Car Accident No Turn Signal

Ask any experienced attorney, and they will tell you that car accident cases are complicated. Notably, it is usually challenging to determine fault. And when the accident has been caused by something as controversial and complex as a no turn signal scenario, you may have a rough time proving your case.

It is even more challenging when you do not have an attorney. Some people abandon their claims halfway because of the headache and frustration of trying to prove their claims. But that should not be the case. Even though these claims are complex, an experienced attorney is better positioned to fight for you than when you pursue compensation without legal assistance.

But before we discuss how such an attorney can help, we have answered some common questions people ask about car accidents caused by no turn signal.

Who Is at Fault for a Car Accident Caused by No Turn Signal?

Different factors come into play when determining fault for a car accident caused by no turn signal. Here is a quick look at different scenarios.

The most obvious answer to this question is that the driver who did not use a turn signal could be at fault for the accident. This is because traffic laws all over the country require drivers to use these signals when they intend to turn. That is the whole point of having turn signals in the first place.

The second scenario is when you drive too close to the driver who is at fault for not using a turn signal. In that case, if you hit them because you did not know they would turn, you may be partially responsible for the accident. This is because driving dangerously close to another vehicle is illegal, a traffic offense known as tailgating.

Even though the driver who failed to use a turn signal might be at fault for the accident, courts will consider whether the turn signals were in good condition. If the turn signals were not in good condition, the defense cannot use this claim to completely avoid responsibility for the accident.

This is because they are responsible for ensuring their vehicle is roadworthy before driving. In that case, a faulty turn signal is one of the indicators that a particular vehicle is not fit for driving.

But let’s face it, sometimes, turn signals fail to work unexpectedly. Most of the time, this happens when the vehicle is already on the road. So if the accident occurred because the turn signals were faulty, the court will determine whether the at-fault driver knew or should have known that the turn signals were faulty. If they knew about it but still decided to drive, this could be a case of negligence.

What Damages Can I Recover if I Was Injured in a Car Accident Caused by No Turn Signal?

Again, this will depend on the specifics of your case. Here is why.

Let’s say the accident occurred in a no-fault state. In that case, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance provider. This is because drivers in no-fault states are required to have Personal Injury Protection insurance, which covers their medical expenses and lost wages when they get injured in a car accident. In Florida, for example, drivers must have a minimum of $10,000 worth of PIP insurance coverage.

Now here is the tricky part:

If your damages are worth more than $10,000, you can file a claim with your own insurance company and a lawsuit with the other driver’s insurer. In most cases, you won’t need an attorney to file a PIP insurance claim with your own insurer unless they dismiss your claim unfairly. On the other hand, dealing with a third party’s insurer is not always easy.

That is where an experienced car accident attorney comes in. The attorney can help build a strong case for you and hold the other party responsible.

When you file a successful claim against a third-party insurer, you can recover economic and noneconomic damages.

Suppose the accident occurred in an at-fault state. In that case, you will need to file a claim with the party at fault for the accident. If you win the claim, you may recover economic and noneconomic damages.

Examples of economic damages include medical expenses, transportation costs, caregiver costs, lost wages and earning potential, and other damages as well. On the other hand, noneconomic damages may cover your pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental distress, among others.

How Much Is a No Turn Signal Accident Case Worth?

There is no standard value of accidents caused by no turn signal. Instead, many different factors will come to play when determining the final settlement.

The nature of injuries sustained will definitely decide how much compensation you may be entitled to. For example, if you sustained serious injuries, you will likely be entitled to higher compensation. This is because the more severe your injuries, the higher your pain and suffering.

Your contribution to the accident will also influence the settlement amount. Some states would allow you to recover only a portion of the settlement if you were partially responsible for the accident. For instance, you may be 30% at fault for the accident if you were tailgating the car that turned suddenly without a turn signal. The defense could argue that the accident could have been prevented if you had kept a reasonable distance between you and the driver in front of you.

