Can You Make Right on Red in Florida?
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Can You Make Right on Red in Florida?
Florida is one of the states with the highest fatal car accident rates in the country. In fact, one study found that The Sunshine State had an average of 2,915 car accident deaths yearly. Unfortunately, some of these accidents occur due to a complete lack of understanding of the state's traffic laws. For instance, whether or not drivers can turn right on red in Florida is often the subject of debate—and sadly— the cause of many car accidents throughout the state.
So if you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a right turn on red, it's important to understand the laws surrounding such scenarios in Florida. That said, we know that each car accident case is unique. That's exactly why we offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation to accident victims in Florida and all over the country.
It's only after reviewing the unique circumstances of your case that we can determine whether you have legal grounds to pursue compensation for your injuries and to what extent. Let's discuss some common questions about Florida's 'right on red' laws.
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FAQ
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
Who Can Turn Right on Red in Florida?
In Florida, drivers can make a right turn on red after coming to a complete stop at the intersection. However, this rule has a few exceptions, as discussed below.
Suppose a traffic sign specifically states, "No Turn on Red." In that case, drivers must abide by that sign and only turn if the Light goes from red to green, giving them the right of way.
Additionally, if there is a police officer or other emergency personnel stopped at an intersection with their lights on, drivers must yield to them before making a right turn on red. This is because emergency vehicles always have the right of way provided by the state's Move Over Law, originally introduced in 1971.
The bottom line is that making a right turn on red in Florida is generally allowed, but it's important to be aware of the exceptions to ensure everyone's safety.
Can You Turn On Right on Red From Both Turn Lanes?
Yes, in most cases, you can turn right on red from both turn lanes, but only if there is no traffic sign limiting such turns. Keep in mind that, with or without traffic signs limiting a right turn on red, you must yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
It's also worth noting that some multi-lane roads may limit right turns only to vehicles in the far right lane. Such roads usually have a 'Right on red only from light lane' sign or something similar. So if you're on any other lane, you cannot turn right unless the traffic lights turn green.
Are You Required to Make a Right Turn on Red in Florida?
No, you are not required to make a right turn on red in Florida. This applies even if the vehicle behind you pressures you to turn against your will. Always remember that you have the right to wait until the lights turn green before turning right. In addition, you should not turn if traffic signs prohibit such movement.
Generally, Florida law requires that drivers must stop at a red light and yield to oncoming traffic before making a right turn. However, if there is no oncoming traffic, drivers may proceed cautiously and use their turn signals when turning right on red.
Who Is at Fault for an Accident Caused by a Right Turn on Red?
It all depends on the unique circumstances of the accident, and that's why you need an experienced attorney for a free case evaluation. Often, both drivers will share some responsibility for the accident. Let's discuss the case of Drivers A and B as hypothetical examples.
Suppose Driver A was speeding and ran a red light, and Driver B made a right turn on red without yielding to oncoming traffic. In that case, both drivers would be at fault for the accident. But if Driver A ran a red light and hit Driver B, who had the right of way while turning right, the latter would be liable for the accident.
Remember that insurance companies will try to limit their losses and evade their responsibilities after such accidents. However, having an experienced Florida car accident attorney by your side makes it difficult for insurance companies to take advantage of you.
What Should I Do if Injured in an Accident Caused by a Right Turn on Red?
First, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don't feel seriously injured. This will help document any hidden injuries you may have sustained and allow you to receive the treatment you need.
Most car accident attorneys recommend seeking medical attention within 72 hours after the accident. However, you should call 911 immediately if you've suffered life-threatening injuries.
Remember that delaying treatment could worsen your situation and give the insurance company one more reason to deny your claim. This is because Florida's PIP insurance laws require claimants to seek medical attention no later than two weeks after the accident. Such delays could make your case even more complex or limit the damages you may be entitled to.
In addition, Florida's PIP insurance laws require claimants to seek medical attention no later than two weeks after the accident.
If possible, document the accident scene. You can do this by taking photos, filming videos, and also obtaining the contact information of witnesses.
When you seek medical attention, be sure to keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, the cost of transportation to your medical appointments, etc. In addition, remember to document any property damage, lost wages, and how you've been affected mentally, physically, and emotionally. These expenses can help calculate the damages you are entitled to.
