Accidents Caused by Not Using Turn Signals
Drivers that don’t use turn signals can cause car accidents and create unsafe conditions for other road users. Turn signals are necessary because they let the other motorists and pedestrians know where the vehicle in front of them is going. Unexpected lane changes and sudden turns without alerting other drivers on the road are a recipe for disaster. You should file a personal injury claim if you think your car accident and injuries occurred because the other driver did not use turn signals.
When Should Turn Signals be Used on Alabama Roads?
Turn signals are polite, but their primary function is to warn others of your intention to slow down, turn, or change lanes. While you should always use turn signals when making a left or a right turn, here are a few other instances when turn signals may be useful:
- Parking
- Pulling out
- Traffic circles
- Parallel parking
- Passing and merging
Turn Signals are Vital in Crowded Parking Lots
Parking lots are generally cramped. Cars should use turn signals to let both pedestrians and other drivers know of their intention to pull out into the road or make a turn. An accident may occur if the turn signal is not used before pulling into a parking spot. This usually happens when two vehicles vie for the same spot. In fact, not using turn signals in parking lots can cause pedestrian accidents as well.
Accidents May Occur if Turn Signals are Not Used While Changing Lanes
Changing lanes is a fundamental aspect of driving on Alabama streets. It can be difficult to maneuver traffic efficiently if you are not able to turn lanes. Based on this, if you make a turn without signaling, the other driver may not have enough time to make a stop, slow down or use other maneuvers to accommodate you. Not using turn signals can result in multi-car accidents.
A report by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) observed that over 2 million accidents take place in the United States each year because of failure to use the turn signal. The SAE study also revealed that about 50% of drivers don’t signal before switching lanes and 25% of motorists fail to use the turn signals while turning.
A separate study found that 71% of drivers aged between 18 and 24 did not use their turn signals consistently while driving. The same study showed that 10% of drivers used their turn signals incorrectly. For instance, they would use the wrong turn signal while making a turn or leave the signal on long after the turn or lane change was made.
Filing an Alabama Car Accident Claim
You may be entitled to compensation if you suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by a driver that did not use their turn signals. You would need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The best way of increasing your chances of success when filing a claim or lawsuit is to hire an experienced Alabama car accident attorney.
Your attorney will walk you through the various options for filing a claim. They will help you prepare a strong case by gathering abundant evidence. Insurance companies tend to take car accident claims more seriously when backed by hard evidence. They know that you are prepared to go to trial if they try to get you to accept a lowball offer.
Car accident attorneys can help file a personal injury claim if the damages exceed the compensation payable by the car insurance company. You can file a claim to recover lost wages, property damage, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.
Proving Liability in a Turn Signal Car Accident
You and your attorney need to prove the negligence of the at-fault driver to receive compensation for your losses. You need to prove that the accident was the direct result of the other driver not using their turn signal for the car accident liability claim to move forward. The burden of proving the at-fault party’s negligence lies on the victim or plaintiff.
A duty of care is owed by each driver to other drivers on the road. This means that all drivers are required to employ best driving practices for keeping others on the road safe. The at-fault party can be left liable for damages if there is any breach of duty of care. These are a few ways of proving negligence in personal injury claims:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Video footage of negligent action
- Car accident reconstruction
- Medical records linking the accident and the injuries
- Ticket or arrest record in connection with the accident
Speak With a Dependable Car Accident Attorney Today
The legal team at the Smith Law Firm is here to help if you or a loved one was injured in a car accident arising from another driver’s failure to use turn signals. We will work hard to prove the liability of the at-fault parties and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
It can be overwhelming for a car accident victim to worry about handling a claim while they are trying to recover from their injuries. This is why our team will take care of all legal matters so that you can concentrate on your recovery. To set up your complimentary consultation, call us at 334-702-1744 or reach us online.
