A car accident in St. Petersburg often occurs when drivers make an improper turn, without making a signal. The damage and injuries caused by making improper turns on the road can be incredibly serious. It could even result in someone losing their life. If you or someone you know were involved in a car accident as a result of a negligent driver improperly turning, then you could be entitled to compensation.
In the list of top five reasons for a car accident to occur in the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that turning without signaling is one of the most important making it very dangerous.
At The Law Place, we have over 75 years of combined experience, and we are professionally trained to deal with cases like yours. When you contact our law firm in St. Petersburg, FL, one of our personal injury lawyers will offer you legal representation, help you make a claim, and in the end, achieve the compensation that you deserve. Our car accident lawyers will explain everything to you and support you every step of the way. For a free consultation, call us on (941) 444-4444 to talk to one of our accident attorneys today.
What Is an Improper Turn in St. Petersburg?
If a driver suddenly changes lane without signaling, they automatically become a hazard on the road. It is dangerous because it highlights unpredictability, and it can take you by surprise and even result in an accident with severe injury and property damage. A case study by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) discovered that 50% of cars fail to signal when they are changing lanes, and nearly 25% of drivers fail to signal when they are making a turn.
Turning improperly is when a car is changing lanes or making a turn without signaling. It is also important to consider that there are more actions, besides the two previously mentioned, that can be classed as an improper turn in St. Petersburg.
The list of improper turns includes:
- Failing to come to a stop at a stop sign, and then turning
- Turning when you do not have the right of way
- Turning at a red light when it is not permitted
- Improper U-turn
Every single one of these maneuvers has the potential to end in disaster and leave other drivers and pedestrians suffering. A car that performs maneuvers in this way could be the cause for many collisions, such as a side-impact or even creating a T-bone accident. A car accident like this can result in serious injuries such as whiplash, soft tissue damage, and even death.
Why Do These Accidents Happen in St. Petersburg?
When someone performs an improper turn, it has the potential to lead to a disastrous accident, resulting in devastating repercussions such as severe injuries, pain and suffering, and property damage. An improper turn could end up with the driver of the vehicle in the way of oncoming traffic, causing a side-impact collision. These are especially dangerous as it is difficult to protect people from side-impact collisions; even the side-airbags in the car are often insufficient.
All drivers automatically have a duty of care when driving their car, as stated by the law. They are expected to drive mindfully and in conformity with the law to ensure that passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians are protected. But unfortunately, many drivers fail to follow the rules of the road, and they behave negligently, which is one of the main causes of accidents. It could be that they are driving distracted behind the wheel, or they lack focus and concentration. In some circumstances, the driver might even be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, meaning they are not aware of their surroundings. In the end, if a driver fails to act in accordance with the law, then they have violated this duty of care, and they could be facing a serious lawsuit.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how good of a driver you are. You are not in control of the actions of other drivers. There is nothing that you can do to prevent a St. Petersburg car crash when someone is driving negligently and making an improper turn. It is true that if some drivers weren’t reckless and didn’t lack concern for the safety of other vehicles and pedestrians, then most accidents would be avoided. This is an important reminder to be aware of your surroundings and vigilant at all times when you are driving.
At The Law Place, it is one of our key goals to help make roads a safer place for drivers, pedestrians, and everyday people. By coming to us with your personal injury claim, we can make sure that the party at fault is held responsible for your accident. It is our desire to stop reckless drivers one personal injury claim at a time.
If you or someone you know were involved in an accident due to another driver turning improperly, then you may be experiencing trauma and feeling the burden of having medical costs build up fast. At The Law Place, we know the troubles and stress that you may be under, and that is where we can help ease the pressure. One of our personal injury lawyers will assist you in making your claim and get the compensation that you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation, and let us talk you through the details.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. What to Do After an Accident
The aftermath of a car accident where another car was turning improperly can create mental anguish and panic for innocent people involved. Remember that you can call The Law Place any time of day if you ever need some unbiased, free advice during an intense and stressful situation.
There are a few steps to keep in mind for your safety following the car accident:
- Move to a safe place – If possible, move away from oncoming traffic to a secure area.
- Phone the police – Contact the police and wait for them to show up at the scene. According to Florida Statute 316.062, it is mandatory for you to call the police if there has been a serious car accident that has resulted in severe injuries or property damage. It is also important to note that a report from the police can impact and support your claim for compensation after the accident.
- Check for injuries – If you or anyone else have suffered an injury, minor or severe, immediately call for an ambulance.
- Collect evidence – Try and take as many photographs and videos of the scene as you can. Any type or form of evidence can be used to help strengthen your case when in the hands of a personal injury lawyer from The Law Place.
- Get contact details of witnesses – Get the contact details of any people who were witnesses at the scene of the accident: the more information, the better. An accident lawyer from our law firm will use this to fight your case in St. Petersburg.
- Contact a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer – Get in touch with our accident attorneys at The Law Place for a free consultation, so that you can get some advice on your next move.
- Stop posting on social media – Refrain from making any public announcements about your accident, as anything you say or do can be held against you and even hinder your claim.
- Keep a journal – Take notes of your symptoms, including any trauma, if your quality of life has reduced, and if you have had to make any changes or adjustments to your personal life. One of our car accident lawyers can use this valuable information to help fight for your right to compensation if you are experiencing any pain and suffering.
