You signal, check your mirrors, and begin making a routine right turn at an intersection. Suddenly, you feel the impact of another vehicle slamming into the side of your car. Your head jerks to the side, your body strains against the seat belt, and in an instant your ordinary drive has turned into a frightening accident scene. Seek help with an Austin car accident lawyer. Right turn collisions can happen in the blink of an eye but leave lasting consequences.
What to Do Immediately After a Right Turn Car Accident
The moments after an accident can be chaotic and stressful. However, it is important to remain calm and take the proper steps. First, ensure everyone involved is safe and call for emergency services if necessary.
Next, exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver's license number, insurance details, and the make/model of their vehicle. Also, ask for the names and contact details of any passengers or witnesses.
Then, document the details of the accident thoroughly. Note the date, time, and exact location of the crash. Take photos of vehicle damage, the scene of the accident, traffic signs, and road conditions. Get a copy of the official police report for insurance claims and legal purposes.
Finally, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Explain the situation, provide details of the other driver and their insurance, and report any injuries. Seek medical attention right away if you experience pain, discomfort, or reduced mobility.
In the days following the accident, you may need to get repair estimates for your vehicle, deal with insurance adjusters, or pursue a personal injury claim. Be aware of your legal rights and do not settle for less than fully compensating you for damages and losses. If the insurance process becomes complicated, consulting with a car accident attorney could help protect your interests.
With the proper documentation and by promptly notifying the relevant parties, you will be in the best position to recover from a right turn car accident. Staying calm and organized during this stressful time is key. If you follow these steps, you will make a difficult situation as easy as possible to resolve.
Who Is at Fault in a Right Turn Collision?
In a right turn accident, determining fault depends on several factors. According to the traffic laws in most states, the driver making the turn is typically considered at fault. However, the other driver may share partial responsibility if they were speeding or distracted.
The Turning Driver
The driver initiating the turn is usually majority at fault because they failed to ensure the turn could be made safely. They are obligated to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Failure to properly signal, misjudging the speed of oncoming vehicles, or being distracted can all contribute to liability.
The Oncoming Driver
Oncoming drivers must exercise reasonable care and control of their vehicle. If they were exceeding the speed limit, tailgating the turning vehicle, or engaged in distracted driving, they may share a percentage of fault. The oncoming driver has a duty to avoid an accident if possible, even if the turning driver is negligent.
Mitigating Factors
Other mitigating factors like traffic signals, signage, and weather conditions can also affect fault. For example, if the turning driver had a green arrow and oncoming traffic failed to stop for a red light, the oncoming driver would likely be fully at fault. Poor visibility from weather may excuse a driver from seeing an oncoming vehicle until it's too late.
In summary, while the turning driver typically shoulders most of the blame in a right turn crash, fault can often be shared depending on the actions of the other driver and other mitigating circumstances. If you've been in such an accident, consult with a personal injury attorney to determine who may be liable.
Common Injuries From Being Hit While Turning Right
Being struck by another vehicle while turning right can lead to damaging injuries. The high impact forces involved often cause harm that requires immediate medical attention and long-term treatment.
Whiplash
When your vehicle is hit from behind during a right turn, the sudden jolt can cause whiplash as your head and neck are snapped back and forth. Whiplash injuries include neck strains, tears in neck muscles and ligaments, and damage to the vertebrae in the spine. These injuries frequently cause pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion that can persist for months. Seeking prompt diagnosis and treatment from a doctor as well as physical therapy helps minimize discomfort and speed healing.
Broken Bones
The powerful collision impact during a right turn collision frequently breaks bones, especially in the arms, shoulders, ribs, and legs. Broken ribs are particularly painful and slow to heal. Fractured limbs also require immobilization and extended recovery periods. In severe accidents at higher speeds, life-threatening injuries like skull fractures and internal bleeding are possible. Always call emergency services for immediate transport to a hospital following a serious crash.
Internal Organ Damage
Internal injuries to organs like the kidneys, liver, and spleen are common in right turn car accidents. Blunt force trauma can rupture, bruise or otherwise harm internal organs. While internal bleeding is not always apparent immediately, it is a medical emergency. Pay close attention to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and lightheadedness which could indicate internal organ damage or bleeding. Seek medical evaluation right away.
