Turn signals are vital safety features that help prevent auto accidents. When drivers fail to signal before turning or making lane changes, devastating accidents and injuries can occur. At James Alexander Law, our personal injury attorneys have seen the repercussions of car accidents caused by not using turn signals. We help victims in central New York who’ve been hurt in these types of crashes recover maximum compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Turn Signal Accident Statistics
Turn signal accident statistics show that these types of crashes are more common than most people think. Failing to use turn signals results in more than two million accidents each year, according to a study by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), accidents caused by not using turn signals account for approximately 2% of all crashes. The NHTSA also reports that motorists who don’t use turn signals for lane changes are more likely to engage in dangerous driving behaviors like distracted driving and speeding.
There’s no denying that turn signals save lives – using them can reduce your chances of being involved in a collision by up to 40%, according to a study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
Types of Accidents Caused by Not Using Turn Signals
When drivers don’t signal that they plan to turn or change lanes, it’s practically impossible for other motorists to anticipate their movements. This can lead to:
Lane change collisions – Suddenly changing lanes without signaling can catch other drivers off guard, resulting in rear-end or sideswipe collisions.
Rear-End Collisions – Turning without warning can also increase the risk of rear-end collisions if the motorist behind someone is unaware that the driver intends to turn.
Accidents at intersections – Turning without signaling at an intersection can result in deadly T-bone crashes and pedestrian accidents.
Bicycle accidents – Failing to use turn signals also poses a risk to cyclists who look for visual cues to predict a vehicle’s movement.
Whether you’ve been injured as a motorist, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, if a driver failed to use their turn signal and caused a crash, they may be liable for damages. A car accident attorney can evaluate your case and advise you of whether you have a viable claim.
How a Car Accident Lawyer in Central New York Can Help
After an accident, it can be challenging to prove it was caused by a motorist’s failure to use a turn signal. However, a New York car accident attorney knows what kind of evidence can help show that someone didn’t signal when they should have. Video footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports can provide valuable documentation that demonstrates how a turn signal accident occurred.
New York traffic law requires motorists to signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. A car accident attorney will be familiar with NY law and may cite it to demonstrate that a motorist’s negligence caused a crash. In addition, a personal injury lawyer handles all communications and negotiations with insurers so injured victims can focus on healing. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to help you recover damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Wage loss
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Loss of enjoyment
Sometimes, failing to use turn signals can cause fatal accidents, especially when a cyclist or pedestrian is involved. If you’ve lost a loved one and believe the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, a personal injury attorney can determine whether a wrongful death claim is appropriate. Having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side can take some of the weight off your shoulders and give you peace of mind.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney in Central New York
For more than 38 years, the car accident lawyers at James Alexander Law have helped personal injury victims in central New York, Rochester, and the Southern Tier and North Country areas recover the maximum compensation they need to move on with their lives. If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by another motorist’s failure to use turn signals, contact us online or call 1-800-529-1333 to schedule a free consultation with a central New York car accident attorney. We offer two convenient locations in East Syracuse and Rochester, New York.