Finally, and most importantly, you should contact a seasoned car accident lawyer in Florida. An experienced attorney can help guide you through filing a personal injury claim with your insurance provider or the other parties and fight for your rights every step of the way.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Me After an Accident?
One of the most important benefits of hiring a car accident attorney is that they can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Often, insurance companies try to lowball accident victims by offering them much less than they are actually owed. An experienced car accident attorney will fight to ensure you receive the full, fair compensation you deserve.
Another benefit of hiring an attorney is that they can help to prove liability in your case. This is because if you were not at fault for the accident, you would need to prove that the other driver was liable in order to recover damages. This can be a complex process, but an experienced car accident attorney will know how to build a strong case and gather the necessary evidence to prove liability.
It is also important to note that Florida uses the no-fault system when it comes to car accidents. This means you can file a claim with your insurance company regardless of who is at fault for the accident. But that also does not mean that your insurance carrier will write you a check without asking any questions.
On the contrary, they will likely try to evade responsibility or offer a lowball settlement. That's why you need an attorney who understands Florida's no-fault laws and how they apply to your unique situation.
The right attorney can handle all of the legal paperwork and dealings with the insurance company on your behalf. This can be a daunting and time-consuming task, especially if you are already dealing with injuries from the accident. However, having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can help reduce the stress of pursuing compensation after a car accident and allow you to focus on healing.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
If you live in Florida, you probably know that the state requires all drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This type of insurance usually covers medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral expenses (up to $5000), regardless of who is at fault.
Typically, in Florida, PIP insurance covers 60% of your lost wages, but this coverage is usually limited to $10,000.
However, PIP insurance does not cover all types of damages that may be incurred in a car accident. Examples of damages not covered by PIP insurance include:
Pain and suffering: This comprises any physical or emotional distress you experience due to your injuries.
Property damage: This covers any damage to your vehicle or other property due to the accident.
How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
Many factors influence the value of a car accident claim. Examples include but are not limited to the severity of the accident (property damage), insurance coverage, and the type of bodily injuries sustained. An experienced car accident attorney in Florida can help evaluate the value of your claim based on the unique circumstances of your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims in Florida?
In Florida, you must file a car accident lawsuit within two years from the accident date. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, say the accident resulted in death. In that case, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
It is also important to note that these deadlines only apply when filing a lawsuit. If you want to file an insurance claim, you'll need to do so much sooner—typically within 30 days of the accident.
Can I Sue the Other Party After a Car Accident in Florida?
Yes, you can. In Florida, all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
This insurance covers the driver, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. The coverage goes up to $10,000 for medical expenses and lost wages.
However, just because Florida is a no-fault state does not mean that there is no way to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. For example, if your injuries are serious and exceed your PIP coverage, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and recover damages such as pain and suffering.
What Should I Look for in a Car Accident Attorney?
There are many different qualities you should look for when choosing the right attorney to represent you or your loved one when seeking compensation after a car accident. A good car accident attorney should:
- Have significant experience handling car accident cases and a proven track record of success. For instance, at Morgan and Morgan, we have helped our clients recover more than $20 billion as compensation for our clients since 1988. You can check out our most recent car accident results on this page.
- Have deep knowledge and understanding of state and federal laws related to car accidents and personal injury.
- Be able to effectively and promptly communicate with clients, insurance companies, the court, and other parties involved in the case.
- Pay close attention to the details of each case and be thorough in their investigation and case preparation.
- Be empathetic and understanding of their client's needs and concerns regarding their case.
- Have a good reputation in the legal community and among former clients. To put things into perspective, Morgan & Morgan has over 28,000 5-star reviews on Google. We're also the country's largest injury law firm.
- Have powerful legal resources to fight for you. For instance, Morgan & Morgan has an army of over 1,000 personal injury attorneys serving clients from coast to coast, including Florida.
Injured Due to an Illegal Right Turn on Red? We Will Fight for You
At Morgan & Morgan, we've handled all kinds of car accident cases, including those caused by making unlawful right turns on red. So when you contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation, you can rest assured that we have the right legal experts with powerful resources to fight for you or your loved one.
Remember, there are many law firms and attorneys in Florida, but there's only one Morgan & Morgan. And if you're wondering how much it would cost to hire a Morgan & Morgan attorney, you'll be glad to know that the fee is free unless we win.
Don't let insurance companies intimidate you into accepting lowball offers or giving up your pursuit of a reasonable settlement. We can help you fight back and secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.