The state of Florida is known for having one of the highest rates of car accidents in the United States. It’s believed that many (if not most) of these accidents are preventable. The key is to educate drivers about the significant and often life-changing impact of auto accidents.
You have the right to recover compensation if you are injured during a Florida car accident caused by another party’s reckless actions. Our Daytona Beach car accident lawyers at Zimmet & Zimmet can help you with your claim and ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries and damages.
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Failure to Use Turn Signals
The Florida law is clear regarding how drivers should handle turning or changing lanes when in traffic. It’s necessary to let other drivers know that you plan to turn left or right when this happens.
It’s also not legal to stop suddenly or reduce your speed without letting other drivers know about your intentions. It is considered a moving violation if you don’t indicate what you are about to do. If you do not use your turn signals, it can cause an accident. In fact, this is a very common cause of accidents.
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Obey the Right of Way When Making U-Turns
Another mistake made by Florida drivers is making illegal U-turns. This is the case even if the intersection has not prohibited them. It’s still necessary for a driver to defer to the driver with the right of way in these situations. Some drivers have different opinions when making U-turns at an intersection. Many people believe they have the right of way when drivers who are making the turn legally are the last ones to make a move.
Drivers who are making a U-turn should yield to other vehicles which are approaching from the side roads and cars that are traveling in the opposite direction. The exception to this rule is with emergency vehicles. Additionally, vehicles that are trying to make a U-turn must yield to the approaching vehicles that may attempt to make a right-hand turn from the road they are on. It is only wise to make a turn if it is safe to do this.
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Using Turn Signals Reduces the Potential for Auto Accidents
While using turn signals is considered a basic driving rule, many motorists don’t do this when they change lanes or forget to turn the signals off after changing lanes. When someone makes a turn, they may also forget to use their turn signal.
According to one study, this failure to use turn signals is a signal of laziness among drivers or a sign of distracted drivers. In fact, it has been found that drivers do not use their turn signals around two billion times each day. This leads to (on average) about 100 accidents per day in every state.
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Reasons Florida Drivers Don’t Use Turn Signals
There are several cited reasons that drivers in Florida do not use their turn signals as they should. These include:
- Drivers don’t want their access to the lane blocked. In times of “bumper to bumper” traffic, drivers may not signal because they want to move between two vehicles, and they are concerned that if they let the other vehicles know of their intentions, they will be cut off from moving.
- Drivers believe turn signals aren’t needed. Sometimes, a driver believes that if there are no vehicles around them, there is no need to use their signals.
- They don’t have enough time. Sometimes, drivers say that they don’t have time to use their signal when they realize that they need to turn. However, making any type of sudden or unexpected move when turning and not giving a warning to another driver can catch other drivers off guard. This type of lack of warning can cause serious car accidents.
- Drivers forget. When you are driving, there are distractions everywhere. However, using turn signals is something you should do all the time. The inclination for using turn signals will save drivers from the hassle and cost of a ticket and may help to save them from a dangerous accident.
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Signaling and U-Turn Mistakes are Common on Florida Roadways
As you can see from the information above, failing to signal and improper U-turns are serious mistakes that Florida drivers make regularly. You must understand the most common mistakes and take steps to avoid them. Doing this will help you avoid being involved in an accident and avoid causing harm to another party.
Your Rights in Florida Car Accidents
You have rights if you are involved in an accident with a driver who did not use their turn signal or made an improper or illegal U-turn. You can recover compensation from the at-fault party, which will help to cover your medical bills and other related costs.
Hiring Daytona Beach car accident lawyers from Zimmet & Zimmet for more information on your rights and what to expect when you file a lawsuit is best.
Remember, personal injury law is complex. If you try to navigate the process alone, you may accept a settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance company that does not account for all your damages. Thanks to our legal team’s experience, you can feel confident that you will receive the full value of your claim, including future losses you may incur.
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Don’t Wait to Contact Our Legal Team
Regarding Florida car accidents, many issues are caused by driver error. Knowing these errors is the best way to avoid making them yourself. However, accidents happen, and when they occur, you need to have an attorney aggressively fighting for your rights. At Zimmet & Zimmet, we understand the impact of accidents and how injuries can result in life-long problems.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by another person’s recklessness or wrongful doing, contact us for a free initial consultation. We will review the facts of your claim and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to contact us – we are here to help.
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