U-turns can be a risky driving maneuver, especially if there is no signage regarding the permissibility of U-turns and other drivers are unaware of the motorist’s intent. In the worst situations, U-turns can lead to serious head-on crashes.
If you’ve been injured in a U-turn car accident in St. Petersburg, FL, we can help. Our team at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys has over 25 years of combined experience.
We focus exclusively on personal injury law and can explain your legal rights and options during a free case review. Contact our firm today at (727) 933 0015 for your initial case consultation with a St. Petersburg U-turn car accident lawyer.
How Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys Can Help If You’ve Been Hurt in a U-Turn Accident in St. Petersburg, FL
If you are injured in a crash, you need an experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer on your side who can fight for the compensation you deserve.
When you hire our award-winning team, you can safely rely on us to:
- Investigate the accident and who was negligent
- Gather evidence to establish fault
- Walk you through a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim
- File insurance claims and handle communications with the insurance company
- Document the full extent of your damages and calculate their value
- Negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf
Our personal injury lawyers in St. Petersburg, Florida can help you with every aspect of your claim from start to finish. Contact us today to get started on your path to recovery.
Are U-Turns Legal in Florida?
U-turns are legal in Florida only under limited circumstances. Drivers cannot make a U-turn if there are signs that prohibit them. Additionally, U-turns can only be made legally if it is safe for motorists to execute them and the motorist does not interfere with traffic.
If drivers violate these laws, they can be cited with a moving violation. If they cause a crash, they can be held responsible for the damages they cause.
Who Is Responsible For U-Turn Accidents in St. Petersburg, FL?
All Florida drivers are required to operate their vehicles safely, avoid accidents, and follow all traffic laws. If a driver breaches these legal duties, they can be held financially responsible for the harm they cause.
In most cases, the driver who is making the U-turn is at fault for the accident because the driver must be able to safely execute the maneuver and not impede traffic. These accidents often occur because the driver making the turn failed to yield the right-of-way.
Determining who is at fault for a U-turn crash can be difficult and often requires compelling evidence, such as:
- Accident reports indicating the vehicle’s location at the time of the crash or a citation to one of the drivers
- Witness statements about how the accident occurred
- Traffic camera or surveillance camera footage that shows the accident
- Accident reconstruction expert reports that provide a visual representation of how the accident likely occurred
- Damage to the vehicles
In some situations, more than one driver is at fault for the accident. In such cases, Florida’s modified comparative fault rule applies. Under this rule, an accident victim who contributed to a collision can still recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. However, their damages are reduced by their degree of responsibility, so if they are found to be 10% at fault, their award is reduced by 10%.
It’s also important to note that Florida is a no-fault state for car insurance, so you will first turn to your own auto insurance for coverage, regardless of fault.
An experienced lawyer with Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys can investigate the crash to identify how the accident happened and who is at fault.
Potential Compensation You Can Recover After a U-Turn Car Accident in St. Petersburg, Florida
If you suffered serious injuries and can prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident, you could be entitled to recover compensation for the full extent of your damages.
Depending on the circumstances, this could include compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, specialist care, ongoing medical care, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical impairment and disfigurement
Our team can assist with documenting your damages and demanding fair compensation for them.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our St. Petersburg U-Turn Car Accident Attorneys
If you were injured in a U-turn accident, you only have a limited time to act. Florida’s statute of limitations typically gives you just two years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, if necessary, so you need to act now.
Your St. Petersburg car accident attorney will need time to investigate the case, gather evidence, and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys is available to assist you with your car accident claim. Contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