The injuries that result from being hit while turning right can be serious, debilitating, and life-changing. Understanding the common types of harm that occur helps you know what symptoms to watch for and the importance of prompt diagnosis and care following an accident. Consulting with a personal injury attorney regarding your legal options for pursuing compensation and recovery of damages is also advisable.
How to Prove the Other Driver's Negligence
To prove the other driver's negligence in a right turn accident, you must establish certain key facts.
Duty of Care
The other driver owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle responsibly and obey traffic laws. By turning right at an intersection or changing lanes, the driver voluntarily assumed responsibility for ensuring it was safe to do so.
Breach of Duty
The driver breached their duty of care by failing to properly signal, failing to check blind spots, misjudging the speed or position of your vehicle, or disregarding right-of-way rules. Their improper turning maneuver demonstrated a lack of reasonable care and reckless disregard for the safety of other road users.
Cause of Accident
The driver's careless actions directly caused the collision and resulting damages. Had they exercised ordinary prudence and caution, your accident would not have occurred. Their breach of duty was the primary catalyst for the events leading to your injuries and vehicle damage.
Damages
As a result of the accident, you suffered harm in the form of physical injuries, pain and suffering, lost work or wages, medical bills, and car repair or replacement costs. These damages would not have occurred but for the negligence and irresponsibility of the other driver.
By collecting police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence, you can build a solid case proving the other driver failed to meet their obligation to share the road safely. Their reckless right turn subjected you to harm through no fault of your own. With the help of an experienced attorney, you have the opportunity to pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Seeking Compensation for Your Right Turn Accident Injuries
If you have been injured in a right turn car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. The at-fault driver's insurance company is typically responsible for covering costs related to your injuries and vehicle damage.
Seeking Medical Attention
The first step is to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Get checked out by a doctor to diagnose any injuries and start a treatment plan. Be sure to follow up with any recommended specialists or physical therapy. Keep records of all medical bills, expenses, and time missed from work. These records will be important for determining the total compensation you may recover.
Contacting Insurance Companies
Contact the insurance companies of all drivers involved in the accident. Provide them details of the incident, including time, location and circumstances of the crash. Answer any questions accurately and honestly. Ask the companies about the claim process and what documents they will require from you regarding your injuries and vehicle damage.
Determining Fault
In a right turn accident, the driver making the right turn is typically considered at-fault, as they failed to yield the right of way. However, other factors like traffic controls, visibility obstructions, and unlawful driving maneuvers may shift some fault to other parties. Work with the insurance adjusters to determine appropriate fault allocation for the accident. Fault percentage directly impacts the amount of compensation you receive.
Filing a Lawsuit
If the at-fault driver's insurance company denies your claim or offers an unfair settlement, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover full compensation. Consulting with a personal injury attorney regarding your legal options is advisable. They can help negotiate a fair settlement and represent you in court if necessary. Seeking counsel from a legal professional helps ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation allowed under the law for your right turn accident injuries.
Fletcher Law Can Help With Your Right Turn Car Accident
If you have been injured in a right turn car accident, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Fletcher Law can help you pursue compensation for your damages. Our firm has successfully represented clients in right turn collision cases for over 20 years.
How We Can Assist You
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your accident and determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim. If so, we can handle all aspects of your case on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing up front and we only collect fees if we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to dispute liability or offer you an unfair settlement amount. We have the resources and experience to fully investigate your accident, establish fault, and fight for full compensation to cover all your losses. This includes costs for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other accident-related expenses.
Why You Need an Attorney
Dealing with insurance companies and legal matters following a car crash can be complicated, stressful, and time-consuming. As your advocates, we handle all communication and paperwork so you can focus on your recovery. We have the knowledge and skills to determine the true value of your claim and will negotiate assertively with insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement. If needed, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to get you the outcome you deserve.
Don’t go through this difficult time alone. The team at Fletcher Law is here to provide guidance, support and effective legal representation. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your right turn vehicle accident case. We will evaluate your claim, answer your questions, and discuss how we can help you move forward in the best way possible.