of care, which means they will employ best driving practices to keep the others on the road safe. Any breach of duty of care that can be proven would leave the at-fault party liable for damages. The following are some of the ways negligence can be proven in a personal injury claim:- Show video footage of the negligent action
- Eyewitness testimony
- Car Accident reconstruction
- Medical records that link the accident to the injuries sustained.
- Record of a ticket or arrest connected to the accident
Contact Dolman Law Group for Help With Your Car Accident Claim
The pressure that can mount upon the victim of a car accident can be overwhelming. Not only will they have to worry about healing from their injuries, but also paying for their medical bills and damaged property. At Dolman Law Group, our highly skilled car accident lawyers will help you identify the best timeline to file your personal injury claim to put you in the best position to possibly receive compensation. Get in touch with Dolman Law Group today for a free consultation. Call 833-55-CRASH or leave us a message on our online contact page.