When you’re involved in a left-turn accident in Miami, you determine liability by considering various factors, including traffic signals, lane markings, and witness statements, to reconstruct the events leading up to the accident.
At Anidjar & Levine, our Miami car accident lawyer knows that a thorough investigation is important for establishing liability. By carefully evaluating these factors, we can build a strong case to support your claim and seek the compensation you are entitled to. Read on to learn more about how liability is determined in left-turn accidents in Miami.
Investigating the Scene of the Accident
When you’re involved in a left-turn accident, the moments immediately following the crash are the time to start gathering evidence. Document the scene thoroughly, as this information will be significant in determining liability.
Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to both vehicles, skid marks, and any other relevant details. Note the position of both vehicles, as well as any witnesses or surveillance cameras in the area. This scene analysis will help investigators piece together what happened and who was at fault.
Accident reconstruction experts may also be called in to analyze the evidence and recreate the accident. They’ll examine factors like speed, braking distance, and steering input to determine how the accident occurred. This information will help determine liability in a left-turn Miami accident.
Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents in Miami
Left-turn crashes are some of the most frequent types of collisions on Miami roads, often happening at busy intersections and during heavy traffic. Understanding what typically leads to these accidents can help you see how fault is determined in your case.
Some of the most common causes of left-turn accidents in Miami include:
- Failure to yield the right of way: Many drivers attempt a left turn without waiting for a safe gap in oncoming traffic.
- Misjudging speed or distance: On fast-moving streets like Biscayne Boulevard or US-1, a driver may incorrectly estimate how quickly another car is approaching.
- Distracted driving: Looking at a phone, GPS, or even talking with passengers can cause a driver to miss critical traffic signals.
- Aggressive or impatient driving: Some drivers try to “beat the light” or rush a turn, creating dangerous situations.
- Poor weather or visibility: Heavy South Florida rain, glare from the sun, or nighttime conditions reduce visibility and reaction time.
- Confusing or inadequate traffic signals: Intersections without clear signage or signals often lead to mistakes.
Analyzing Traffic Signals and Lane Markings
You’ll need to examine the traffic signals involved in the left-turn accident to determine if they were functioning correctly and whether they gave priority to one direction of traffic over another.
Traffic Signal Priority
One key factor in determining liability in left-turn accidents is traffic signal priority. When you’re involved in a left-turn accident, investigators will analyze the traffic signal timing to determine who had the right of way.
If a driver violates a traffic signal, such as running a red light or failing to yield at a yellow light, they may be held liable for the accident. Signal violation can be crucial in assigning fault, especially if it’s clear that one driver disobeyed the signal while the other driver followed it.
Lane Marking Clarity
Since traffic signals and lane markings work in tandem to guide drivers through intersections, lane marking clarity plays a major role in determining liability in left-turn accidents. You’ll need to assess the lane visibility at the time of the accident, taking into account factors like weather conditions, lighting, and road maintenance.
Were the lane markings faded, obscured, or non-compliant with marking standards? If so, it could impact your liability. Investigate whether the responsible authorities adhered to established marking standards, such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Witness Statements and Testimonies Help Establish Liability in Left-Turn Accidents in Miami
Three important witnesses can make all the difference in establishing liability in a left-turn accident: the driver, the pedestrian or cyclist, and the bystander.
You may think that the driver’s testimony is the most important, but the pedestrian or cyclist’s account can provide valuable insights into the events leading up to the accident. Meanwhile, the bystander’s testimony can offer an objective perspective, untainted by personal involvement.
When evaluating witness statements, you’ll need to assess witness credibility and testimonial consistency. This involves scrutinizing the witness’s background, potential biases, and any inconsistencies in their story. You should also look for corroborating evidence, such as surveillance footage or physical evidence, to support or contradict the witness’s account.
Determining Fault in Miami Left-Turn Accidents
You’ve gathered witness statements and testimonies, but now it’s time to analyze them to determine fault in the left-turn accident. This involves a thorough examination of the evidence to reconstruct the accident and identify the contributing factors.
Accident reconstruction experts will assess the physical evidence, such as skid marks, damage to the vehicles, and debris, to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
They’ll also consider driver behavior, including speed, braking, and steering patterns, to determine who was at fault. Our team will also help determine liability in a left-turn accident in Miami.
Assigning Liability and Calculating Damages
After determining fault in the left-turn accident, the next step is to assign liability to the responsible party and calculate the damages incurred. You’ll need to conduct a thorough liability assessment to identify the degree of responsibility each party bears.
In the damage calculation, you’ll need to quantify the economic and non-economic losses resulting from the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Your attorney will help you gather relevant documentation and expert testimony to support your damage claim.
Learn More About How Liability is Determined in Left-Turn Accidents in Miami
Determining liability in left-turn accidents in Miami involves a thorough examination of multiple factors. At Anidjar & Levine, our experienced attorneys understand that Florida’s comparative negligence system allows for divided fault, making an investigation crucial for determining liability and calculating damages.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
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