Who’s at Fault in Florida Left-Turn Accidents?

Left-turn accidents are among the most common—and dangerous—types of crashes on Florida roads. These collisions often happen in the blink of an eye but can lead to serious injuries, expensive damages, and legal complications. If you’ve been involved in one, understanding Florida’s traffic laws and fault rules can make a big difference in your case.

What the Law Says About Left Turns

In Florida, drivers who make a left turn must follow a specific rule under Florida Statute § 316.122: They must yield to oncoming vehicles that are close enough to be a danger. The law also makes it clear that left turns should only be made when it is safe.

This means the driver turning left is usually considered at fault if a crash happens—unless they can prove the other driver did something wrong, like running a red light or speeding.

Why Left-Turn Crashes Are So Dangerous

Unlike minor fender-benders, left-turn accidents often result in serious injuries. These collisions tend to involve:

• T-bone impacts, where the side of a car takes the full force

• High speeds, especially when the oncoming vehicle doesn’t slow down

• Poor visibility at crowded or poorly designed intersections

• Quick decisions, where a driver misjudges timing or distance

Common injuries from left-turn crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Whiplash and back injuries

• Broken bones

• Internal injuries

• Spinal cord damage

• Fatalities in severe cases

Who Is At Fault?

In most cases, the driver making the left turn is considered at fault. However, Florida uses a comparative negligence system, which means more than one driver can share blame.

The oncoming driver may also be at fault if they were:

• Speeding or driving recklessly

• Distracted (texting or using the phone)

• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Running a red light or ignoring traffic signs

For example:

• A driver turns left on a green light and hits an oncoming car → likely the left-turn driver is at fault.

• But if the oncoming driver was speeding or ran a red light → they may be partially or fully to blame.

How Is Fault Determined?

Proving who was at fault takes more than just statements. It may involve:

• Reviewing the police report

• Watching traffic camera footage

• Talking to witnesses

• Examining skid marks and vehicle damage

• Hiring accident reconstruction experts

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)

• Lost income and reduced ability to work

• Pain and suffering

• Car repair or replacement

• Long-term disability or permanent injuries

• Wrongful death, if a loved one was killed in the crash

Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may cover some costs, but for serious injuries, you’ll likely need to file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver to receive full compensation.

What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident

If you’ve been in a left-turn crash, here’s what you should do right away:

1. Call 911 and report the accident.

2. Get medical help, even if you don’t feel hurt at first.

3. Take photos of the vehicles, road, signs, and any damage.

4. Collect contact info from witnesses.

5. Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or insurance companies.

6. Talk to a Florida car accident attorney to protect your rights.

   
   

Left-turn accidents can leave you with more than just vehicle damage—they can affect your health, finances, and peace of mind. If you’ve been injured, having an experienced attorney on your side can help you build a strong case and get the compensation you deserve.

For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.

Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns