Left-turn accidents are among the most common—and most dangerous—types of collisions on Florida roads. In Tampa, busy intersections along Dale Mabry Highway, Hillsborough Avenue, Kennedy Boulevard, Fowler Avenue, and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard see heavy traffic and constant turning movements. When a driver misjudges speed, fails to yield, or attempts to “beat” oncoming traffic, the results can be catastrophic.
Left-turn crashes frequently involve high-speed impacts, side collisions, and complex liability disputes. If you or a loved one was injured in a left-turn accident in Tampa, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. At Slater | Grant, we aggressively pursue negligent drivers and insurance companies to protect injured victims and maximize financial recovery.
This article explains how left-turn accidents occur, how fault is determined, and what victims should know about protecting their rights.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with an attorney.
Why Left-Turn Accidents Are So Dangerous
Left-turn collisions often occur when one vehicle crosses directly into the path of another. The oncoming driver may have little or no time to react.
Left-turn accidents are especially dangerous because:
- Impacts are often at full speed
- Side-impact (T-bone) collisions are common
- Motorcycles and smaller vehicles are difficult to see
- Pedestrians and cyclists may be in crosswalks
- Multiple vehicles may become involved
These crashes frequently result in severe injuries due to the angle and force of impact.
Common Causes of Left-Turn Accidents in Tampa
Most left-turn accidents are preventable and caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:
1. Failure to Yield
Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a protected green arrow.
2. Misjudging Speed or Distance
Drivers often underestimate how quickly oncoming vehicles are approaching.
3. Distracted Driving
Looking at a phone or GPS can cause drivers to overlook approaching vehicles.
4. Speeding
Excessive speed makes it harder for turning drivers to judge gaps safely.
5. Impaired Driving
Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction time.
6. Obstructed Views
Parked vehicles, landscaping, or large trucks may block sightlines.
Identifying the precise cause of the collision is essential to determining liability.
Who Is Typically at Fault in a Left-Turn Accident?
Under Florida law, a driver making a left turn is generally required to yield to oncoming traffic. In many cases, the turning driver is presumed to be at fault.
However, fault is not automatic. Liability may depend on:
- Whether the oncoming driver was speeding
- Whether the light was red or yellow
- Whether the turning driver had a protected arrow
- Road and visibility conditions
- Signal timing and malfunction
A thorough investigation is critical to establishing fault.
Who May Be Liable in a Tampa Left-Turn Accident?
Left-turn accident claims often involve multiple responsible parties, including:
1. The Turning Driver
Drivers who fail to yield are frequently primarily liable.
2. The Oncoming Driver
If speeding or violating traffic laws, the oncoming driver may share fault.
3. Commercial Drivers and Employers
If a company vehicle was involved, the employer may be liable.
4. Government Entities
Malfunctioning traffic signals or poor intersection design may contribute.
Claims against government entities require strict notice procedures and shorter deadlines.
5. Vehicle Manufacturers
Defective braking or safety systems may worsen injuries.
Identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing compensation.
What to Do After a Left-Turn Accident in Tampa
The steps you take after a left-turn collision can significantly impact your claim.
1. Call 911
A police report documents signal status, right-of-way, and witness statements.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Left-turn crashes often cause serious head, neck, and internal injuries.
3. Document the Scene
Take photos of:
- Vehicle positions
- Traffic signals and signage
- Skid marks
- Road conditions
- Your injuries
4. Collect Witness Information
Witnesses may confirm right-of-way violations.
5. Avoid Recorded Statements
Do not provide statements to insurers without legal guidance.
6. Contact a Tampa Left-Turn Accident Attorney
Early legal involvement helps preserve critical evidence.
Evidence Used to Prove Left-Turn Accident Claims
At Slater | Grant, we build strong left-turn accident cases using:
- Police crash reports
- Traffic signal timing data
- Surveillance and traffic camera footage
- Dashcam videos
- Witness statements
- Vehicle black box (EDR) data
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Cell phone records
- Medical records
This evidence helps establish negligence and counter insurance defenses.
Common Injuries in Tampa Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn collisions often cause serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Chest and rib injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Herniated discs
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Victims frequently require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Compensation Available After a Left-Turn Accident
Injured victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Ongoing medical care
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent impairment
Wrongful Death Damages
In fatal cases, surviving families may pursue compensation for funeral expenses and loss of support.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Rules
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system:
- You may recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
Insurance companies often attempt to argue shared blame in left-turn accidents. Slater | Grant aggressively challenges these tactics.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Left-Turn Accident Claims
Insurers frequently attempt to:
- Argue signal timing disputes
- Claim the oncoming driver was speeding
- Minimize injury severity
- Push early settlement offers
Strong legal representation is essential to protecting your rights.
How Slater | Grant Helps Left-Turn Accident Victims
At Slater | Grant, we fight for injured victims by:
- Conducting immediate investigations
- Preserving intersection and traffic data
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Identifying all liable parties
- Handling all insurance communications
- Accurately valuing damages
- Negotiating aggressively or litigating when necessary
Our goal is accountability and maximum compensation.
Why Choose Slater | Grant?
Left-turn accident cases require experience, precision, and persistence. Slater | Grant offers:
- Extensive personal injury litigation experience
- Aggressive legal advocacy
- Personalized client support
- Trial-ready representation
- No upfront fees — you pay only if we win
We stand with victims when failure to yield causes preventable harm.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you or a loved one was injured in a left-turn accident in Tampa, do not face insurance companies alone.
Start by completing the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444.
Slater | Grant is ready to fight for your recovery, your rights, and your future.
Sources
1. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Intersection and turning crash statistics.
https://www.flhsmv.gov
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Research on left-turn and intersection-related crashes.
https://www.nhtsa.gov
3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Studies on turning accidents and injury severity.
https://www.iihs.org
4. Florida Statutes – Right-of-Way & Comparative Negligence Laws
Legal standards governing left-turn liability.
https://www.leg.state.fl.us