The steps you take after the accident will also decide the settlement. That is why it is always important to follow the steps discussed above when you get injured in a car accident. Remember that when the other party finds a reason to challenge your claim, it puts you in a difficult situation. You will either have the choice to file a lawsuit against them, bringing the case to court and risk losing. The other alternative is negotiating for a lesser settlement to avoid jeopardizing the entire case.

When Are Drivers Required to Use Their Turn Signals?

Drivers are required to use their turn signals in different situations. The most interesting thing is that some drivers use these signals in situations they are not required to, while others do not use them when they should.

For example, think of a situation where you are driving down a curvy road. You do not need to use your turn signals when navigating a curve. Just as long as you follow the curve, turn signals will not be required.

But some drivers turn on their signals sometimes when driving through these curves. You have probably done it a couple of times, not because you are a bad driver but because your mind is conditioned to turn the signal on when the vehicle turns.

That said, some common examples of situations where a driver is required to use a turn signal include when:

• switching lanes;
• entering or exiting the freeway;
• turning at an intersection; and
• turning into a parking lot.

So if you got injured because a driver failed to signal before turning in any of the scenarios mentioned above, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

What Are Some Laws Regarding Turn Signals in the United States?

Turn signal laws vary from state to state. Other states share similar laws.

For example, in Florida, drivers turning left, right, or changing lanes must use their turning signals at least 100 feet before turning. The same laws apply in every Western state, including Washington and California.

To put things into perspective, 100 feet is almost equal to six cars lined up together, bumper to bumper.

It is also worth noting that some states also have a specific timeframe drivers are required to use their turn signals before turning. For instance, in Idaho and California, drivers should use the turn signal for at least five seconds before turning. This allows the vehicles trailing the turning car enough time to slow down and allow them to turn.

In all states in the US, drivers operating vehicles with faulty turning signals should use hand gestures to notify motorists of their intention to turn.

Where Can I Find an Attorney to Represent Me in a No Turn Signal Lawsuit?

You will likely encounter many different attorneys and law firms if you are looking for a car accident lawyer to fight for you. However, given that car accident cases are complex, it is always advisable to hire only the best attorneys to fight for your rights.

If that is what you need, Morgan and Morgan car accident attorneys are always ready to help.

Why Should I Hire a Morgan and Morgan Car Accident Attorney? 

Here is why Morgan and Morgan stands out.

We Are the Nation’s Largest Personal Injury Firm

The firm you hire will have a huge influence on your case. Keep in mind that insurance companies will want to find out whether you have legal representation. But that is not what they are worried about. These companies can afford some of the best defense attorneys to protect their interests.

So if you hire just any attorney, they will not be too concerned about your legal team. However, when you hire an attorney from Morgan and Morgan, the largest injury firm in the country, insurance providers will know you are serious with your claim. As a result, they will likely want to settle the case for reasons you will find out shortly.

We Have Powerful Legal Resources to Fight for You

A law firm with powerful legal resources will do everything possible to build a strong case on your behalf. Whether they need to travel far and wide to gather crucial evidence or interview experts to obtain their opinion, such a firm will do whatever it takes to strengthen your case.

On the other hand, the same cannot be said about a firm with limited resources; they will likely do the bare minimum because they cannot afford to fight for you. As a result, they will settle for less or even jeopardize the entire case.

We Are Never Afraid to Go Court

Our attorneys are never afraid to go to court if the other party refuses to cooperate. In fact, going to court means the defendant will have a lot more to lose because they will be required to settle the legal costs if they do not win.  

We Have the Track Record to Prove Our Competence

At Morgan and Morgan, we have recovered over $13 billion as compensation for various injuries sustained due to negligence, a true reflection of our competence in handling such cases. We have also been fighting for the rights of the injured since 1988. That’s over three decades of experience!

We Will Not Charge You Unless We Win

Despite being the nation’s largest injury firm, you do not need to worry about not being able to afford our attorneys. When you contact us for a free case evaluation, we will review your case and get in touch with you to discuss your options. And if your claim is valid, we will fight for you and not charge you any fees unless we win.

Injured due to the other driver’s failure to use a turn signal? Contact us now.