Accidents Caused by Not Using Turn Signals
We certainly hope it doesn’t happen to you. Still, according to Drive Safe Alabama, drivers in our state have a greater than two in five chance of being involved in a traffic crash resulting in injury or death over their lifetimes.
Those are not great odds. In fact, in Alabama in 2020, 932 people were killed in 853 fatal crashes.
No matter what time of year you are traveling or under what conditions, it pays to be vigilant on the road and follow traffic laws so you don’t become a statistic. That includes signaling your intention to make a turn.
If you are involved in any type of traffic crash, let Attorney at Law Chip Nix be your guide to making the right decisions so you can protect your rights and seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Turn Signals
Buick was the first automobile maker to have turn signal technology in its 1939 vehicles. Before that, drivers had to use hand signals, stretching their arms out of the car window and hoping the other driver saw it.
Turning signals are the only way we have to communicate with each other on the road. Not only does it make sense to use a signal, but it is common courtesy, and it’s the law.
“No person shall turn a vehicle or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety nor without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.”
~ Alabama Code Title 32. Motor Vehicles and Traffic
When to Use a Turn Signal
Since other drivers do not read your mind, a turn signal communicates your intention to others on the road.
The other guy is unaware of what you want to do without a signal, whether it is another vehicle, a motorcycle, a truck, or even a pedestrian or bicyclist. Failure to yield the right-of-way to the other guy is the top cause of most non-fatal crashes, according to 2020 state crash facts.
You don’t know the other driver’s intentions unless he signals. If you turn left, Alabama law requires you to signal at least 100 feet before the turn.
“A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled turning.”
Other times to signal your intention to turn are:
- At an intersection when you plan on turning into another street
- When you are approaching a highway and prepare to enter or exit that highway
- When you are stopped and traffic is approaching from the other direction. You plan to turn in front of traffic and are waiting for a break in the traffic
- When approaching and planning to take a parking space
- When signaling your intention to a pedestrian, a motorcycle, a truck, or a bicyclist
We all share the road, no matter our mode of transportation, and therefore must extend courtesy to others to keep each of us safe.
Accidents Caused by Failing to Signal
Left Turn – Say you plan on turning left at the next corner. Cars are oncoming from the other side. Unless you execute a turn signal, they have no idea you are planning to turn in front of them.
Rear-End – Also, consider the vehicle behind you. If there is no indication that you are slowing down and planning to turn, they will likely rear-end your vehicle.
Traffic lanes – If you are in traffic on a highway going 60 mph and want to change lanes, you must signal your intention to the other cars; otherwise, you are likely to find yourself sideswiping another vehicle that didn’t know to get out of your way.
Motorcycle – This is especially important if the other vehicle is a motorcycle. With no protective cage, a motorcyclist will likely be thrown from his bike and sustain serious injuries.
Parking Lot – Signing your intention to move or take a parking spot is essential if both vehicles do not want to crash. Any pedestrian in the lot can also be accidentally hit.
Your Alabama Traffic Accident Personal Injury Lawyer
With an office in Montgomery, Alabama, Attorney Chip Nix handles personal injury cases around the state. If you are involved in a car accident, and the other motorist failed to use his turn signal, you may be able to seek compensation.
Alabama has a statute of limitation of two years from the accident to file your claim in most cases. There are several other challenges in Alabama that make it difficult to recover without the help of a capable, compassionate, and experienced lawyer.
Chip Nix, Attorney at Law, has decades of experience helping people in this situation. He can help you file a claim, negotiate with the insurance carrier for the other side, or, if necessary, file a personal injury action. Call his office at 334-203-6669 no matter where you suffered losses from a car accident in Alabama.
Sources:
Al Code
https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-32-motor-vehicles-and-traffic/al-code-sect-32-5a-133.html
Second Chance Garage
http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/history-of-turn-signal.cfm
