One of the most common car accident scenarios arises when drivers make left turns. Since vehicles must use the right side of the road, left turns often require drivers to cross at least one lane of traffic. Left-turn accidents in Tampa, Florida, can result in severe injuries, particularly when they involve a side-impact collision.
Under Florida’s no-fault insurance system, road users can seek compensation for serious, permanent injuries. Surviving family members can also pursue wrongful death compensation after fatal left-turn crashes. The skilled attorneys at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers guide car accident victims through the injury claims process.
Contact us today at (813) 800-0810 to schedule a free consultation with our Tampa left-turn accident lawyers.
How Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Left-Turn Accident in Tampa, FL
The team at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers has 15 years of legal experience representing accident victims, including standing up to at-fault drivers and their auto insurers on behalf of injured clients in Tampa, FL. The firm has a proven record of success, with millions of dollars in settlements and damage awards.
When you suffer a serious injury in a left-turn collision caused by another driver’s negligence, a Tampa car accident lawyer can assist you with the following:
- Explaining your rights and the legal claims you can assert
- Investigating your accident
- Collecting evidence to build a strong case
- Negotiating with the other driver’s insurer to resolve your claim fairly
- Filing a lawsuit if the insurer denies liability for your injuries
Left-turn accidents typically result from distracted or careless driving. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Tampa left-turn accident attorney and learn more about your right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurer under Florida law.
Common Left-Turn Collision Scenarios in Tampa
Left-turn accidents usually follow one of two patterns.
1. Left Turn Across Path
This scenario happens when a driver turns left in front of or into a vehicle going straight on the same road. It’s so common that it has a formal name: left turn across path (LTAP). LTAP crashes can happen mid-block as drivers turn into parking lots or driveways, or at intersections.
This kind of accident commonly causes a side impact. But the car’s hit depends on when the driver turns. Turning in front of the oncoming car could lead to the passenger side being struck by the other car. If they change direction into the car, they might strike the driver’s side.
2. Crossroad Turn
This type of crash occurs when a driver turns left from an intersecting road onto another road, where they’re struck by an oncoming driver. In other words, the vehicles that collide start from different, intersecting roads rather than the same road as in an LTAP collision.
This crash scenario may produce an angle or rear-end collision, depending on the positions of the vehicles. A vehicle coming from the turning driver’s left may hit the driver’s side at an angle; one coming from the turning driver’s right may hit the passenger’s side or the rear.
This general rule applies to most left-turn accidents, but exceptions exist. To understand how liability applies in your unique circumstances, contact a Tampa car accident attorney at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers today.
What Factors Contribute to Left-Turn Accidents in Tampa?
Left-turn crashes generally happen when drivers fail to yield the right of way. Sometimes, left-turn accidents are caused by simple carelessness. For example, a driver turning left may focus on the oncoming traffic, neglecting to check the crosswalk. As a result, they might hit a pedestrian when they speed through a gap in traffic large enough for the turn.
However, this type of traffic violation can happen for many reasons, including:
- Impatience
- Distraction or inattention
- Vision obstruction that prevented the driver from seeing an approaching vehicle
- Misjudgment of the other vehicle’s speed or distance
This is not always the case, however, as exceptions to the rule exist. For instance, if the oncoming vehicle was speeding, ran a red light, or was otherwise breaking a traffic law, the liability may shift entirely or be split between the drivers.
Navigating these exceptions requires a deep understanding of Florida traffic and personal injury law, making the guidance of an experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer essential for protecting your right to compensation.
How to Determine Liability for Left-Turn Crashes in Florida
Under Florida’s no-fault laws, minor left-turn accidents fall under a driver’s personal injury protection coverage. However, crash victims can pursue compensation for significant, permanent injuries from the at-fault driver.
In this context, “fault” means the other driver negligently or intentionally hit your vehicle. Negligence covers unintentional collisions that result from a lack of due care. Specifically, you must show that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable caution under the circumstances.
In most cases, Florida law requires drivers turning left to yield the right of way. This means they can only turn when other vehicles have either cleared their path or are too far away to constitute an immediate hazard.
Thus, the turning driver will usually bear the liability for a left-turn crash, even when another vehicle was unreasonably close. Put simply, the driver in this scenario is at fault for a careless decision to turn.
If you have suffered a serious injury in a left-turn crash, a knowledgeable Tampa personal injury attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
Contact a Tampa Left-Turn Accident Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
Tampa’s busy roads see many left-turn collisions daily. Contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your injuries and your options for recovery. Our experienced team is ready to evaluate your case and explain your rights. We can explain the law and any potential legal arguments you may be able to assert against an at-fault driver.
Let us help you navigate the complexities of your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation with a Tampa left-turn accident lawyer today.
