While there are many causes of Florida car accidents, one of the more common driving errors motorists make is misjudging the time they have to complete a left turn when another vehicle is approaching. Indeed, by some estimates, almost one-third of all traffic accidents involve one of the vehicles making a left turn.
Generally speaking, the vehicle making the left turn must yield to the motorist traveling straight through the intersection. In the majority of accidents, this rule applies. However, there are situations in which the vehicle traveling through the intersection can lose the right of way. For example, if the driver who is continuing straight through the intersection is traveling at an excessive speed, that driver may no longer be said to have the right of way. In this situation, a driver who attempted to make a left turn in front of another speeding vehicle may not be liable for injuries related to the accident.
Of course, not all accidents are the same, and each requires an in-depth investigation before fault can be determined. Anyone who has been injured in a South Florida car, truck, or bus accident should reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss their case.
Left-Turn Accident Involving School Bus Injures 16 People
Earlier this month in Sarasota County, an accident between a school bus and two other vehicles left 16 people injured, including seven students. According to a local news source reporting on the accident, a driver was attempting to make a left turn in front of the school bus but misjudged the amount of time he had to complete the turn. As the school bus crossed through the intersection, the vehicle struck the front-right side of the bus. After the initial collision, the school bus veered off the road and struck a traffic-signal pole.
There were 14 people aboard the school bus, including 12 children, an aide, and the driver. In all, 11 people were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, including seven of the children aboard the bus. The remaining four victims were adults.
Police are still conducting an investigation into what may have caused the accident, and at this time, no criminal charges have been filed.
Have You Been Involved in a South Florida Traffic Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in any kind of South Florida traffic accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries, you may receive compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you endured as a result of the accident. The skilled injury attorneys at the South Florida law firm of Cecere Santana have extensive experience handling all types of accident cases, and we know what it takes to be successful on behalf of our clients. Call 800-753-5529 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
$9.3 million Verdict Awarded to Victim in Motorcycle Accident, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published March 9, 2017.
Florida Appellate Court Reverses Lower Court’s Decision, Allowing Premises Liability Case To Proceed to Trial, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published April 10, 2017.