What Is An Unprotected Left Turn?

Summary

• An unprotected left turn is a left turn made without the assistance of a traffic signal, such as a stop sign or traffic light.
• When making an unprotected left turn, Florida law states the oncoming traffic has the right of way.
• Violating traffic laws will often result in you being found at least partially at-fault for an accident, which can impact your personal injury claim.
• You should always work with a personal injury attorney after a car accident case to give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome.

If you’ve ever found yourself at the mercy of a confusing intersection with no traffic light, you know why unprotected left turns are so risky. Yet unprotected left turns—or left turns made without the assistance of a traffic signal—can be unavoidable in Central Florida.

As a Florida driver, it’s important to be familiar with local traffic laws, as they help reduce the risk of accidents. However, following traffic laws can also benefit you after an accident has occurred.

In this article, we’ll explore the hazards of unprotected left turns and how you can keep yourself safe.

What Is an Unprotected Left Turn?

An unprotected left turn is a left turn without the assistance of a traffic signal, such as a stop sign or traffic light.

In some cases, this may mean that no stop sign or traffic light is present. However, even a traffic light without a designated left turn signal (or left turn arrow) is considered “unprotected.” Such intersections may or may not have a designated left turn lane, and in many cases, they also involve crossing multiple lanes of traffic.

Why Are Unprotected Left Turns Dangerous?

Unprotected left turns are a common cause of accidents at intersections.

When making a right turn, you only need to pay attention to the traffic in one lane. However, making a left turn requires you to consider all lanes of traffic and (in the case of unprotected left turns) require you to use your discretion.

In this type of intersection, oncoming traffic has the right of way (whether they are going straight or turning). This means they are not required to slow down or stop for you. It also means that drivers who get into a crash while making an unprotected left turn will be found at fault.

How Unprotected Left Turns Affect Your Car Accident Claim

In addition to being a No Fault state, Florida follows comparative negligence law. What this means is that each driver’s individual contribution to the crash will be considered when determining their compensation amount.

If a driver turning left at an unprotected intersection caused a crash by failing to yield to oncoming traffic, they will be found at fault for the accident. But if you can prove that the other vehicle was running a red light or speeding, you may be found only partially at fault for the accident.

If you are found to be 30% at fault for a car accident, you will only receive 70% of the compensation needed to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Pursuant to changes in the law in 2023, if a person is found more than 50% at fault for the crash, they will recover nothing.

This is why it’s so important to work with a car accident attorney who has the experience to analyze all issues and work with any experts, if necessary, to prove the parties’ respective liability.

When To Call an Accident Attorney

If you were involved in a crash while making an unprotected left turn, call the accident attorneys at Beers & Gordon as soon as possible. There is a very good chance that you will be presumed to be at fault, so having an attorney to come to your defense is key.

However, not just any personal injury lawyer will do. Make sure you find someone who has experience with car accident cases.

How To Make an Unprotected Left Turn

Knowing how to make an unprotected left turn will not only help ensure the safety of you and others on the road, it will help you become more confident behind the wheel.

1. Make the turn from the extreme left hand lane, per Florida law.
2. Look for signs that say “left turn yield on green/flashing yellow.” This indicates that you will be making an unprotected left turn.
3. Remember to yield to oncoming vehicles, as they have the right of way.
4. Do not try to “beat” a car to the intersection. It can be difficult to judge the speed of an oncoming car, especially when it is dark or rainy. Allow yourself plenty of time.
5. Look out for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing your path of travel. They have the right of way.
6. Wait with your steering wheel straight. This way, if you are rear-ended, your car will move forward into the intersection rather than into oncoming traffic.
7. Stay calm! It can be nerve-wracking to wait for a gap in the traffic, especially if there are multiple cars behind you (who are all honking with impatience!). But safety is far more important than arriving somewhere on time or trying to accommodate a rude driver behind you. You know your car and your driving style best.

Protect Yourself With Beers & Gordon

Car accidents have a way of making you feel vulnerable. This feeling is only exacerbated when you are left to right for your rights.

At Beers & Gordon, we have seen the damage that car accidents can cause firsthand. We have also seen the lengths that some insurance companies will go to to protect their own bottom line and defend cases, especially those involving intersection crashes.

If you were injured in an auto accident, you deserve protection! Let our Orlando car accident attorneys fight for your rights so you get the compensation you deserve.

Call today to schedule a free consultation.