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Many improper turns are caused by driver inexperience, a lack of awareness regarding road-sharing laws, and on-the-spot confusions between vehicle operators regarding who has the right of way. All drivers on the road have a responsibility to give right of way when appropriate, especially to pedestrians and bicyclists. Failure to do so might hold them liable for damages they cause in an accident.
If you were involved in an accident caused by a driver making an improper turn, contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, at (828) 286-3866. A Marion improper turns accident lawyer can review your case to determine whether you have grounds for seeking compensation for your injuries or damages.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Can Have Fatal Consequences
Motor vehicle accidents can be deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 36,000 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the United States in 2018. The NHTSA also found that traffic fatalities in urban areas increased over the past decade and that pedestrian deaths rose almost 70 percent during the same period. There were also stark increases in bicyclist fatalities (48 percent) and motorcycle deaths (33 percent) between 2009 and 2018.
In addition to fatalities, motor vehicle accidents can lead to serious non-fatal injuries and property damage. The NHTSA found that there were almost two million non-fatal accidents in the United States in 2018, and almost five million accidents led to property damage.
If you were injured or suffered damages in an accident, contact Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today for a free case evaluation at (828) 286-3866. A Marion improper turns accident lawyer can review your case and help you pursue legal action if your accident warrants a claim or lawsuit.
Understand Why Drivers Make Improper Turns
Some common reasons improper turn accidents occur include:
- Driver inexperience
- Poor lighting
- Poor road or lane markings
- Faulty or missing traffic control devices
- Intoxicated driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driver unfamiliarity with turning rules
In some cases, a driver might not be aware of the right of way laws. According to the North Carolina General Statutes (GS) §20-155, drivers must yield right of way to:
- The vehicle on the right if both vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time
- The oncoming vehicle if a driver is making a left turn
- Pedestrians, especially if they are using the crosswalk
- Other vehicles already in a traffic circle if the driver has yet to enter
Failing to give right of way by itself might be a minor offense that leads to fines. However, if the at-fault driver is also found guilty of driving while intoxicated or the accident results in a fatality, they might face more serious charges and penalties.
Improper Turn Accident Victims Can Suffer Severe Injuries and Damages
Some of the injuries that victims of improper turn accidents can suffer might include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Bruises and abrasions
- Lacerations and blood loss
- Amputations
- Neck and back injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
In addition to bodily injuries, accident victims can suffer additional losses in the form of:
- Medical expenses
- An inability to engage in productive activity
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle damage and other property damage
- Burial or funeral expenses if the accident led to a fatality
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
You might be able to hold another driver liable for damages if their negligence caused or contributed to the accident. You might also be able to hold a town or civic municipality at fault if poor road conditions or issues with traffic control signals or lane markings contributed to the accident. You might be able to hold a vehicle, device, or product manufacturer liable for damages if defects from the vehicle, device, or product caused or contributed to your accident.
A Lawyer Can Help You Determine Fault and Liability in Your Accident Case
North Carolina is an at-fault state. You might be able to hold a negligent party liable for damages if their actions caused or contributed to the accident. Liable parties might include the other driver, their employer, a municipality, or a manufacturer.
Drivers must operate their vehicles safely and in accordance with traffic laws. Towns and cities must ensure that their roads are safe to drive on. Vehicle manufacturers must ensure that their vehicles are road-worthy, and maintenance teams must have the skills and expertise to care for and maintain the vehicles that they work on.
If negligence, carelessness, recklessness, or incompetence in the actions of any of these parties results in an accident, that party may be held liable for the resultant damages. As a victim, you must:
- Identify the at-fault party
- Quantify your damages
- Gather proof of your losses
- Understand which insurance policies apply to your case
- File a claim with the relevant insurer
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, Is Here to Help
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, can help with all of the above. Contact us today for a free case evaluation at (828) 286-3866. A Marion improper turns accident lawyer can guide you through the important next steps you should take after suffering an accident. We provide legal services at no upfront cost, and we only collect attorney’s fees if we win your case. Call us today to learn more and speak with a member of our team.