- Keep all records – Store medical bills, transport receipts to and from appointments, the cost of any adjustments you have had to make to your home and lifestyle changes, and any other expenses you have had to pay as a result of the car accident. Your St. Petersburg car accident attorney will be able to actively use all of this information as evidence for your personal damage claim.
At The Law Place, we have a vast amount of experience when it comes to handling car accident cases like yours. Get in touch with us today for a free case evaluation and the opportunity to speak to one of our top St. Petersburg accident lawyers.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience Typical Injuries Caused in a Car Accident
In St. Petersburg, Florida, car accidents can be catastrophic and hard to manage on your own. They can inflict serious injuries to people involved, or even result in the loss of someone’s life. If someone you know was killed at the scene of a car accident, you could be entitled to claim compensation for wrongful death.
A list of potential injuries from an accident include:
- Paralysis
- Brain damage
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
After a serious car accident, the injuries sustained can possibly leave those involved with long-lasting trauma, pain, and suffering. It can be a challenge to get back on your feet, regardless of if the injuries you faced were major or minor. No one should have to deal with the negligence of other drivers without compensation. At The Law Place, we are here to get you the compensation that you deserve. Contact one of our dedicated accident lawyers today for a free case evaluation.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Compensation for Accident Victims
If you or a loved one were involved in an accident that was caused by another driver’s reckless and improper turning, then you need a trustworthy lawyer on your side to help you in your compensation claim. The difficulties that you may have to face as a result of the accident, such as medical expenses, injuries, lost wages due to being unable to work, and the stress of demands over your head can be too much to bear. After suffering an accident, we know that your focus should be on your recovery. An attorney from our law firm will take care of all the necessary details and paperwork, making sure that you receive payback for an accident that wasn’t your fault – which will allow you the freedom and time to take it easy on your return to health.
In St. Petersburg, one of our top injury lawyers will dedicate their time to investigating your case and establish who the negligent driver is. They will calculate all of your financial losses and guarantee that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries from the insurance company.
A list of expenses typically includes:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Lost wages and earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of employment
- Disability or permanent damage
- Wrongful death
Our lawyers in St. Petersburg will make sure that your suffering is not in vain. We empathize with your pain and suffering, and we want to help you achieve justice for your accident. Another driver’s reckless behavior should not be your problem, and it certainly is not your fault. Don’t hesitate to contact The Law Place in St. Petersburg now for a free case consultation. We will be at your side on your journey to achieving compensation.
What Can a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
Once you contact our law group, we will explain the complex laws in St. Petersburg, FL, and how hiring us can greatly assist your case. If you were injured in a car accident as a result of another driver’s reckless and improper turning, then you need an esteemed attorney from The Law Place to become your trusted advocate.
If you cannot prove the other driver’s negligence or you did not sustain an injury that qualifies for compensation, then you can rely on your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to claim compensation, and one of our top lawyers can still work to calculate the damages for you. They will file your claim, discuss terms with the insurance company, and ensure that you receive compensation for your accident and medical costs.
On the other hand, if you do not choose to rely on your PIP, then your attorney will negotiate with the parties involved, including all insurance companies. It might sound harsh, but the reality is that other insurance companies tend to employ an aggressive legal team, and this is another reason why you need an experienced attorney fighting your case. We will not let you be taken advantage of by any insurance company.
Here is an example of how your case is likely to be structured if you choose to be represented by our law firm. A free consultation at our law firm office in St. Petersburg. It will be a no-strings-attached meeting that will involve answering all of your questions and understanding the basis of your case. At the end of the conversation, we will give you an honest evaluation of your case, along with some unbiased advice and an idea of your best course of action to follow.
After the meeting, if you decide to hire one of our attorneys, we will call you for a more in-depth and detailed meeting in which we will also outline and clarify our fee structure to you. Once you have signed with us, you can start to take it easy as we will take away the pressure from you. As your representatives, it is our responsibility to do all of the necessary paperwork and negotiating. Your accident attorney will proceed with an intense investigation of the accident, including getting statements from witnesses who were there at the time of the crash. At this stage, we will begin building and strengthening your case.
Following the establishment of your case, it is our duty to figure out the amount of compensation that you are entitled to and finalize the terms with the insurance company. At this point, we would expect a settlement in response, but it is up to you to decide if you are pleased with the offer. In the end, if you are not satisfied with the amount, then do not worry as we will renegotiate for a higher settlement figure with the insurance company.
If we are unable to reach a fair settlement, then we will take your case to court, where we will do our best to convince the judge and jury that you deserve the level of compensation that you are asking for. It is important to add that most of the time, cases are settled without the hassle of needing to go to court.
Talk to a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you know were injured in a serious St. Petersburg car accident caused by another driver turning improperly, then you need legal representation from a reputable law firm. With over 75 years of combined experience, The Law Place has won cases similar to yours with pride in St. Petersburg and across Florida.
We know how important it is to make sure that justice is served. But sometimes insurance companies and the law in Florida can be complex and difficult to navigate on your own. You need a knowledgeable and trustworthy law firm to help you.
Contact The Law Place now in St. Petersburg, FL, for a free consultation. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We will be at your side every step of the way. Call us now on (941) 444-4444.
