U-turn car accidents are a common occurrence in Clearwater, FL, and surrounding areas. A driver carelessly making a U-turn can cause accidents, from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions. If you were injured in a U-turn accident in Clearwater, Florida, you could seek financial compensation if another person’s negligence caused your damages. An experienced Clearwater U-turn car accident lawyer can help.
Our dedicated Clearwater U-turn car accident attorneys have helped accident victims recover millions through settlements and jury verdicts. Importantly, we understand what you have gone through and what your next steps should be after an accident. Contact the Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 787-2500 to learn more.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a U-Turn Accident In Clearwater
If you were hurt in a U-turn accident in Clearwater, FL, you will likely be shocked, upset, and confused about what happens next. You could face rising medical bills, property damage, lost pay from being out of work, and the prospect of ongoing therapy and treatment costs. On top of all that, you’ll be dealing with the emotional distress and suffering that comes naturally after a serious accident.
Our Clearwater car accident lawyers can help you face these problems head-on and recover what’s fair through a personal injury claim. Our experience in dealing with insurance companies and their adjusters can help you maximize your recovery at the insurance claims stage. If the insurance company doesn’t play fair, we will file a personal injury lawsuit for you.
Some of the actions our Clearwater personal injury lawyers will undertake include:
- Collecting evidence to support your claim and prove the other driver’s negligence
- Filing and handling an insurance claim on your behalf.
- Analyzing the facts to estimate the full worth of your personal injury claim – and fighting for that value.
- Working with expert witnesses to testify on your behalf and prove key facts of your case.
- Preparing a lawsuit and handling your case through all phases up to trial.
- Negotiating and mediating your case to secure a settlement.
- Taking your case to a jury trial if the other side won’t offer the settlement you deserve.
Most importantly, your Clearwater U-turn car accident lawyer will be your partner and help you navigate through the challenging legal process.
Are U-Turn Accidents Legal In Clearwater?
Florida traffic laws allow U-turns in some situations.
For example, a driver can make a U-turn to change directions if:
- There are no signs prohibiting U-turns at the location;
- A U-turn can be done safely under the circumstances; and
- The U-turn will not disrupt other vehicles or traffic.
Drivers making an improper U-turn can be cited for traffic violations. If they cause an accident, however, the penalties can become more serious. A driver who causes a crash while making a U-turn can be sued and held liable for damages in a personal injury lawsuit. If you were hurt in this situation, we can help.
Who Is At Fault In a U-Turn Accident?
The driver who did not have the right of way is normally at fault in a U-turn accident. The driver making a U-turn will most often be determined not to have the right of way. When law enforcement investigates an accident, they will normally indicate which driver was in the wrong and cite that driver for a traffic violation. Even if a driver had a green light, that doesn’t always mean they were clear to make a U-turn.
Of course, proving liability in a personal injury lawsuit involves more than what goes into a traffic ticket. An injured accident victim will need to prove negligence in a Florida personal injury lawsuit.
To do so, they must show four essential elements:
- Duty of care. Drivers have duties of care to other drivers on the road. This means obeying traffic signals and driving with caution toward other drivers.
- Breach of duty. If a driver ignores the rules of the road and does not drive as a reasonable driver would have done, it could be argued they breached their duty of care to other drivers. This is especially true if a driver acts carelessly or recklessly when making a U-turn.
- Causation. The most complicated element to prove is usually causation. This requires pulling together evidence and witness testimony to show that the driver’s U-turn maneuver led to the accident and caused your injuries. You will need to show a link between the driver’s actions and your damages.
- Damages. To collect compensation in a personal injury case, you must prove that you suffered actual damages. Damages can include economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, property repairs, and reduced future earnings. Non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, and loss of companionship.
If your case goes to a jury trial, a proven Clearwater personal injury lawyer will lead the way and do everything to show the jurors why they should award the verdict you deserve.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Clearwater U-Turn Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hurt in a U-turn accident anywhere in the Clearwater, FL area, you can seek compensation from the negligent driver. Our dedicated Clearwater U-turn car accident lawyers are here to answer your questions and guide you through the critical next steps. Contact to Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 787-2500 to schedule your free consultation today.
